Architectural and civil drafters
SOC Code: 17-3011Also known as:
Architectural CAD Drafter (Architectural Computer-Aided Design Drafter), Architectural Computer-Aided Design Technician (Architectural CAD Technician), Architectural Designer, Architectural Drafter, Architectural Draftsman
Median Annual Salary
$64,280
+4.1% growth (2024-2034)
10K
Openings/Year
111K
Current Jobs
What Architectural and civil drafters Do
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
$64,280
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+4.1%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
Associate's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
10K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
110,500
Projected Employment (2034)
115,100
Related Careers
Architectural and engineering managers
$167,740 •
+3.8% growth
Electrical and electronics drafters
$73,720 •
-5.6% growth
Mechanical drafters
$68,510 •
-6.5% growth
Civil engineering technologists and technicians
$64,200 •
+2.1% growth
Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians
$68,730 •
+0.0% growth
Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Complex Problem Solving
Systems Analysis
Writing
Critical Thinking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Produce drawings, using computer-assisted drafting systems (CAD) or drafting machines, or by hand, using compasses, dividers, protractors, triangles, and other drafting devices.
- Draft plans and detailed drawings for structures, installations, and construction projects, such as highways, sewage disposal systems, and dikes, working from sketches or notes.
- Coordinate structural, electrical, and mechanical designs and determine a method of presentation to graphically represent building plans.
- Analyze building codes, by-laws, space and site requirements, and other technical documents and reports to determine their effect on architectural designs.
- Draw maps, diagrams, and profiles, using cross-sections and surveys, to represent elevations, topographical contours, subsurface formations, and structures.
- Lay out and plan interior room arrangements for commercial buildings, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment and software.
- Supervise and train other technologists, technicians, and drafters.
- Determine the order of work and method of presentation, such as orthographic or isometric drawing.
- Finish and duplicate drawings and documentation packages according to required mediums and specifications for reproduction, using blueprinting, photography, or other duplicating methods.
- Draw rough and detailed scale plans for foundations, buildings, and structures, based on preliminary concepts, sketches, engineering calculations, specification sheets, and other data.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Associate's degree
Most common requirement
Degree Programs for Architectural and civil drafters
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a architectural and civil drafters:
Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology
8,535 degrees awarded •
121 colleges offer this program
Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, General
4,395 degrees awarded •
224 colleges offer this program
CAD/CADD Drafting and/or Design Technology/Technician
2,476 degrees awarded •
182 colleges offer this program
Architectural Drafting and Architectural CAD/CADD
1,623 degrees awarded •
101 colleges offer this program
Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians
1,557 degrees awarded •
74 colleges offer this program
Architectural Technology/Technician
1,273 degrees awarded •
66 colleges offer this program
Civil Drafting and Civil Engineering CAD/CADD
108 degrees awarded •
15 colleges offer this program
3-D Modeling and Design Technology/Technician
40 degrees awarded •
9 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Architectural and civil drafters
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become architectural and civil drafters.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do architectural and civil drafters make?
The median annual salary for architectural and civil drafters is $64,280.
What education do architectural and civil drafters need?
Most architectural and civil drafters positions require a associate's degree.
Common degree programs include Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology, Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, General, CAD/CADD Drafting and/or Design Technology/Technician.
Is becoming architectural and civil drafters a good career choice?
Architectural and civil drafters is projected to see +4.1% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 10,000 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for architectural and civil drafters?
Top colleges for aspiring architectural and civil drafters include
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of California-Los Angeles, Columbia University in the City of New York, University of Pennsylvania, University of Southern California.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to architectural and civil drafters?
Architectural and civil drafters may also be known as: Architectural CAD Drafter (Architectural Computer-Aided Design Drafter), Architectural Computer-Aided Design Technician (Architectural CAD Technician), Architectural Designer, Architectural Drafter, Architectural Draftsman, Architectural Technician, Architectural Technologist, Architecture Designer, Architecture Drafter, Architecture Technician, AutoCAD Designer (Auto Computer-Aided Design Designer), AutoCAD Drafter (Auto Computer-Aided Design Drafter), BIM Designer (Building Information Modeling Designer), BIM Modeler (Building Information Modeling Modeler), BIM Specialist (Building Information Modeling Specialist), Building Drafter, CAD Designer (Computer Aided Design Designer), CAD Drafter (Computer Aided Design Drafter), CAD Draftsman (Computer-Aided Design Draftsman), CAD Draughter (Computer Aided Design Draughter).
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.