Drafting & Design Technology at Northcentral Technical College
with a smaller student body of 3,479 in Wausau, WI.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $53,105 put Northcentral Technical College's Drafting & Design Technology program 26% above the national median of $42,040 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 78.9x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Drafting & Design Technology programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Drafting & Design Technology's career paths, with 40% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 12% gap from the optimistic case.
At #6 of 45 nationally, this is a top-5% Drafting & Design Technology program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.
Five-year earnings of $61,635 are relatively flat compared to the $53,105 starting salary — typical of trades with stable but capped salary bands.
Drafting & Design Technology offers 15 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
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% |
Drafting & Design Technology Career Guide
From day-one roles to senior positions, Drafting & Design Technology careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering engineering & technology.
Compare & Explore
Drafting & Design Technology Overview
Drafting & Design Technology at Other Schools
Other Majors at Northcentral Technical College
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.