Information Provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook
Architectural And Civil Drafters
The type and quality of postsecondary drafting programs vary considerably; prospective students should be careful in selecting a program. Opportunities should be best for individuals with at least 2 years of postsecondary training in drafting and considerable skill and experience using computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) systems. Demand for drafters varies by specialty and depends on the needs of local industry, particularly architectural and engineering services and manufacturing
On average, Architectural and Civil Drafters earn $ 41,960 per year.
Job Opportunities for Technology / Computer / IT Careers are
expected to:
Increase slower than average.
Architectural Drafting and Architectural CAD/CADD
Architectural Technology/Technician
CAD/CADD Drafting and/or Design Technology/Technician
Civil Drafting and Civil Engineering CAD/CADD
Drafting and Design Technology/Technician
Aerospace Engineers
Architects
Drafters prepare technical drawings and plans used by production and construction workers to build everything from manufactured products such as toys, toasters, industrial machinery, and spacecraft to structures such as houses, office buildings, and oil and gas pipelines. Drafters drawings provide visual guidelines; show the technical details of the products and structures; and specify dimensions, materials, and procedures. Drafters fill in technical details using drawings, rough sketches, specifications, codes, and calculations previously made by engineers, surveyors, architects, or scientists.
Employers prefer applicants who have completed postsecondary school training in drafting, training that is offered by technical institutes, community colleges, and some 4-year colleges and universities. Employers are most interested in applicants with well-developed drafting and mechanical drawing skills; knowledge of drafting standards, mathematics, science, and engineering technology; and a solid background in CADD techniques. In addition, communication and problem-solving skills are important.
Drafters held about 254,000 jobs in 2004. Architectural and civil drafters held 43 percent of all jobs for drafters, mechanical drafters held about 32 percent of all jobs, and about 15percent of jobs were held by electrical and electronics drafters. About 44 percent of all jobs for drafters were in architectural, engineering, and related services firms that design construction projects or do other engineering work on a contract basis for other industries.
Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology
American Design Drafting Association
