California · Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians

Best Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians institutions in California, ranked by earnings

The Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians program equips students with the skills needed to create detailed design drawings and specifications for various engineering projects. This program is ideal for individuals…

Institutions
53
offering CIP 15.13
States offered
9
with a program page
Degrees / yr
973
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
$48,978
1 year after graduation
With earnings data
1
College Scorecard
Median net price
$37,485
IPEDS 2026
Avg graduation rate
42%
IPEDS 2026
State pay · Mechanical Drafters
$86,550
BLS OEWS 2024

Top 1 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings

Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard).

#InstitutionGrad earnings (1 yr)CompletionsGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1Academy of Art University
San Francisco Private for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$48,97817034%$40,294$45,000

Career outlook

What this program leads to: Mechanical Drafters (SOC 17-3013).

Projected growth (2024–2034)
-6.5%
Decline
Openings / yr (US)
~3,300
BLS Employment Projections
US median wage
$68,510
typically Associate's degree

Top skills

Critical ThinkingActive LearningActive ListeningMathematicsReading ComprehensionSpeaking

What Mechanical Drafters earn in California

Jobs in California
3,360
BLS OEWS May 2024
State average pay
$86,550
median $80,430
Best-paying metro
$118,130
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA

Related careers

Architectural and Civil Drafters
$78,750 avg · 12,950 jobs
Mechanical Drafters
$86,550 avg · 3,360 jobs
Electrical and Electronics Drafters
$84,960 avg · 3,020 jobs
Drafters, All Other
$76,150 avg · 2,020 jobs

Common questions

Answers for students comparing Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians programs in California.

Which Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians program in California has the highest-earning graduates?+

By median earnings one year after graduation (College Scorecard), Academy of Art University tops the list at $48,978. Compare it against completions, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.

How much do Mechanical Drafters earn in California?+

The average annual wage for Mechanical Drafters in California is $86,550 (median $80,430), across about 3,360 jobs. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024.

What is the focus of the Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians program?+

The Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians program equips students with the skills needed to create detailed design drawings and specifications for various engineering projects. This program is ideal for individuals…

What skills will I develop in this program?+

You will develop critical thinking, active learning, active listening, mathematics, and related professional skills.

What is the job outlook for Mechanical Drafters?+

The national job outlook is about -6.5% growth with around 3,300 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).

What is the typical education requirement?+

A Associate's degree is the typical entry-level education for this field (BLS).

Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians in other statesMissouriUtahOregonKentuckyMichiganMinnesotaIdahoKansas

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