Architectural and Civil Drafter
An architectural and civil drafter prepares technical drawings and plans 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. Do you have the visual aptitude and mechanical ability as well as the ability to draw and perform detailed work? Do you pay attention to detail, exhibit analytical thinking and adaptability and are cooperative? Then you may want to consider this occupation.
Drawings from an architectural and civil drafter provide guidelines for creating a structure or product. They use rough sketches, specifications and calculations made by scientists, engineers and surveyors. Sometimes an architectural and civil drafter uses their knowledge of standardized building techniques to draw the details of a structure, others may determine design elements such as the types of fasteners needed to assemble a machine. They use tables, calculators, computers and technical handbooks while doing their work.
Typically, an architectural and civil drafter uses Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) systems for their drawings, and so some may be referred to as CADD operators.
There are some differences between an architectural drafter and a civil drafter. Architectural drafters draw structural and architectural building features for new construction projects. They may specialize in a type of material such as timber, concrete, masonry or steel, or they may specialize in a type of building such as commercial or residential. Civil drafters are involved in major construction and civil engineering projects including pipelines, bridges, highways, flood-control projects and sewage and water systems. These drafters create topographical maps, relief maps and drawings.
Most employers look for post-secondary school training in drafting from a technical school, community college or even some 4-year colleges and universities. An architectural and civil drafter should have a solid background in CADD, well-developed mechanical drawing and drafting skills as well as knowledge in science, math, engineering technology and drafting standards.
$38,741
entry level salary estimate
$67,236
experienced level salary estimate
1,366
projected annual job openings
Programs for Architectural and Civil Drafters
Discover your future in STEM/IT.
Fascinated by science and technology? If you want to be at the forefront of using cutting-edge technologies or making scientific discoveries, you can pursue your passion with a career in STEM/IT. Many opportunities exist in this fast-growing area, from scientists and engineers to software and web developers – and in many different industries, from telecommunications and healthcare to construction and manufacturing. For most STEM/IT careers, you’ll need an associate or bachelor’s degree.
Additional In Demand Careers in STEM/IT
Calibration Technologist or Technician
Computer Systems Analyst
Computer User Support Specialist
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologist or Technician
Electrical Engineer
Industrial Engineering Technologist or Technician
Mechanical Engineer
Network and Computer Systems Administrator
Software Developer
Software Quality Assurance Analyst or Tester
Web Developer/Video Game Designer
Sources:
Texas Labor Market Information, Texas Workforce Commission. Statewide wages by occupation, 2021. Statewide projections by occupation, 2020-2030.
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