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The Salary Range For a Drafter
Drafters are engineering technicians who make detailed technical drawings and plans using computer software and manual sketches. Their job is to convert the plans and designs of engineers and architects into practical drawings and plans. The salary ranges for drafters vary, depending on the degree earned and the employer’s location. Below, you’ll find out more about the typical career path for drafters. And don’t forget to read the job description, which includes a wealth of information.
The career outlook for drafters
If you love working with computers and design, drafting is a great career choice. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, drafters will have about 17 thousand new jobs between 2016 and 2026. You can expect a median annual wage of $13 per hour if you have the right training. In Canada, drafters in Alberta and Ontario should seek a professional engineering license. Because of their growth potential, these careers are considered highly attractive.
As your career progresses, it’s important to continue to expand your knowledge and skills. Earning your Certified Drafter or Civil Drafter credential will show potential employers that you have advanced your skills. You can also network with other drafters to learn new tips and keep abreast of job openings. In addition, joining a professional organization can help you stay on top of the latest trends in your field. Finally, membership in professional organizations can also help you network with other drafters in your area.
Despite a slow economic recovery, employment growth for drafters is projected to remain stable through 2022. The job growth rate is expected to be slower than average overall, with civil and architectural drafting projected to grow the fastest. The rising population and construction activity should boost the number of job openings. While CADD and other computer-aided design (CAD) systems are replacing drafting, these advancements are expected to reduce the demand for drafters.
There are many opportunities for aspiring drafters in the industry. Entry-level drafters typically work under close supervision. As they advance, however, they may have to perform more complex work with less supervision. Intermediate drafters may require more calculation skills and exercise greater judgment when preparing drawings. They may progress to senior drafters, designers, or supervisors. Continuing education can also help you advance your career. Many employers will pay for your continuing education. If you pursue a college degree in drafting, you can become an architect or engineering technician.
You need at least two years of postsecondary drafting training to become a drafter. However, many drafters have an associate degree in drafting or other related fields. Additionally, work experience can improve your skills. To get started, you can purchase AutoCad or TurboCad and use tutorials to hone your skills. Drafters are responsible for solving problems in plans and designs. There are many different types of drafting.
Education required
The education required for a job as a drafter depends on the particular job you’re interested in. An engineer by training, a drafter’s duties typically involve creating detailed technical plans and drawings using manual sketches and computer software. They work as a bridge-building or architectural designer’s second or third line of defense. To start your career as a drafter, you must have an associate’s degree in engineering, mathematics, or equivalent.
A two-year associate’s degree in drafting or a four-year college degree can prepare you for a career as a drafter. While most four-year colleges do not offer specific training in drafting, you can take courses in architecture, engineering, math, and other fields. While you may not need a four-year degree to become a drafter, earning a bachelor’s degree in drafting is a better option if you’re hoping to improve your prospects in the field.
A community college can also help you advance your career as a drafter. Community colleges often offer to draft programs that introduce students to a broader range of drafting theories. Many also require a certain number of general education courses so students can get a well-rounded education. If you’re ambitious and want to earn additional certifications, you can seek certification from the American Design Drafting Association. Certifications from the ADA can help prospective employers see your expertise in drafting.
The median salary for a drafter is $60290 a year. The average annual salary for a drafter is expected to decline by 4% between 2019 and 2029. However, some fields, such as electrical drafting, are projected to grow. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree or higher to earn your dream job. Once you’ve completed your education, you’ll be well on your way to a successful career in this field.
A structural drafter creates technical drawings of buildings and structures. They use computer software to calculate dimensions and other aspects of construction. A structural drafter also must have excellent communication skills and be capable of working independently or as part of a team. They may work in construction, educational institutions, research organizations, or government agencies. However, it is important to remember that you may need a bachelor’s degree in engineering before being hired as a drafter.
Earning potential
The median annual salary for a drafter is $53,480. While job growth is steady, the field does not exhibit the same growth potential as other occupations. A CAD and architectural drafting degree will equip you with the skills necessary to excel in this specialized field, regardless of where you want to work. The following table provides a quick overview of the salary range for a drafter in various locations. Read on to learn more.
Although this profession is dominated by males, women are increasingly pursuing it. Many are attracted to the work’s flexibility, physicality, and nature. Additionally, it can be a flexible job that allows you to work from home. Despite the low earning potential, there are numerous advantages to becoming a drafter. Among these are the flexibility and potential for advancement. In addition, as a drafter, you’ll be able to work independently, improving your productivity.
As a drafter, you’ll be responsible for converting the ideas of architects and engineers into detailed drawings. You’ll typically work on various projects. To be successful, you’ll need to be able to translate a client’s ideas into a drawing, and you’ll need to understand how the elements should be arranged in a drawing. The job requires excellent technical skills, problem-solving skills, and a keen eye for detail.
In May 2012, the median annual wage for drafters was just under $50,000. The lowest ten percent of drafters earned under $33,000 annually, while the highest ten percent made over $77,000 per year. Therefore, drafters in electrical engineering tend to earn higher than average engineers. As an example, electrical engineers earn around $18 per hour. However, drafters who are in the top ten percent of this profession earn more than $77,000 per year on average.
To advance in the field, drafters will need to be proficient in computer-aided drafting software used by engineers and architects to make construction drawings. Additionally, drafters can move into architectural and engineering technician roles. If they have a bachelor’s degree, their earning potential will continue to grow. This career requires good math skills and a thorough understanding of architectural design principles. However, becoming a drafter is possible without a college degree.
Employment Outlook
The overall job outlook for drafters is positive, but the specific employment outlook varies greatly. Some areas will experience a significant increase in demand, including the construction industry, which is predicted to grow by about 17 percent by 2022. As a result, architectural and civil drafters will see increased opportunities due to the high number of construction projects. However, using advanced CADD systems and BIM software, which perform many of the tasks previously done by drafters, will likely decrease employment in these fields.
Entry-level drafters work under close supervision. Intermediate-level drafters advance to higher-level positions where they exercise more judgment and perform calculations while preparing drawings. Finally, advanced drafters may progress to the role of senior drafters, designers, and supervisors. While the initial training and experience for drafting positions are specialized, many employers will help you complete your education. Depending on your training, you could earn a college degree to be a civil or architectural engineer.
The median annual wage for a drafter is $60,290. However, the average earner earns more than this median wage. The lowest 10 percent earn $37,390, while the top ten percent earn more than $92,970. Drafters typically work full-time, although some may work more than 40 hours per week. Despite the poor employment outlook, drafters can still find temporary jobs and contract work in various sectors. While they may not be able to secure employment immediately, voluntary certification can help you increase your employability.
While the median salary for a drafter is below average, the field has various specializations. For example, civil and architectural drafters may specialize in preparing topographical maps for construction projects. While architectural drafters may work in comfortable offices, they must endure long hours in front of a computer. These jobs can also cause back discomfort, eye strain, and hand problems. However, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.