Drafter: Job Description, Salary, Duties & More (2024)

The general public may believe that drafters primarily work on technical drawings of buildings, such as highways and bridges and residential and commercial structures.

On the other hand, drafters create technical drawings for a wide range of products, from toys to industrial machinery to spacecraft.

While this is important, remember that a drafter’s work is a visual roadmap for the entire project, outlining every detail needed to build the object.

Drafters must specify materials and dimensions for new products due to the technical nature of their work and use computer software CAD systems to create and store electronic technical drawings.

When architects and engineers give them designs, they can use CAD to turn them into plans and technical drawings that other people can use.

They can also improve the design by including more details.

Drafter Information

OFFICIAL JOB TITLE	DRAFTER
AVERAGE SALARY	$59,587
STRESS LEVEL	LOW
WORK/LIFE	GOOD
JOB SATISFACTION	AVERAGE
CAREER ADVANCEMENT	AVERAGE

Drafter Job Description

What is a Drafter?

A drafter is an engineering technician who creates detailed drawings or plans for machinery, buildings, electronics, infrastructure, sections, and so forth.

Engineering and architectural plans and layouts are transformed into technical drawings by drafters using computer software and manual sketches.

Drafters support developers by sketching preliminary design concepts into engineering designs and drawings.

What Does A Drafter Do On A Daily Basis?

An engineer or architect’s design is taken by a drafter, who uses software to turn it into technical drawings and plans.

Civil, mechanical, architectural, and electrical drafting are some of the specializations available to these drafters.

It is the job of drafters to create schematics that may be printed, examined, or programmed directly into BIM and PDM systems.

Using these schematics, you may create digital replicas of anything from machinery to structures.

Responsibilities, Duties & Roles Of A Drafter

Using engineering and production skills, assist in product development.
Incorporate information from their understanding of construction procedures into design plans.
Work from engineers’ and architects’ initial designs and specifications.
Define new items’ dimensions, materials, and manufacturing processes.
Multiple designs should be prepared for assessment by engineers and architects in different versions.
Draw up blueprints with the use of CAD software.
Engineers and architects supervise your work.

Drafter Salary

Average Salary

An average drafter has average yearly pay of $59,587.

Starting Salary

A starter drafter has average yearly pay of $36,975.

Senior Salary

A senior drafter has a yearly pay of $84,990.

How To Become A Drafter

The Entry Level: Certification, Training & Degree

Drafters can become certified by the American Design Drafting Association (ADDA).

Certification does reflect competence and knowledge of nationally recognized techniques, but it is not required to receive it.

Many areas of drafting, such as architecture, civil engineering, and mechanical drafting, offer certifications.

There are technical schools that offer courses in design foundations such as sketching and CAD software and certificates or diplomas after successful completion.

Programs can be any length, although full-time study takes about two years.

Each college will have a different selection of courses to choose from.

Mechanical or architectural drafting, for example, maybe the sole focus of a certain school.

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) programs in drawing and related fields are available through community colleges similar to those found at technical institutes.

Graduates of an associate’s degree program can work as drafters or go to a four-year university to study a related area.

However, engineering, architecture, and mathematics classes are available at most four-year institutions.

Other Skill Sets, Requirements & Qualifications

Creativity: Technical drawings that lead to real buildings, tools, and systems must be created by drafters from designs and ideas.
Dedicated to the smallest of details: Technical accuracy is critical when converting designs, and drafters must pay special attention to the smallest of details to ensure this.
Abilities to communicate with others: To ensure that final designs are precise, drafters collaborate closely with architects, engineers, and other designers. This necessitates excellent communication and teamwork skills.
Proficiency with numbers and mathematics: Drafters are responsible for producing detailed technical drawings. Sometimes they’ll have to deal with angles, weights, and expenses in their computations.
Competencies in a specific field: The ability to use CAD software and work with database tools like building information modeling must be a must for all types of drafters (BIM).
Ability to manage one’s time well: Drafters are frequently tasked with completing projects in a short amount of time. This means they have to work quickly and efficiently if they are to meet deadlines.

How long does it take to become a drafter?

The time it takes to become an architectural drafter depends on the individual’s education and work experience.

Preparation can begin in high school by taking math, science, computer design, and drafting courses.

Suppose they want to continue in this field. In that case, they can enroll in 2-year associate’s degree programs in drafting or related fields at community colleges or technical schools.

Some students may opt for a shorter-term certificate or diploma program.

Sketching, computer-aided design (CAD) software and design fundamentals are examples of possible courses.

After graduation, students have the option of becoming mechanical drafters or not.

Architectural drafters do not have to be certified.

Still, it may demonstrate their competence and give them a competitive advantage in the industry.

These certifications are available from organizations like the American Design Drafting Association (ADDA).

Is it hard To Become A Drafter?

Drafting is a broad field with a wide range of opportunities.

You could spend months or years working on the same project in an office, or you could have a job requiring spending a lot of time in the field.

It helps if you have a good grasp of math and a knack for drawing.

Drafter Career Paths

The Drafter Roadmap

1. Obtain an Associate’s Degree

An associate’s degree program at a technical or community college is the most common educational requirement for aspiring residential drafters.

