Architectural and Civil Drafters
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.Salary by State
| State Name | Employment | Annual Salary | Hourly Salary | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 1,230 | $54,230 | $26.07 | |
| Alaska | 140 | $73,210 | $35.20 | |
| Arizona | 2,480 | $60,080 | $28.89 | |
| Arkansas | 690 | $53,260 | $25.61 | |
| California | 14,330 | $66,140 | $31.80 | |
| Colorado | 2,800 | $65,310 | $31.40 | |
| Connecticut | 1,050 | $63,900 | $30.72 | |
| Delaware | 380 | $58,060 | $27.92 | |
| District of Columbia | 780 | $75,980 | $36.53 | |
| Florida | 6,860 | $55,820 | $26.84 | |
| Georgia | 2,630 | $61,030 | $29.34 | |
| Hawaii | 290 | $64,010 | $30.77 | |
| Idaho | 760 | $49,540 | $23.82 | |
| Illinois | 2,500 | $65,950 | $31.71 | |
| Indiana | 1,080 | $57,700 | $27.74 | |
| Iowa | 1,160 | $56,370 | $27.10 | |
| Kansas | 430 | $52,290 | $25.14 | |
| Kentucky | 840 | $49,970 | $24.02 | |
| Louisiana | 890 | $59,850 | $28.77 | |
| Maine | 410 | $56,190 | $27.02 | |
| Maryland | 1,180 | $71,590 | $34.42 | |
| Massachusetts | 2,180 | $67,080 | $32.25 | |
| Michigan | 1,830 | $52,800 | $25.38 | |
| Minnesota | 1,720 | $61,630 | $29.63 | |
| Mississippi | 460 | $46,650 | $22.43 | |
| Missouri | 2,340 | $58,040 | $27.90 | |
| Montana | 540 | $54,480 | $26.19 | |
| Nebraska | 690 | $53,660 | $25.80 | |
| Nevada | 1,000 | $60,330 | $29.00 | |
| New Hampshire | 590 | $61,010 | $29.33 | |
| New Jersey | 2,450 | $62,820 | $30.20 | |
| New Mexico | 540 | $53,810 | $25.87 | |
| New York | 7,680 | $64,020 | $30.78 | |
| North Carolina | 2,260 | $57,200 | $27.50 | |
| North Dakota | 300 | $55,090 | $26.48 | |
| Ohio | 3,620 | $62,630 | $30.11 | |
| Oklahoma | 1,270 | $59,770 | $28.74 | |
| Oregon | 1,120 | $58,760 | $28.25 | |
| Pennsylvania | 4,680 | $60,850 | $29.26 | |
| Rhode Island | 270 | $64,630 | $31.07 | |
| South Carolina | 950 | $63,840 | $30.69 | |
| South Dakota | 340 | $43,570 | $20.95 | |
| Tennessee | 1,540 | $58,020 | $27.90 | |
| Texas | 11,050 | $57,740 | $27.76 | |
| Utah | 2,560 | $53,510 | $25.73 | |
| Vermont | 120 | $62,020 | $29.82 | |
| Virginia | 1,890 | $57,300 | $27.55 | |
| Washington | 2,060 | $63,690 | $30.62 | |
| West Virginia | 280 | $56,040 | $26.94 | |
| Wisconsin | 1,840 | $58,300 | $28.03 | |
| Wyoming | 170 | $51,460 | $24.74 |
Education
The programs listed below are typically the education paths that can land you this kind of job.
A program that prepares individuals to assist architects in developing plans and related documentation and in performing architectural office services. Includes instruction in architectural drafting, computer-assisted drafting and design, construction methods and materials, environmental systems, building codes and standards, structural principles, cost estimation, planning documentation, visual communication skills, display production, and architectural office management.
A program that focuses on the application of advanced technology to building design and construction, retrofitting existing buildings, and efficient operation of buildings, including lighting and daylight design, acoustics, solar design, building conservation, and energy-conscious design. Includes instruction in architecture, building technology, civil and structural engineering, mechanical engineering, environmental control systems, sustainability, and computer tools and applications.
Any instructional program in architectural sciences and technology not listed above.
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of architects, engineers and planners engaged in designing and developing buildings, urban complexes, and related systems. Includes instruction in design testing procedures, building site analysis, model building and computer graphics, engineering drawing, structural systems testing, analysis of prototype mechanical and interior systems, test equipment operation and maintenance, and report preparation.
A program that prepares individuals to generally apply technical skills to create working drawings and computer simulations for a variety of applications. Includes instruction in specification interpretation, dimensioning techniques, drafting calculations, material estimation, technical communications, computer applications, and interpersonal communications.
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical skills and advanced computer software and hardware to the creation of graphic representations and simulations in support of engineering projects. Includes instruction in engineering graphics, two-dimensional and three-dimensional engineering design, solids modeling, engineering animation, computer-aided drafting (CAD), computer-aided design (CADD), and auto-CAD techniques.
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to develop working drawings and electronic simulations for architectural and related construction projects. Includes instruction in basic construction and structural design, architectural rendering, architectural-aided drafting (CAD), layout and designs, architectural blueprint interpretation, building materials, and basic structural wiring diagramming.
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to develop working drawing and electronic simulations in support of civil engineers, geological engineers, and related professionals. Includes instruction in basic civil engineering principles, geological and seismographic mapping, machine drafting, computer-aided drafting (CAD), pipe drafting, survey interpretation, and blueprint reading.
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills in the use of three-dimensional (3-D) computer technology to create technical illustrations and models used in manufacturing, design, production, and construction. Includes instruction in 3-D computer-aided design (CAD), 3-D printing, 3-D model design and construction, and 3-D scanning.
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$60,620 per yearNational average salaryDecliningJob growth rate
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Associate's degreeTypical education requirement
Educational Attainment
The following chart shows the highest education level completed by those working as architectural and civil drafters.
- Less than high school 2%
- High school graduate 11%
- College dropout 21%
- Associate’s degree 32%
- Bachelor’s degree 28%
- Master’s degree 6%
- Doctorate degree 1%
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