Explore by Career/Architecture and Engineering
Architectural and Civil Drafters
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.
- Median pay
- $64,280
- per year
- 10-year outlook
- +4.1%
- Stable
- Typical entry
- Associate's degree
Key skills
- Reading Comprehension
- Complex Problem Solving
- Systems Analysis
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Active Listening
- Mathematics
What they do
- 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.
Majors that lead here
- Architectural Drafting and Architectural CAD/CADD
- Architectural Engineering Technology/Technician
- Architectural Sciences and Technology, Other
- Architectural Technology/Technician
- Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology
- CAD/CADD Drafting and/or Design Technology/Technician
- Civil Drafting and Civil Engineering CAD/CADD
- Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, General
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS, Employment Projections) and O*NET, used under CC BY 4.0.