CAD, civil design, structural concepts, drawing, estimating, and construction are examples of topics covered in these classes.

Technical schools tend to offer fewer theoretical courses and general education than community colleges.

Still, their emphasis is on the practical application of design and drafting principles.

2. Obtain a Certification

Drafters in the residential sector can demonstrate their drafting abilities and expand their employment options by obtaining certification.

An advantage in the job market for a residential drafter could be gained by becoming certified.

Architects and designers of all specialties and educational levels can become certified through the ADDA.

To become certified, candidates must pass a multiple-choice exam that assesses their knowledge of drafting theories, principles, and applications.

3. Make Progress in the Workplace

While an associate’s degree and some work experience are usually all that’s required for residential drafters, the BLS reports that the field is competitive, with more people applying than there are jobs available.

Future drafters should be familiar with many different aspects of drafting.

Students should consider learning how to use PDM (product data management) and BIM (building information modeling) software during their studies.

A drafter’s work prospects and potential for promotion will improve if they complete a four-year bachelor’s degree program in engineering, architecture, or a related subject.

Projections For Growth In Drafter Jobs

The number of people employed as drafters is expected to fall by 4% during the next ten years.

The rate of job growth will be different depending on the profession.

Is Drafter A Good Career?

Working with computers and drawing is an excellent combination for those who want to combine their love of drawing with their interest in computer-aided design (CAD).

Drafters are well-versed in a wide range of disciplines, including design, mathematics, and spatial awareness.

CAD drafting is a rewarding career path if you have the skills listed above.

Working Conditions

Can A Drafter Work Remotely From Home?

Construction, engineering, mechanical, and industrial projects use drawings and blueprints created by remote CAD drafters using computer-aided design software like AutoCAD.

Remote CAD drafters work from their homes or other locations outside of the office instead of being stationed there.

You work with an architect or engineer to define the project’s scope as a remote CAD drafter.

Using their sketches and pictures as a starting point, you design a precise blueprint and 3D model that meets all of their requirements.

Detailed measurements and material details are also part of your plans.

Even though this is a remote role, you may be required to come into the office on occasion for team meetings even though you are working remotely.

How Many Hours Does A Drafter Work?

Drafters put in more than 40 hours every week in their jobs.

Can A Drafter Work Part-Time?

The majority of drafters are employed full-time.

What Are The Average Vacation Days Of A Drafter?

Vacations for drafters are usually 30 days long during the busiest seasons of the year.

Alternative Careers & Similar Jobs to a Drafter

Drafter Resume Tips

Dealt with properties in the real estate industry.
Create new blueprints using the information you collect from properties.
Followed instructions and made changes to existing plans while also creating new, remodeled ones
Contact the Departments of Transportation and Development in your city or county.
Prepare a proposal and submit it for review and approval.
To prepare for real estate and property advertisements, fly a drone and capture images.
Design and develop designs using computer-aided drafting (CAD) tools or a normal drafting station (Archicad).
Analyze the impact of architectural designs on building codes, bylaws, space and site requirements, and other technical documents and reports (Australian Standards).
Prepare visual representations or sketches of proposed plans or designs.
Use of computer-aided drafting (CAD) with building information modeling

Drafter Interview Questions

Q1: Tell me about your methods for planning, organizing, and prioritizing your workload.
Q2: When dealing with someone challenging, tell us about your experience and what you did to deal with it.
Q3: Explain an occasion when you were able to effectively explain challenging information to others. Ask the candidate if they have easy access to the person you’re interviewing.
Q4: Tell us when you were in charge of equipment assembly, fabrication, building, upkeep, or modification. What method did you apply to get your point to the workers?
Q5: Tell us when you used new information or technology in your work. What was the benefit to your business?

Job-Related To Drafter

Architects
Civil Engineering Technicians
Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians
Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Industrial Designers
Landscape Architects
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Mechanical Engineers
Surveying and Mapping Technicians
Surveyors

Tips For Hiring A Drafter

Key Characteristics To Look For In A Drafter

#1 Determine what you’re seeking.

Gather all of the necessary information about the position by using an old-fashioned notebook and pen.

What information is essential for this person to have?

Is there a certain task, software, or talent that they must be proficient in?

What kind of schooling are they in need of to be prepared for this job?

Seeking someone to join on for tasks here and there or looking for a more permanent member of your team?

That is the question.

How much have you budgeted for this hire?

Use these questions as a guide to help focus your search and identify the most closely matches your desired job fit.

#2 Take a look at what they’ve done in the past.

There should be some sort of portfolio or other means of showing you the previous work of most experienced draftsmen before hiring them.

Talk to them about the projects after you’ve checked for consistency and quality.

Find out what the project’s requirements and specifications are, as well as how long it will take to complete them.

You may want to inquire about the most difficult component of a specific project.

#3 Avoid paying too much.

Examining a résumé can quickly ensnare you in a seemingly endless array of accomplishments and skills.

Consider compensation, but only pay for the talents you need.

In fact, finding a firm to assist you in hiring the right person could be advantageous and cost-effective.

Just make certain that the organization understands your industry to guarantee that you are connected with the proper kind of individuals.