How to become a Draftsperson

Official title: Other Draftsperson

Prepares detailed drawings, technical plans and illustrations to precise specifications for electronic engineering, mining and shipbuilding projects.

Main tasks

• Prepares detailed drawings, plans and illustrations according to client specifications, and industry standards and regulations
• Uses CAD software and other drafting tools to create accurate and precise technical drawings and plans
• Consults with clients and collaborates with engineers and other professionals to ensure that drawings and plans meet project requirements

Ways in

• University: Engineering degrees, Offered by 34 universities in Australia
• TAFE and VET: Diploma of Hydraulic Services Design (CPC50620); Graduate Diploma of Engineering (MEM80122); Certificate IV in Civil Construction Design (RII40820); Certificate IV in Engineering Drafting (MEM40422); Certificate IV in Residential Drafting (CPP40121); Advanced Diploma of Building Design (CPP60421); Advanced Diploma of Civil Construction Design (RII60520); Diploma of Building Design (CPP50921)
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing may be required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $111,384 a year
• About 6,500 people work in this job group now, and about 7,300 are projected by 2035. (+12.1%)
• 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 Draftsperson
• Mechanical Engineering Technician
• Metallurgical or Materials Technician
• Non-destructive Testing Technician

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Draftsperson?

Ways in include: Engineering degrees; Diploma of Hydraulic Services Design; Graduate Diploma of Engineering.

How much does a Draftsperson earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $111,384 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Draftsperson a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 12% by 2035, from about 6,500 to about 7,300 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Draftsperson?

Not always. 38% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Engineering degrees; Diploma of Hydraulic Services Design; Graduate Diploma of Engineering.

Will AI change the work of a 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