Mechanical Drafters
The short answer
This job is expected to meaningfully change. AI can already assist with or automate many of its tasks. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to shrink over the next decade, with about 197 openings expected each year.
Where your job stands
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second most exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. That doesn't mean the job goes away—it means more of its tasks are the kind AI can help with.
How much AI could touch this job
Looking at the job itself, AI could help with about half of this job's tasks.
What this means
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second most exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.
What AI can and can’t help with in this job
The score comes from the real, day-to-day tasks of this job—not a guess about the job as a whole. Below are the tasks that matter most in this job, split by whether AI can help with them.
AI can help with or automate about 93% of the tasks in this job.
Tasks AI can help with or automate
Develop detailed design drawings and specifications for mechanical equipment, dies, tools, and controls, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Produce three-dimensional models, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Lay out and draw schematic, orthographic, or angle views to depict functional relationships of components, assemblies, systems, and machines.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Modify and revise designs to correct operating deficiencies or to reduce production problems.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Review and analyze specifications, sketches, drawings, ideas, and related data to assess factors affecting component designs and the procedures and instructions to be followed.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Tasks AI can't do much of
Supervise and train other drafters, technologists, and technicians.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Jobs you could switch to
If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.
See related jobs in
The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Very similar work+2% pay96 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 2% more—$80,402 vs your $78,636 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires an associate's degree.
Getting ready typically takes one to two years.
Skills you already have
- Mechanical
- Engineering and Technology
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
- Design
New skills to build
- Repairing
- Equipment Maintenance
- Multilimb Coordination
- Operation and Control
- Reaction Time
Engineers, All Other
Very similar work+54% pay1,540 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 54% more—$120,894 vs your $78,636 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a bachelor's degree.
Getting ready typically takes two to four years.
Skills you already have
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
- Design
- Computers and Electronics
- Physics
New skills to build
- Science
- Written Comprehension
- Deductive Reasoning
- Critical Thinking
- Written Expression
Commercial and Industrial Designers
Similar work+17% pay148 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 17% more—$92,152 vs your $78,636 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a bachelor's degree.
Getting ready typically takes two to four years.
Skills you already have
- Design
- Engineering and Technology
- Computers and Electronics
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
New skills to build
- Sales and Marketing
- Production and Processing
- Deductive Reasoning
- Originality
- Persuasion
Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Somewhat similar work+1% pay1,881 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 1% more—$79,198 vs your $78,636 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires an associate's degree.
Getting ready typically takes one to two years.
Skills you already have
- Engineering and Technology
- Computers and Electronics
- Design
- Mathematics
- Mechanical
New skills to build
- Repairing
- Telecommunications
- Equipment Maintenance
- Troubleshooting
- Equipment Selection
Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Somewhat similar workslightly less pay264 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays slightly less—$72,261 vs your $78,636 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires an associate's degree.
Getting ready typically takes one to two years.
Skills you already have
- Engineering and Technology
- Mechanical
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Mathematics
New skills to build
- Chemistry
- Repairing
- Science
- Equipment Maintenance
- Written Comprehension