What Do Civil Drafter Do?
Example of Civil Drafter Job Prepare drawings and topographical and relief maps used in civil engineering projects, such as highways, bridges, pipelines, flood control projects, and water and sewerage control systems.
Life As a Civil Drafter: What Do They Do?
- Locate and identify symbols on topographical surveys to denote geological and geophysical formations or oil field installations.
- Correlate, interpret, and modify data obtained from topographical surveys, well logs, and geophysical prospecting reports.
- Finish and duplicate drawings and documentation packages according to required mediums and specifications for reproduction, using blueprinting, photography, or other duplicating methods.
- Calculate excavation tonnage and prepare graphs and fill-hauling diagrams for use in earth-moving operations.
- Determine the order of work and method of presentation, such as orthographic or isometric drawing.
- Draft plans and detailed drawings for structures, installations, and construction projects, such as highways, sewage disposal systems, and dikes, working from sketches or notes.
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What Every Civil Drafter Should Know
These are the skills Civil Drafters say are the most useful in their careers:
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
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.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Computer-Aided Design Operator (CAD Operator)
- Truss Designer
- Geophysical Drafter
- Draftsperson
- Computer-Aided Drafter
What Kind of Civil Drafter Job Opportunities Are There?
There were about 99,600 jobs for Civil Drafter in 2016 (in the United States). 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 Civil Drafter by 2026. The BLS estimates 9,500 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Civil 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.
Civil Drafter Salary
The average yearly salary of a Civil Drafter ranges between $35,020 and $80,880.

Civil Drafters who work in District of Columbia, Illinois, or California, make the highest salaries.
How much do Civil Drafters make 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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Civil Drafters
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Civil Drafters:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Project
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Microsoft Visio
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Extensible markup language XML
- Bentley Microstation
- PTC Creo Parametric
- ESRI ArcView
- Autodesk Revit
- Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
- Computer aided design and drafting software CADD
- Geomechanical design analysis GDA software
- Adobe Systems Adobe After Effects
- ESRI ArcGIS software
How do I Become a Civil Drafter?
Are there Civil Drafters education requirements?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Civil Drafters Sector

The table below shows the approximate number of Civil Drafters employed by various industries.

Similar Careers
Those interested in being a Civil Drafter may also be interested in:
References:
Image Credit: Pixabay via CC0 License
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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