CAD drafters ensure that construction plans for a building or structure are technically sound and correct. They make sure every detail of a plan or drawing is accurate before construction progresses to the next step at an architectural firm or organization.
CAD drafters use software to convert designs into technical drawings. Their role is highly collaborative, as they work with architects, designers, engineers, surveyors, and other professionals. CAD drafters collect all drawings, data, and notes involved in a project, draft building plans, layout interiors, and even designate landscaping. Their responsibility is to flesh out a final version of the construction project — specifying dimensions, codes, production methods, and materials.
Sample job description
Without the help of creative CAD drafters, engineers and architects would have a hard time creating and manufacturing various products and buildings. CAD drafters essentially use different software to draft designs and create digital drawings based on the work engineers and architects come up with. These designs and drawings are then used to guide manufacturers and builders to create products and buildings.
[Your Company Name] is looking for an experienced CAD drafter that can gather various notes and turn that information into an amazing creation. If you are great with technology and have an inventive mindset, you would make an ideal candidate for our CAD drafter position at our company.
Typical duties and responsibilities
- Draft architectural designs, primarily using computer-aided design (CAD)
- Collect and synthesize all data necessary for drafts
- Perform 3-D design
- Prepare documents
- Research related code, building, and zoning requirements
- Attend project and on-site meetings and reviews
- Review accuracy and ensure the quality of deliverables
- Meet deadlines
- Work closely with architects throughout the construction process
Education and experience
This position requires a bachelor’s degree in architecture or a related field.
Required skills and qualifications
- Ability to perform taskProficiency in AutoCAD and related software applications
- Well-developed technical abilities
- Sense of urgency to meet deadlines
- Expertise in collaboration
- Familiarity with Adobe Photoshop and Microsoft Office Suite
- Keen attention to detail
Preferred qualifications
- Work collaboratively with the project team
- Create models out of rough sketches and walks in the field
- Maintain current as-built drawing database
- Bachelor’s degree in related field
Average salary and compensation
The average salary for a CAD drafter is $51,500 in the United States. Position salary will vary based on experience, education, company size, industry, and market.
| Location | Salary Low | Salary High |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix, Arizona | $51,200 | $69,300 |
| Los Angeles, California | $57,800 | $78,200 |
| Denver, Colorado | $48,150 | $65,150 |
| Washington, DC | $58,650 | $79,350 |
| Miami, Florida | $47,950 | $64,850 |
| Orlando, Florida | $44,200 | $59,800 |
| Tampa, Florida | $44,650 | $60,400 |
| Atlanta, Georgia | $46,850 | $63,350 |
| Chicago, Illinois | $53,850 | $72,850 |
| Boston, Massachusetts | $58,200 | $78,750 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota | $46,400 | $62,800 |
| New York City, New York | $61,300 | $82,900 |
| Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | $49,900 | $67,500 |
| Dallas, Texas | $48,600 | $65,750 |
| Houston, Texas | $48,150 | $65,150 |
| Seattle, Washington | $56,050 | $75,800 |
| National Average | $43,800 | $59,250 |
Typical work environment
CAD drafters can work in a variety of different industries, including architectural, engineering, electrical, and civil drafting. Most CAD drafters stay in a specific industry since they are all unique and typically require different skill sets and software knowledge. Most of the time CAD drafters are working on computers in an office. However, they will occasionally leave to meet up with architects and engineers to collaborate on different projects.
Typical hours
The typical work hours for a CAD drafter are from 9 AM to 5 PM, generally in an office setting, with after-hours or weekend hours as needed.
Available certifications
Most companies searching for a CAD drafter want their candidates to have already completed a CAD certification. Check out the following available certifications:
- Fundamentals of Graphic Design Certification. There are several trade schools and colleges that offer this certification to their students. Earning this certification will allow participants to explore visual design principles for creating content and communicating different messages. This course would be ideal for anyone wondering if they would be interested in becoming a CAD drafter since graphic design plays a crucial part in their role as a CAD drafter.
- Computer-aided Design and Drafting (CADD). Earning the CADD certification is undeniably the most important step in becoming a CAD drafter. The CADD allows students to gain valuable skills in different software and modeling of mechanical components to help them succeed in their future position as CAD drafters. Students will also learn different computation skills needed to solve various problems that come up while designing different products and buildings, which helps employers know that they are prepared and have the information needed to work well as a CAD drafter.
Career path
Becoming a CAD drafter typically requires a bachelor’s degree in architecture or a related field. Students should take courses in mathematics, science, drawing, and design. Earning a professional drafting certification can help forward a career as a CAD drafter.
US, Bureau of Labor Statistics’ job outlook
SOC Code: 17-3010
| 2020 Employment | 191,800 |
| Projected Employment in 2030 | 188,200 |
| Projected 2020-2030 Percentage Shift | 2% decrease |
| Projected 2020-2030 Numeric Shift | 3,600 decrease |
Position trends
The increased construction activity should drive demand for CAD drafters, but this might be somewhat tempered in some instances by engineers and architects starting to perform drafting tasks.
Sample interview questions
- Why are you passionate about design?
- What qualities do you possess that make you a good CAD drafter?
- Why do you want to work in this specialty compared to other areas as a CAD drafter?
- Tell me about a recent project you completed that you were proud of.
- What is your ideal work environment?
- How long have you been a CAD drafter?
- How do you ensure accurate results with differing projects?
- What software are you most familiar with?
- What do you like to do outside of work?
- What is the most difficult design you had to create as a CAD drafter?
- Do you plan to pursue education or complete additional certifications as a drafter?
- How well do you work with others?
- How do you stay focused and motivated throughout the workday?
- Share a time you had a disagreement with an engineer. What was the problem and how did you two resolve the issue?
- What makes you stand out from other drafters?
- Can you make layouts on your own?
- Do you think of yourself as more creative or technical-minded? Explain.
