Architectural Drafters

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

Median Annual Wage: $49,970

Education: Bachelor's degree (68%); Post-baccalaureate certificate (15%); Some college, no degree (8%)

Projected Growth: Little or no change (-2% to 2%)

Related Job Titles: Architect; Project Manager; Intern Architect; Drafter; Draftsman; Architectural Drafter; CAD Technician (Computer-Aided Design Technician); Architectural Designer; Architectural Intern; Architectural Draftsman

Browse Job Listings

Browse Schools

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Architectural Drafters.

More Architecture and Engineering Careers

  • Analyze building codes, by-laws, space and site requirements, and other technical documents and reports to determine their effect on architectural designs.
  • Coordinate structural, electrical, and mechanical designs and determine a method of presentation to graphically represent building plans.
  • Draw rough and detailed scale plans for foundations, buildings, and structures, based on preliminary concepts, sketches, engineering calculations, specification sheets, and other data.
  • Lay out and plan interior room arrangements for commercial buildings, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment and software.
  • Obtain and assemble data to complete architectural designs, visiting job sites to compile measurements as necessary.
  • Supervise, coordinate, and inspect the work of draftspersons, technicians, and technologists on construction projects.
  • Determine procedures and instructions to be followed, according to design specifications and quantity of required materials.
  • Represent architect on construction site, ensuring builder compliance with design specifications and advising on design corrections, under architect's supervision.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Architectural Drafters.

  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.
  • Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  • Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Architectural Drafters.

Search Local Job Listings