Drafter

The complete career guide to be a Drafter: salary, job growth, employers, best schools, and education you may need to get started.

$53,470

-3%

Job Growth Rate

Don't Take Work Home

Drafters transform the ideas of architects and engineers into detailed, implementable construction plans called blueprints. Using computer-aid design (CAD) software, drafters transform rough sketches and ideas into actionable building plans. They draft designs for electronics, buildings, and civil projects.

The following job responsibilities are common for individuals in drafter roles:

• Discuss sketches and ideas with architects/engineers to form a complete understanding of the needs and goals of a project
• Operate computer-aided design (CAD) and building information modeling (BIM) software to transform ideas into actionable building plans
• Detail plans with all information needed to complete a project, such as dimensions and building materials
• Review completed designs with engineers/architects to determine that final blueprints are correct

Between the architect/engineer of an exciting new product or structure and the individuals who build it is a drafter. Drafters bring engineer’s and architect’s ideas to life by creating the blueprints that will be used to create new buildings, products, or components. They work closely with engineers and architects to gain a full understanding of the project being proposed, and they transform those ideas into technical, detailed blueprints that provide the team that builds the project with a plan for construction.

To create blueprints, drafters use highly sophisticated computer-aided design (CAD) software allows them to create blueprints in a standard format that builders are used to following, and building information modeling (BIM) software allows drafters to create 3-D models of the project. The 3-D models are used to refine ideas with architects, engineers, and their clients. Showing exactly what a finished project will look like, 3-D models allow for refinement of ideas and suggestions until everyone agrees to move forward with a plan.

Drafters work for multiple industries. They may work in building construction, drafting blueprints for new homes, businesses, and skyscrapers. They may work on government projects and draft plans for civil projects like bridges, dams, and parks. They may also work alongside engineers in product/component development, drafting plans for new electronics, appliances, or cell phones, as well as the components used in those products that make them work.

Most drafter roles are full-time positions conducted during normal business hours. They may occasionally have to work overtime to meet deadlines for creating blueprints.

• Architectural drafters work alongside architects and develop blueprints for new building construction.
• Civil drafters design blueprints and topographical maps that are used in civil projects for building things like dams, bridges, parks, and public transportation systems.
• Electrical and electronics drafters work alongside engineers and draft blueprints for new electronics, appliances, and electrical components.

For the most part, drafters work for one of three types of companies: architectural or engineering consulting companies, manufacturing companies, or construction companies.

To become a drafter, you’ll need to earn either an associate’s degree in drafting or complete a postsecondary certificate program that focuses on drafting. These programs teach aspiring drafters how to perform their roles by training them how to create blueprints using computer-aided design (CAD) and building information modeling (BIM) software. Students may choose to pursue a general drafting education, or they may choose to focus their coursework on the specialization they’re most interested in pursuing after college.

After graduating with a certificate or associate’s degree, you’ll qualify for entry-level positions as a drafter. Most drafters start off working with manufacturing companies in assistant…