How to Become an Architectural Drafter: Career Advice & Information
Overview & Salaries
Overview
CAD—Computer Aided Design—uses computer software to create 2-D and 3-D drawings, designs, and models that help people visualize things. AutoCAD, the most popular software in the field, is used by designers and drafters to show how something works or should be constructed. AutoCAD designers and drafters often work in engineering and industry, using their strong visual and mathematical skills and close attention to detail.
Salary
Annual salaries for AutoCAD designers or drafters will vary depending on your experience, education level, and expertise. In 2013, the average annual salary for AutoCAD designer or drafter working in the U.S. was $51,250 per year.
For more information on what parts of the country have the most opportunity for AutoCAD Designers or Drafters, click through to our Best Places to Work tab for information on the number of people employed and the average salary in each state.
Discover the Best Cities and States to Work in AutoCAD Designer or Drafter
California offers the greatest number of employment opportunities in the nation, as well as the highest average wage among states with high rates of employment, with 11,860 AutoCAD designing and drafting professionals making an average salary of $57,850.
Alaska had just 290 AutoCAD designers and drafters in 2012, but it did offer the highest average wage in the nation at $67,160.
The top 5 city areas that are employing AutoCAD Designers and Drafters are:
- Houston Metropolitan Area (3,930)
- New York-White Plains Metropolitan Area (3,630)
- Los Angeles-Long Beach Metropolitan Area (2,610)
- Chicago-Joliet Metropolitan Area (2,390)
- Santa Ana-Anaheim Metropolitan Area (2,030)
Employment and Salary Information for AutoCAD Designer or Drafter
Use our interactive map below to find out which areas of the United States are currently experiencing the greatest amount of growth and job availability for graduates looking for a career as an AutoCAD designer or drafter. The associated information has been gathered from the Bureau of Labor statistics, representing data collected in 2012.
Employment and Information Data for Architectural Drafting
Why Become An AutoCAD Designer or Drafter?
If it’s been manufactured or constructed, it probably began life as a model or drawing made by an AutoCAD designer or drafter. It’s a specialized job requiring a wide skill set, but it offers the chance to literally see your work being built.
- Find creative solutions to complex problems. It’s not just a technical job—you’ll have the chance to actively identify problems and suggest creative solutions.
- Varied projects. You could be working on anything from a computer motherboard to a skyscraper.
- Growth in electrical drafting. Although the industry as a whole won’t see much growth, there nearly 200,000 AutoCAD designers and drafters in the U.S. in 2012, and electrical and electronic drafting is projected to be a growth area.
- Good pay. The average salary was $51,250 per year in 2013.
- Work in a variety of industries. AutoCAD Designers and drafters work in areas ranging from architecture to engineering to local government.
Degree Options for AutoCAD Designer or Drafter Careers
AutoCAD Certificate
Most employers will only hire candidates with a certificate or Associate’s degree in drafting or AutoCAD drawing, as it takes practice and experience to enter the field. Technical and trade school programs vary, but they may be able to teach you the basics in as little as a year.
Associate’s Degree in AutoCAD
Associate’s degrees offered in community colleges or technical institutes generally take two years. Some schools offer specializations such as mechanical, architectural or electrical drafting. An associate’s degree may include classes that teach sketching, design fundamentals, drafting theory, and computer-aided drafting and design.
Professional Certifications
The American Design Drafting Association offers certifications for AutoCAD designing and drafting professionals. While they’re not required to be an AutoCAD Designer or Drafter, they help demonstrate specialist knowledge and skill in areas such as civil, architectural and mechanical drafting.
Degree Options for AutoCAD Designer or Drafter Careers
AutoCAD Certificate
Most employers will only hire candidates with a certificate or Associate’s degree in drafting or AutoCAD drawing, as it takes practice and experience to enter the field. Technical and trade school programs vary, but they may be able to teach you the basics in as little as a year.
Associate’s Degree in AutoCAD
Associate’s degrees offered in community colleges or technical institutes generally take two years. Some schools offer specializations such as mechanical, architectural or electrical drafting. An associate’s degree may include classes that teach sketching, design fundamentals, drafting theory, and computer-aided drafting and design.
Professional Certifications
The American Design Drafting Association offers certifications for AutoCAD designing and drafting professionals. While they’re not required to be an AutoCAD Designer or Drafter, they help demonstrate specialist knowledge and skill in areas such as civil, architectural and mechanical drafting.