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Drafting & Design Technology at Hennepin Technical College

Brooklyn Park, MN · Public · Associate Degree · Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians

a compact campus enrolling 2,827 students in Brooklyn Park, MN.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $49,539 at Hennepin Technical College come in 18% above the national median of $42,040 for Drafting & Design Technology programs.

The 47.3x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 40% task exposure — and the 10% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Drafting & Design Technology graduates.

Ranked #18 out of 45 programs, Hennepin Technical College's Drafting & Design Technology offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth is modest: $49,539 to $56,219 over five years (13% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

With 15 registered apprenticeships mapped to Drafting & Design Technology, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

53 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
50
Low End
53
Score
56
High End
Earnings $49,539/yr (18% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (60% shielded)
Job Market Medium (16,300 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$574K
3.2% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
48.8x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
4 of 4
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition
$11,762
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$56,219
13% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Drafting & Design Technology graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Electrical and electronics drafters $73,720 -5.6% 43%
Mechanical drafters $68,510 -6.5% 50%
Architectural and civil drafters $64,280 +4.1% 46%
Electrical and electronics drafters
$73,720
-5.6% growth 43% AI-proof
Mechanical drafters
$68,510
-6.5% growth 50% AI-proof
Architectural and civil drafters
$64,280
+4.1% growth 46% AI-proof

View all 4 career paths with full salary data →

Drafting & Design Technology Career Guide

What can you do with a Drafting & Design Technology credential from Hennepin Technical College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Drafting & Design Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Drafting & Design Technology Overview

View all 45 schools offering Drafting & Design Technology →

Drafting & Design Technology at Other Schools

Utah Valley University ($55,893) Dunwoody College of Technology ($55,512) Portland Community College ($54,198) Northcentral Technical College ($53,105) Austin Community College District ($50,584) Grand Rapids Community College ($49,865) State Technical College of Missouri ($49,789) College of Western Idaho ($49,508)

Other Majors at Hennepin Technical College

Electromechanical Technology ($71,199) HVAC Technology ($65,592) Precision Metalworking ($59,829) Vehicle Repair Technology ($57,382) Criminal Justice ($56,699) Electrical Engineering Technology ($56,073) Practical Nursing ($54,376) Precision Metalworking ($52,456)

Explore the Degree Alternative

Compare Drafting & Design Technology degree programs on DegreeOutlook →

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 53/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Drafting & Design Technology at Hennepin Technical College?
This program scores 53/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Drafting & Design Technology graduates.
What's the AI risk for Drafting & Design Technology graduates from Hennepin Technical College?
AI exposure of 40% is a real factor. For Hennepin Technical College specifically, the gap between optimistic ($573,510) and pessimistic ($518,288) decade earnings reflects that uncertainty.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Drafting & Design Technology graduates?
Beyond Hennepin Technical College's classroom route, 15 registered apprenticeships map to Drafting & Design Technology careers — including Design Drafter, Electromec. Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →