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What is an Architectural Drafter?

Position Description Prepare detailed drawings of architectural designs and plans for buildings and structures according to specifications provided by architect.

List of Architectural Drafter Job Duties

Determine procedures and instructions to be followed, according to design specifications and quantity of required materials.
Analyze technical implications of architect’s design concept, calculating weights, volumes, and stress factors.
Lay out and plan interior room arrangements for commercial buildings, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment and software.
Create freehand drawings and lettering to accompany drawings.
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.

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Architectural Drafter Skills

Architectural Drafters state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

CADD Operator (Computer-Aided Design and Drafting Operator)
Truss Designer
Architectural Intern
Detailer
Architectural Computer-Aided Design Technician (Architectural CAD Technician)

What Kind of Architectural Drafter Job Opportunities Are There?

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 99,600 jobs in the United States for Architectural Drafter. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 8.1% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 8,100 new jobs for Architectural Drafter by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 9,500 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Architectural Drafter are Utah, Nevada, and Florida. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, West Virginia, or Maine. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Average Architectural Drafters Salary

The average yearly salary of an Architectural Drafter ranges between $35,020 and $80,880.

Architectural Drafters who work in District of Columbia, Illinois, or California, make the highest salaries.

How much do Architectural Drafters make in different U.S. states?

State	Annual Mean Salary
Alabama	$52,740
Alaska	$60,200
Arizona	$58,700
Arkansas	$45,500
California	$63,320
Colorado	$59,560
Connecticut	$64,390
Delaware	$52,830
District of Columbia	$68,330
Florida	$53,270
Georgia	$57,280
Hawaii	$54,520
Idaho	$48,710
Illinois	$64,720
Indiana	$54,080
Iowa	$55,490
Kansas	$50,500
Kentucky	$51,330
Louisiana	$56,390
Maine	$51,380
Maryland	$64,560
Massachusetts	$59,740
Michigan	$51,760
Minnesota	$54,300
Mississippi	$48,980
Missouri	$55,000
Montana	$46,020
Nebraska	$50,270
Nevada	$49,510
New Hampshire	$53,540
New Jersey	$58,840
New Mexico	$51,200
New York	$59,770
North Carolina	$53,160
North Dakota	$57,230
Ohio	$53,720
Oklahoma	$54,840
Oregon	$58,480
Pennsylvania	$52,320
Rhode Island	$58,190
South Carolina	$51,820
South Dakota	$43,090
Tennessee	$54,360
Texas	$56,120
Utah	$51,640
Vermont	$45,310
Virginia	$54,390
Washington	$58,170
West Virginia	$56,320
Wisconsin	$53,450
Wyoming	$53,050

What Tools & Technology do Architectural Drafters Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Architectural Drafters:

Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Office
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Outlook
Word processing software
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Project
Autodesk AutoCAD
Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
Microsoft Visio
Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
Database software
Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Systems Adobe InDesign
C
Dassault Systemes CATIA
Dassault Systemes SOLIDWORKS
Bentley MicroStation
SAP software

Becoming an Architectural Drafter

What education is needed to be an Architectural Drafter?

What work experience do I need to become an Architectural Drafter?

Where do Architectural Drafters Work?

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

Similar Careers

Those thinking about becoming an Architectural Drafter might also be interested in the following careers:

Architects, Except Landscape and Naval

Are you already one of the many Architectural Drafter in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:

Set and Exhibit Designers

References:

Image Credit: Pixabay via CC0 License

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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