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Drafting & Design Technology at Portland Community College

Portland, OR · Public · Associate Degree · Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians

with a mid-sized student body of 18,365 in Portland, OR.

Program Analysis

Graduates of Portland Community College's Drafting & Design Technology program earn $54,198/yr in their first year — 29% above the $42,040 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

The 56.3x 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 0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Drafting & Design Technology graduates.

Ranked #11 out of 45 programs, Portland Community College's Drafting & Design Technology program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

Earnings growth is modest: $54,198 to $55,324 over five years (2% 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.

57 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
54
Low End
57
Score
59
High End
Earnings $54,198/yr (29% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (60% shielded)
Job Market Medium (16,300 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$567K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
56.3x
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 (In-State)
$10,080
Out-of-state: $20,160
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$55,324
2% 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 Portland Community 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) Northcentral Technical College ($53,105) Austin Community College District ($50,584) Grand Rapids Community College ($49,865) State Technical College of Missouri ($49,789) Hennepin Technical College ($49,539) College of Western Idaho ($49,508)

Other Majors at Portland Community College

Industrial Production Technology ($78,450) Nursing ($78,033) Allied Health Professions ($72,204) Biomedical Engineering ($63,642) Construction Management Technology ($63,103) Dental Assisting ($58,410) Vehicle Repair Technology ($48,144) Health Administration ($46,532)

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare Drafting & Design Technology degree programs on DegreeOutlook →

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Drafting & Design Technology at Portland Community College?
A score of 57/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Drafting & Design Technology field.
How vulnerable is Drafting & Design Technology to AI automation?
The 40% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — Portland Community College graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Why does Portland Community College rank so high for Drafting & Design Technology?
The #11 ranking out of 45 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
Are there apprenticeship options for Drafting & Design Technology?
If Portland Community College's tuition gives you pause, consider that 15 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Drafting & Design Technology. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →