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Architectural Drafter

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What Do Architectural Drafter Do?

Job Description & Duties Prepare detailed drawings of architectural designs and plans for buildings and structures according to specifications provided by architect.

Architectural Drafter Responsibilities

  • Analyze building codes, by-laws, space and site requirements, and other technical documents and reports to determine their effect on architectural designs.
  • Calculate heat loss and gain of buildings and structures to determine required equipment specifications, following standard procedures.
  • Lay out and plan interior room arrangements for commercial buildings, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment and software.
  • Determine procedures and instructions to be followed, according to design specifications and quantity of required materials.
  • Build landscape, architectural, and display models.
  • Coordinate structural, electrical, and mechanical designs and determine a method of presentation to graphically represent building plans.

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

  • Detailer
  • Steel Detailer
  • Architect
  • Marine Drafter
  • Architectural Computer-Aided Design Technician (Architectural CAD Technician)

What Kind of Architectural Drafter Job Opportunities Are There?

There were about 99,600 jobs for Architectural 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 Architectural Drafter by 2026. The BLS estimates 9,500 yearly job openings in this field.

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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.

What is the Average Salary of an Architectural Drafter

The typical yearly salary for Architectural Drafters is somewhere between $35,020 and $80,880.

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Architectural Drafters who work in District of Columbia, Illinois, or California, make the highest salaries.

How much do Architectural Drafters make in each U.S. state?

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 & Technology 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

Becoming an Architectural Drafter

Are there Architectural Drafters education requirements?

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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Architectural Drafters Sector

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Architectural Drafters work in the following industries:

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Those thinking about becoming an Architectural Drafter might also be interested in the following careers:

Those who work as an Architectural Drafter sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:

References:

Image Credit: Pixabay via CC0 License

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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