Mechanical Designer Certificate

Design key machine parts

Use computer-aided design (CAD) software to make your mark on the world. With a Mechanical Designer Certificate, you can become the specialist your firm needs. Course work such as labs, lectures and reading assignments cover:

using AutoCAD to complete drawing sets
choosing appropriate drawing tools for each design to increase productivity
measuring and reading dimensions using scales

What can you do with a certificate in Mechanical Designer?

Develop your knowledge of specific areas of CAD drafting with this certificate. Use your interpersonal skills and ability to work under pressure to collaborate on teams that plan and execute design projects.

Depending on your current education and experience your role could be:

Mechanical Drafter
Mechanical Designer
Entry-level CAD designer

Highlights

100% Online

This degree can be completed 100% online. It’s up to you!
Career Certificate

Gain in-demand technical and job-ready skills by earning a certificate in less than 1 year.
Program Length: 4 Months

Finish in 4 months as a full-time student.

*Estimated cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours for full-time students for academic year 2025-2026. This includes in-district tuition and comprehensive fees, before financial aid, including grants, loans, and scholarships, is applied. Actual cost may vary to include additional fees, materials, and other cost of attendance factors such as living expenses, transportation, etc. Explore opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about the Cost of Attendance.

Career Outlook

Prepare detailed drawings of architectural and structural features of buildings or drawings and topographical relief maps used in civil engineering projects, such as highways, bridges, and public works. Use knowledge of building materials, engineering practices, and mathematics to complete drawings.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $41,982
  
  Median
  
  $55,787
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $86,126
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $20.18
  
  Median
  
  $26.81
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $41.40
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  0.41%
  
  Certificate
  
  0.91%
  
  Some college
  
  0.41%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  17.85%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  54.59%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  25.84%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Design and develop manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children's toys. Combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $39,424
  
  Median
  
  $59,386
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $127,472
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $18.95
  
  Median
  
  $28.54
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $61.28
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  4.3%
  
  Certificate
  
  0.29%
  
  Some college
  
  15.23%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  12.26%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  67.92%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Develop programs to control machining or processing of materials by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems. May also set up, operate, or maintain equipment.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $52,818
  
  Median
  
  $69,117
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $94,517
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $25.39
  
  Median
  
  $33.23
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $45.43
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  32.77%
  
  Certificate
  
  31.39%
  
  Some college
  
  19.68%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  14.3%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  1.86%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Prepare wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings used for the manufacture, installation, or repair of electrical equipment.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $45,345
  
  Median
  
  $63,794
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $103,282
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $21.80
  
  Median
  
  $30.66
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $49.65
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  6.1%
  
  Certificate
  
  21.07%
  
  Some college
  
  6.74%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  23.56%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  40.08%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  2.46%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $50,332
  
  Median
  
  $77,337
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $121,357
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $24.19
  
  Median
  
  $37.17
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $58.34
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Certificate
  
  7.98%
  
  Some college
  
  7.45%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  61.28%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  20.25%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  2.93%
  
  Doctorate
  
  0.13%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

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Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term.

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more comprehensive list of course options and degree requirements, see the CLC college catalog.

