Architectural Draughtsman Salary and Career Information

As an architectural draughtsman, you'll have the opportunity to bring buildings and spaces to life through precise drawings and designs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for architectural and civil draughtsmen is around $59,000.

With experience and skills, you can move up the career ladder and take on more senior roles, such as lead draughtsman or project manager. In the UK, for example, senior draughtsmen can earn upwards of £45,000 per year.

To become an architectural draughtsman, you'll typically need a degree in a relevant field, such as architecture or engineering. A strong portfolio of your work is also essential to showcase your skills to potential employers.

As an architectural drafter, your job involves creating detailed technical drawings and plans using computer-aided design (CADD) software and mechanical drawing techniques. You'll work closely with architects to bring their designs and ideas to life.

To become an architectural drafter, you'll typically need some formal training or education in drafting, such as an associate's degree from a technical school or community college. However, a bachelor's degree in architecture or a related field can provide a competitive edge in the job market.

Architectural drafters need to pay close attention to detail to ensure that drawings are exact and measurements are accurate. Employers also look for applicants with experience using CADD software, such as AutoCAD, and a solid understanding of building codes.

Here are some key skills and traits that employers look for in architectural drafters:

As an architectural drafter, you'll spend most of your time working in an office, using computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) software and mechanical drawing techniques.

You'll work closely with an architect to create structure and building plans that meet building code laws, utilizing specifications, sketches, and other data.

Architectural drafters need to pay close attention to detail to ensure that drawings are exact and measurements are accurate.

You'll determine the type and quantity of materials needed to complete a project, taking into account the specifications and design requirements.

Architectural drafters create technical drawings and plans that are used by architects, engineers, and other professionals in the construction industry.

You'll often work with architects to turn their designs and ideas into detailed blueprints and models.

Architectural drafters may have the opportunity to advance to higher-level positions, such as senior architectural drafter or project manager, with additional experience and specialized training.

To become an architectural drafter, you typically need some formal education in drafting. An associate's degree from a technical school or community college is usually enough for entry-level positions, but advanced positions may require a bachelor's degree. You can start preparing in high school with courses in math, computer graphics, and drafting.

Having a four-year degree in architecture or a related field can provide a competitive edge in the job market, but it's not always required. Many architectural drafters start with a high school diploma or equivalent and then pursue certifications and continuing education courses to enhance their skills.

Postsecondary education, such as an associate degree or certificate in architectural drafting or a related field, is typically required to become an architectural drafter. Some employers may require a bachelor's degree in architecture.

Here are some educational requirements to consider:

Continuing education courses, certifications, and licenses can also enhance your skills and knowledge as an architectural drafter. Some relevant certifications include the Certified Drafter (CD) certification and the Certified CAD Technician (CCT) certification.

Employers typically look for applicants with experience in computer-aided design programs, such as AutoCAD. Additional skills in design and drafting software can provide an edge in obtaining a position.

A company in Utah was looking for an architectural drafter with 5 years of experience in architectural drafting or landscape detailing, plus experience using Revit and AutoCAD. No educational requirements were listed, but an ideal candidate would be highly organized, efficient and detail oriented.

Employers also want to see particular traits and skills from job candidates, including great communication skills, knowledge of the latest drafting software, and a solid grasp of technical terms used by engineers and architects.

Here are some valuable qualities and knowledge that can help you stand out from other candidates:

Understanding how to use the latest drafting software

Having a solid grasp of technical terms used by engineers and architects

Extensive knowledge of building codes

In some cases, employers may not require extensive education, but rather on-the-job training. For example, a design firm in California advertised for an architectural drafter with a bachelor's degree, but no experience was required, and the firm would provide training.

As an architectural designer, you'll be working with computer-aided design (CAD) software to create detailed technical drawings and plans for buildings and structures.

Architectural designers with experience in CAD software and industry-specific techniques can earn an average yearly pay of $56,830, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

To become an architectural designer, you'll typically need experience with CAD software, such as AutoCAD, and industry-specific techniques. Having a degree in architecture, drafting, or math can also be helpful in developing the skills needed for the profession.

Architectural designers often work closely with architects, translating their design concepts into concrete plans and drawings. They use specialized software and industry-specific techniques to accurately depict the design and construction of structures.

Here are some of the highest paying types of architectural designers:

These figures are based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and online job postings, and can vary depending on factors such as education, experience, and location.

As you consider a career as a draftsperson, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons. Here are some key points to keep in mind.

An associate's degree is usually enough for most entry-level positions, making it a relatively accessible career path.

Higher median salaries are a significant advantage, with architectural drafters earning a median salary of about $49,970 in 2014.

Most employers offer a standard 40-hour week, providing a healthy work-life balance.

You'll have the opportunity to specialize in different building types or materials, keeping your work interesting and varied.

Advancement opportunities are available, allowing you to move up to senior drafter, architect, or designer roles.

However, slower-than-average job growth is a concern, with a projected 1% growth between 2012 and 2022.

Some specialties may require additional education, typically a bachelor's degree.

Economic changes can have a significant impact on job security, particularly during recessions when construction projects are fewer.

To give you a better idea of the potential downsides, here are some common workplace hazards to be aware of:

As an architectural drafter, you'll have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, from residential homes to commercial buildings. You'll be responsible for creating technical drawings and plans that are used by architects, engineers, and other professionals in the construction industry.

The highest paying types of architectural draftsmen are architectural technician, architectural designer, and AutoCAD designer, with salaries ranging from $43,542 to $55,786 per year. You can expect to earn a monthly salary of $3,629 to $4,649 and an hourly rate of $20.93 to $26.82.

Here are some of the top companies hiring architectural draftsmen and drafters now:

The highest paying types of architectural drafters are structural designer, mechanical designer, and computer aided design designer, with salaries ranging from $50,866 to $62,541 per year. As you gain experience and specialized training, you may have the opportunity to advance to higher-level positions, such as senior architectural drafter or project manager.