Architectural Drafter

Explore This Path

Ideal for those passionate about design and precision in building projects.
Shape the future of infrastructure with detailed architectural and structural plans.
Use cutting-edge CAD technology to bring complex designs to life.

💰 Earn $58K-$84K

📚 Associate Degree

⏱️ 12–24 MONTH TRAINING

📈 1.1% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll Do

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.

Produce drawings, using computer-assisted drafting systems (CAD) or drafting machines, or by hand, using compasses, dividers, protractors, triangles, and other drafting devices.
Draft plans and detailed drawings for structures, installations, and construction projects, such as highways, sewage disposal systems, and dikes, working from sketches or notes.
Coordinate structural, electrical, and mechanical designs and determine a method of presentation to graphically represent building plans.
Analyze building codes, by-laws, space and site requirements, and other technical documents and reports to determine their effect on architectural designs.
Draw maps, diagrams, and profiles, using cross-sections and surveys, to represent elevations, topographical contours, subsurface formations, and structures.

Scoop

Minimum Education

Associate Degree

Career Prospects

Good (Increasing by 1-5%)

Training Time

1 to 2 years

Job Openings

9,200 Annually

Median Earnings

$67,990 in California

$61,820 Nationally

$25K

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$125K

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Real Talk Reel

Want to see what it's like to be a Architectural Drafter? We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life.

@vitaliykoblyuk

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Being creative or artistic
Using data or completing tasks
Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Critical Thinking
Equipment Maintenance
Reading Comprehension
Repairing
Troubleshooting

You value 🙏

Accomplishing things
Having support
Job security

Deep Dive

Architectural Drafter

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-3 years

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years