How much does a technical draftsperson earn?
Technical draftspersons turn design ideas into precise drawings and CAD models for mechanical engineering, plant construction, electrical engineering or product development – from part and assembly drawings to bills of materials and manufacturing documents. Gross pay depends on region, collective agreements, company size, CAD system and specialisation. As a guide, qualified technical draftspersons in Germany in 2026 often earn about €3,200–€3,850 gross per month; during apprenticeship around €980–€1,280 is typical.
Salary by region (gross/month)
Guide figures as of 2026. The apprenticeship column refers to dual training as Technischer Zeichner/-in (or successor pathways such as technical product designer); qualified means practising technical draftspersons. Actual pay depends on collective agreements, employer, region, CAD experience and specialisation and is not a guarantee.
Further training options
Job and everyday work
A technical draftsperson translates specifications from design and engineering into clear drawings and 3D models, maintains CAD data and coordinates details with manufacturing, purchasing and quality. Everyday work is mainly at the screen – with standards, tolerances, revision control and frequent alignment in the project team.
- Create and update part, assembly and detail drawings in CAD, including dimensions, tolerances and surface finish.
- Derive manufacturing and workshop documents from 3D models; prepare bills of materials and item lists.
- Apply standards (e.g. DIN/ISO), fit systems and company drawing guidelines; check completeness and manufacturability.
- Incorporate design changes, manage revision statuses and document releases in PDM/PLM systems.
- Coordinate with design, manufacturing, purchasing and quality; clarify manufacturing and assembly questions.
- Archive drawing sets, observe deadlines and support apprentices or junior colleagues where needed.
