All About Architectural Drafters
Architectural Drafter Job Description Prepare detailed drawings of architectural designs and plans for buildings and structures according to specifications provided by architect.
Daily Life Of an Architectural Drafter
- Obtain and assemble data to complete architectural designs, visiting job sites to compile measurements as necessary.
- Supervise, coordinate, and inspect the work of draftspersons, technicians, and technologists on construction projects.
- Determine procedures and instructions to be followed, according to design specifications and quantity of required materials.
- Represent architect on construction site, ensuring builder compliance with design specifications and advising on design corrections, under architect’s supervision.
- Check dimensions of materials to be used and assign numbers to lists of materials.
- Calculate heat loss and gain of buildings and structures to determine required equipment specifications, following standard procedures.
Featured schools near , edit
Qualities of an Architectural Drafter
These are the skills Architectural Drafters say are the most useful in their careers:
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.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Systems Analysis: Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Types of Architectural Drafter Jobs
- Steel Detailer
- Computer-Aided Design Drafter (CAD Drafter)
- Computer Aided Drafter
- Plumbing Designer
- Designer
Job Opportunities for Architectural Drafters
In the United States, there were 99,600 jobs for Architectural Drafter in 2016. 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. The BLS estimates 9,500 yearly job openings in this field.
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.
Architectural Drafter 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.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Architectural Drafters 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 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
How do I Become an Architectural Drafter?
Individuals working as an Architectural Drafter have obtained the following education levels:
What work experience do I need to become an Architectural Drafter?
Where Architectural Drafters Are Employed
The table below shows the approximate number of Architectural Drafters employed by various industries.
You May Also Be Interested In…
Those thinking about becoming an Architectural Drafter might also be interested in the following careers:
Career changers with experience as an Architectural Drafter sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
Image Credit: Pixabay via CC0 License
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
Request Info
|
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |
GradDegree.com provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© GradDegree.com – All Rights Reserved.