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Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
CAD 110	CAD 110 CAD/CAM Concepts Class Description This course will introduce the student to how computers are used in Computer Aided Design. The course will cover basic functions of Windows operating system, as well as computer hardware and software and how the operating system relates to the use of both. Extensive use of the internet will be used to download software and information. CAD software will be introduced including AutoCAD (for 2D drawings), Inventor (for 3D mechanical parts), and Revit (for 3D architectural models).	3	Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available
CAD 117	CAD 117 Introduction to AutoCAD Class Description The course is designed to introduce students to the use of AutoCAD for computer-aided design and drafting. 2D drawing, modifying and dimensioning is emphasized. NOTE: Completion of CAD 110 is recommended.	3	Online/Virtual options available
CAD 170	CAD 170 Introduction to SolidWorks Class Description (Formerly CAD 173) This course is designed as an introduction to the SolidWorks Computer Aided Design software. Topics will include part creation, use of features, assembly modeling, and drawing creation. NOTE: Completion of CAD 117 or a strong working knowledge of another CAD software is recommended prior to taking this course.	3	Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	CAD 110
Course Title	CAD 110 CAD/CAM Concepts Class Description This course will introduce the student to how computers are used in Computer Aided Design. The course will cover basic functions of Windows operating system, as well as computer hardware and software and how the operating system relates to the use of both. Extensive use of the internet will be used to download software and information. CAD software will be introduced including AutoCAD (for 2D drawings), Inventor (for 3D mechanical parts), and Revit (for 3D architectural models).
Credits	3
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	CAD 117
Course Title	CAD 117 Introduction to AutoCAD Class Description The course is designed to introduce students to the use of AutoCAD for computer-aided design and drafting. 2D drawing, modifying and dimensioning is emphasized. NOTE: Completion of CAD 110 is recommended.
Credits	3
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	CAD 170
Course Title	CAD 170 Introduction to SolidWorks Class Description (Formerly CAD 173) This course is designed as an introduction to the SolidWorks Computer Aided Design software. Topics will include part creation, use of features, assembly modeling, and drawing creation. NOTE: Completion of CAD 117 or a strong working knowledge of another CAD software is recommended prior to taking this course.
Credits	3
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
CAD 270	CAD 270 SolidWorks II Class Description (Formerly CAD 174) This course is designed as a continuation of CAD 170 Introduction to SolidWorks. It expands the topics started in CAD 170. It also covers sheet metal part creation, basic mold design, and importing files from other CAD programs.	3	Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	CAD 270
Course Title	CAD 270 SolidWorks II Class Description (Formerly CAD 174) This course is designed as a continuation of CAD 170 Introduction to SolidWorks. It expands the topics started in CAD 170. It also covers sheet metal part creation, basic mold design, and importing files from other CAD programs.
Credits	3
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Total Credit Hours

12

CAD-Drafting Technology at CLC

Get the bigger picture

A Mechanical Designer Certificate is just one possible way to study CAD-Drafting Technology. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.

View the CAD-Drafting Technology program overview

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Then a Career and College Navigator (CCN) will reach out to answer your questions and get you onboarded. Explore steps to apply at CLC.

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Frequently asked questions

The Certificate in Mechanical Designer is 12 credit hours and takes an average of one semester to complete. Learn design using the latest CAD software under the supervision of an engineer or architect.
Your classes include:
- CAD/CAM Concepts
- Introduction to AutoCAD
- Introduction to SolidWorks
- SolidWorks II
Here are some great options:
- Complete your bachelor's degree in Lake County: Continue your education online or in person at the Grayslake Campus through the University Center of Lake County.
- Guaranteed transfer admission: Seamlessly transfer to 30+ 4-year partners and get admitted to your transfer school in your first semester at CLC.
- Explore the many other transfer options available.
- Virtual live: Learn remotely in real time. Take classes taught live via Zoom.
- Online: Have the flexibility to complete course work without scheduled meetings while staying actively engaged in a fully online environment.
The estimated cost of this program appears at the top of this web page, under the program title.

The cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours. It includes in-district tuition and fees, such as for books and materials. It does not factor in financial aid (grants, loans, scholarships) that you may receive.

View current tuition and fees

Some courses in this program are subject to variable tuition and course fees because they provide specialized experiences, instruction or technology/equipment.

View courses with variable tuition and fees

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Design key machine parts

What can you do with a certificate in Mechanical Designer?

Highlights

100% Online

Career Certificate

Program Length: 4 Months

Career Outlook

Architectural and Civil Drafters

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Commercial and Industrial Designers

Salary Levels

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Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers

Salary Levels

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Electrical and Electronics Drafters

Salary Levels

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Mechanical Drafters

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Need help getting started?

Recommended Pathway

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Semester 1 9 Credits

Semester 2 3 Credits

Total Credit Hours

CAD-Drafting Technology at CLC

Get the bigger picture

Apply now: It's easy and free

Frequently asked questions

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What’s the best way to get my bachelor’s degree?

Can I take my classes online?

How much does this program cost?

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