Architecture & Engineering
Architectural and Civil Drafters
Also called: Architectural Designer, Architectural Drafter, Architectural Draftsman, CAD Designer (Computer-Aided Design Designer)
US median pay
$66,150
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+5.2%
faster than average
Openings a year (US)
9,100
104,100 employed
Typical entry education
Associate's degree
Preparation 3/5 · Medium preparation
What this job is
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.
What they do day to day
- Produce drawings, using computer-assisted drafting systems (CAD) or drafting machines, or by hand, using compasses, dividers, protractors, triangles, and other drafting devices.
- Analyze building codes, by-laws, space and site requirements, and other technical documents and reports to determine their effect on architectural designs.
- Draw rough and detailed scale plans for foundations, buildings, and structures, based on preliminary concepts, sketches, engineering calculations, specification sheets, and other data.
- Coordinate structural, electrical, and mechanical designs and determine a method of presentation to graphically represent building plans.
- Explain drawings to production or construction teams and provide adjustments as necessary.
- Obtain and assemble data to complete architectural designs, visiting job sites to compile measurements as necessary.
- Lay out and plan interior room arrangements for commercial buildings, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment and software.
- Represent architect or engineer on construction site, ensuring builder compliance with design specifications and advising on design corrections, under supervision.
- Review rough sketches, drawings, specifications, and other engineering data to ensure that they conform to design concepts.
- Draw maps, diagrams, and profiles, using cross-sections and surveys, to represent elevations, topographical contours, subsurface formations, and structures.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Judgment and Decision Making3.4/5
- Coordination3.2/5
- Time Management3.1/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.1/5
- Systems Analysis3.0/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.0/5
- Persuasion3.0/5
- Service Orientation2.9/5
Knowledge
- Design4.9/5
- Building and Construction4.2/5
- Engineering and Technology4.2/5
- Computers and Electronics3.7/5
- English Language3.6/5
- Mathematics3.4/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 3 of 5 — Medium preparation. Usually vocational training, an associate's degree or an apprenticeship.
Typical entry education (BLS): Associate's degree.
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Artistic
Creating, designing and self-expression
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.