The Anoka Technical College Mechanical Drafting and Design Technology program offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, a diploma and a CAD Operator certificate to prepare graduates for high-demand careers in engineering companies that design and manufacture products.
Mechanical Drafting and Design Technology graduates work in a variety of settings:
- Manufacturing companies
- Engineering firms
- Electro-mechanical companies
- Contract firms
Why Study Mechanical Drafting & Design at Anoka Tech?
Hands-on education taught by industry experts
Great career for problem-solvers who are interested in engineering, mechanical and mathematical solutions
Work in a variety of industries with growth potential
Industry & Career Outlook
Potential Jobs:
- CADD Operator
- Designer
- CAD Drafter
- CAD Technician
- Mechanical Drafter
Salary Information:
Median Wage: $31.11 per hour
Top Earners: $42.62 per hour
Information provided is for Minnesota. See current data at mn.gov/deed.
Hear from our Students
Other Program Info
Total Program Cost*: $15,875
*Estimated cost based on 2026-2027 tuition and fees for the 69 credit AAS degree.
Anoka Tech makes achieving higher education and skills-based training attainable, offering affordable tuition rates and generous financial aid packages.
- Over half of our students receive grants or scholarship aid.
- The average grants and scholarships awarded per student each year is nearly $5,000.
Take a self-guided virtual tour of our campus to see what it's like to be a student at Anoka Tech. View program labs, common student spaces, campus offices and more.
Info for Current Students
Students must earn a cumulative 2.0 GPA or higher to be eligible for graduation from this program.
The Anoka Technical College Mechanical Drafting and Design Technology program offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, a diploma and a CAD Operator certificate to prepare graduates for high-demand careers in engineering companies that design and manufacture products.
Mechanical Drafting and Design Technology graduates work in a variety of settings:
- Manufacturing companies
- Engineering firms
- Electro-mechanical companies
- Contract firms
Hands-on education taught by industry experts
Great career for problem-solvers who are interested in engineering, mechanical and mathematical solutions
Work in a variety of industries with growth potential
Industry & Career Outlook
Potential Jobs:
- CADD Operator
- Designer
- CAD Drafter
- CAD Technician
- Mechanical Drafter
Salary Information:
Median Wage: $31.11 per hour
Top Earners: $42.62 per hour
Information provided is for Minnesota. See current data at mn.gov/deed.
Other Program Info
Total Program Cost*: $13,344
*Estimated cost based on 2026-2027 tuition and fees for the 58 credit diploma.
Anoka Tech makes achieving higher education and skills-based training attainable, offering affordable tuition rates and generous financial aid packages.
- Over half of our students receive grants or scholarship aid.
- The average grants and scholarships awarded per student each year is nearly $5,000.
Take a self-guided virtual tour of our campus to see what it's like to be a student at Anoka Tech. View program labs, common student spaces, campus offices and more.
Info for Current Students
The Anoka Technical College Mechanical Drafting and Design Technology program offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, a diploma and a CAD Operator certificate to prepare graduates for high-demand careers in engineering companies that design and manufacture products.
Mechanical Drafting and Design Technology graduates work in a variety of settings:
- Manufacturing companies
- Engineering firms
- Electro-mechanical companies
- Contract firms
Hands-on education taught by industry experts
Great career for problem-solvers who are interested in engineering, mechanical and mathematical solutions
Work in a variety of industries with growth potential
Industry & Career Outlook
Potential Jobs:
- CADD Operator
- Designer
- CAD Drafter
- CAD Technician
- Mechanical Drafter
Salary Information:
Median Wage: $31.11 per hour
Top Earners: $42.62 per hour
Information provided is for Minnesota. See current data at mn.gov/deed.
Other Program Info
Total Program Cost*: $5,752
*Estimated cost based on 2026-2027 tuition and fees for the 25 credit certificate.
Anoka Tech makes achieving higher education and skills-based training attainable, offering affordable tuition rates and generous financial aid packages.
- Over half of our students receive grants or scholarship aid.
- The average grants and scholarships awarded per student each year is nearly $5,000.
Take a self-guided virtual tour of our campus to see what it's like to be a student at Anoka Tech. View program labs, common student spaces, campus offices and more.
Info for Current Students
Start Dates:
Fall semester: August
Spring semester: January**
**Students who start in the spring will need longer to complete due to course prerequisites.