CFChooseField
Engineering and Architecture

Architectural and Civil Drafters

Prepare detailed drawings of architectural and structural features of buildings or drawings and topographical relief maps used in civil engineering projects, such as highways, bridges, and public works. Use knowledge of building materials, engineering practices, and mathematics to complete drawings.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Architectural and Civil Drafters
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Median pay

$64,280
Median annual pay for Architectural and Civil Drafters.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

4.1%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

10,000
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

110,500
Estimated U.S. employment for Architectural and Civil Drafters in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+4,600
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Associate's degree
Typical education needed to enter Architectural and Civil Drafters.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Reading Comprehension
  2. 2Active Learning
  3. 3Critical Thinking
  4. 4Writing
  5. 5Active Listening
  6. 6Mathematics

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Design
  2. 2Building and Construction
  3. 3Engineering and Technology
  4. 4English Language
  5. 5Computers and Electronics
  6. 6Mathematics

Abilities

  1. 1Near Vision
  2. 2Oral Comprehension
  3. 3Visualization
  4. 4Written Comprehension
  5. 5Written Expression
  6. 6Deductive Reasoning

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Artistic
  4. 4Investigative
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Enterprising

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Achievement Orientation
  5. 5Integrity
  6. 6Intellectual Curiosity

Work activities

  1. 1Working with Computers
  2. 2Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
  3. 3Getting Information
  4. 4Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
  5. 5Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  6. 6Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Work context

  1. 1E-Mail
  2. 2Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  3. 3Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  4. 4Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  5. 5Spend Time Sitting
  6. 6Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

Representative tasks

  • Produce drawings, using computer-assisted drafting systems (CAD) or drafting machines, or by hand, using compasses, dividers, protractors, triangles, and other drafting devices.
  • Draft plans and detailed drawings for structures, installations, and construction projects, such as highways, sewage disposal systems, and dikes, working from sketches or notes.
  • Coordinate structural, electrical, and mechanical designs and determine a method of presentation to graphically represent building plans.
  • Analyze building codes, by-laws, space and site requirements, and other technical documents and reports to determine their effect on architectural designs.
  • Draw maps, diagrams, and profiles, using cross-sections and surveys, to represent elevations, topographical contours, subsurface formations, and structures.
  • Lay out and plan interior room arrangements for commercial buildings, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment and software.
  • Supervise and train other technologists, technicians, and drafters.
  • Determine the order of work and method of presentation, such as orthographic or isometric drawing.

Software and tools

Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D · in demandMicrosoft Excel · in demandAutodesk Revit · in demandAutodesk AutoCAD · in demandMicrosoft Outlook · in demandMicrosoft Office software · in demandMicrosoft PowerPoint · in demandBentley MicroStation · in demandTrimble SketchUp Pro · in demandAdobe Illustrator · in demandAdobe Creative Cloud software · in demandAdobe Photoshop · in demand

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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