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Drafting & Design Technology at Waukesha County Technical College

Pewaukee, WI · Public · Associate Degree · Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians

a smaller institution with 4,497 students in Pewaukee, WI.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $46,460/yr, edging above the $42,040 national average for Drafting & Design Technology — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand for this trade.

The 62.6x 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 23% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Drafting & Design Technology graduates.

Ranked #16 out of 45 programs, Waukesha County Technical College's Drafting & Design Technology offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $46,460 to $59,960 shows 29% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

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

56 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
51
Low End
56
Score
58
High End
Earnings $46,460/yr (11% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (60% shielded)
Job Market Medium (16,300 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$629K
6.6% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
66.7x
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)
$9,440
Out-of-state: $13,992
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$59,960
29% 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

Drafting & Design Technology opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

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) Hennepin Technical College ($49,539)

Other Majors at Waukesha County Technical College

Criminal Justice ($69,115) Nursing ($68,434) Electromechanical Technology ($65,178) Dental Assisting ($63,360) Allied Health Professions ($61,934) Allied Health Professions ($54,954) Ground Transportation ($50,682) IT Management ($46,450)

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 Waukesha County Technical College?
A score of 56/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Drafting & Design Technology field.
Should I worry about AI if I study Drafting & Design Technology at Waukesha County Technical College?
The 40% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — Waukesha County Technical College graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Drafting & Design Technology program at Waukesha County Technical College?
Beyond Waukesha County 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 →