How to become a Mechanical Engineering Draftsperson

Also called: Mechanical Designer

Prepares detailed drawings and plans of mechanical engineering work in support of Mechanical Engineers and Engineering Technologists.

Main tasks

• Prepares detailed drawings and plans of mechanical engineering work
• Ensures plans and drawings of mechanical engineering work comply with industry standards and regulations
• Creates detailed blueprints that manufacturers can use for mass production of mechanical parts
• Uses CAD software and 3D printing to create models of mechanical parts, and specify product dimensions and quantity of materials needed

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Certificate IV in Engineering Drafting (MEM40422); Certificate IV in Engineering (MEM40119); Diploma of Engineering - Prototyping (MEM50622); Graduate Diploma of Engineering (MEM80122); Certificate III in Engineering - Toolmaking Trade (MEM31519); Certificate IV in Civil Construction Design (RII40820)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $134,628 a year
• About 6,800 people work in this job group now, and about 7,600 are projected by 2035. (+12.6%)
• AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Related jobs

• Biomedical Technician
• Electronic Engineering Technician
• Mechanical Engineering Technician
• Metallurgical or Materials Technician
• Non-destructive Testing Technician
• Other Draftsperson

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Mechanical Engineering Draftsperson?

Ways in include: Certificate IV in Engineering Drafting; Certificate IV in Engineering.

How much does a Mechanical Engineering Draftsperson earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $134,628 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Mechanical Engineering Draftsperson a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 13% by 2035, from about 6,800 to about 7,600 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Mechanical Engineering Draftsperson?

Not always. 25% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate IV in Engineering Drafting; Certificate IV in Engineering.

Will AI change the work of a Mechanical Engineering Draftsperson?

AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04