Drafting & Design Technology at Pittsburgh Technical College

Oakdale, PA · Private nonprofit · Associate Degree · Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians

a compact campus enrolling 822 students in Oakdale, PA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $41,991 track close to the $42,040 national median for Drafting & Design Technology programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

The 12.8x 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 13% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Drafting & Design Technology graduates.

At $14,499 in median debt against $41,991 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

At #36 out of 45 programs, Pittsburgh Technical College's financial outcomes for Drafting & Design Technology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth is modest: $41,991 to $49,334 over five years (17% 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.

41 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
37
Low End
41
Score
43
High End
Earnings $41,991/yr (-0% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (60% shielded)
Job Market Medium (16,300 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$507K
4.1% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
13.3x
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
$37,960
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,499
4.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$49,334
17% 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

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.

Read the full Drafting & Design Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Drafting & Design Technology Overview

Drafting & Design Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Pittsburgh Technical College

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Pittsburgh Technical College's Drafting & Design Technology program score?
At 41/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Drafting & Design Technology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Will AI affect Drafting & Design Technology careers?
Our scenarios model 40% of Drafting & Design Technology tasks as AI-exposed. That doesn't mean job loss — it means role evolution. Pittsburgh Technical College's 41/100 score weights this risk into the overall assessment.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Drafting & Design Technology program at Pittsburgh Technical College?
Beyond Pittsburgh 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 →