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Architectural & Civil Drafter

Also called: Architectural Designer, Architectural Drafter, CAD Tech (Computer-Aided Design Technician), Draftsman

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.

No four-year degree needed Bright outlook Science & engineering support
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Median pay
$66,150/yr
Typical range
$46,260 – $99,710
Outlook
Bright outlook

What does an Architectural & Civil Drafter do?

  • Produce drawings, using computer-assisted drafting systems (CAD) or drafting machines, or by hand, using compasses, dividers, protractors, triangles, and other drafting devices.
  • Analyze building codes, by-laws, space and site requirements, and other technical documents and reports to determine their effect on architectural designs.
  • Draw rough and detailed scale plans for foundations, buildings, and structures, based on preliminary concepts, sketches, engineering calculations, specification sheets, and other data.

How to become an Architectural & Civil Drafter

Training: Bachelor's degree or an associate's degree or other 2-year degree. Employees in these careers need one or two years of training. Both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers may be needed. An apprenticeship program may be a good choice for these careers.

Skills you'll use

Reading work related informationThinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problemNoticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve itThinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best oneFiguring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it

Is it a fit for you?

  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Cautiousness
  • Achievement Orientation

Tools and technology

Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3DTrimble SketchUp ProMicrosoft PowerPointAdobe After EffectsAdobe Creative Cloud software

Questions people ask

How much does an Architectural & Civil Drafter make?

About $66,150 a year at the U.S. median. Most earn between $46,260 and $99,710. Pay depends on the state, the employer and experience.

How long does it take to become an Architectural & Civil Drafter?

Employees in these careers need one or two years of training. Both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers may be needed. An apprenticeship program may be a good choice for these careers.

Do you need a college degree to be an Architectural & Civil Drafter?

No four-year degree is needed. Bachelor's degree or an associate's degree or other 2-year degree.

Is Architectural & Civil Drafter a good career to get into?

O*NET lists it as a Bright Outlook career: it's expected to grow quickly or have lots of openings in the next few years.

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National wage figures via O*NET Web Services. This application incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Figures are national estimates and vary by state, employer and experience. Career details from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.

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