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.
Architectural and Civil Drafters
SOC: 17-3011 O*NET: 17-3011.00
Median Salary
$64,280
per year
Job Growth
📈 4.1%
Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
10
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
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.
What does a Architectural and Civil Drafters do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$44,040
10th percentile
Early Career
$52,880
25th percentile
Median
$64,280
50th percentile
Experienced
$79,510
75th percentile
Top Earners
$98,190
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$44,040
25th
$52,880
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$64,280
Mean: $68,860
75th
$79,510
90th
$98,190
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $54,150 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $52,880 and $79,510
- •Salary spread is 41.4% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 109,550 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:110,500
Top Industries
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services75.5%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services75.5%
Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services73.1%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+4.1%
Annual Openings:10,000
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)110,500
Current
2034 (Projected)115,100
+4.1%
+4,600
Employment Change
+4.1%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Architectural and Civil Drafters professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
Texas
13,480 jobs$61,5301.37x
California
12,950 jobs$74,3901.01x
Florida
8,140 jobs$61,0801.17x
New York
8,010 jobs$74,7601.18x
Pennsylvania
5,230 jobs$63,3701.22x
Georgia
3,480 jobs$65,2201.01x
Colorado
3,300 jobs$76,9601.60x
Ohio
3,260 jobs$60,5400.83x
North Carolina
3,140 jobs$63,5900.90x
Massachusetts
2,730 jobs$75,8501.05x
Arizona
2,600 jobs$61,4601.15x
Minnesota
2,440 jobs$67,1501.18x
Missouri
2,420 jobs$62,2901.17x
Virginia
2,320 jobs$64,1000.80x
Michigan
2,120 jobs$57,9900.68x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Reading Comprehension
100%
#2
Systems Analysis
94%
#3
Complex Problem Solving
86%
#4
Critical Thinking
80%
#5
Active Learning
74%
#6
Writing
66%
#7
Mathematics
60%
#8
Monitoring
54%
#9
Active Listening
46%
#10
Time Management
40%
Skills Overview
Reading Comprehension
advanced5.0
100%
Systems Analysis
advanced4.7
94%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced4.3
86%
Critical Thinking
intermediate4.0
80%
Active Learning
intermediate3.7
74%
Writing
intermediate3.3
66%
Mathematics
intermediate3.0
60%
Monitoring
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Reading Comprehension
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Systems Analysis
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
Active Learning
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Mathematics
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Monitoring
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Active Listening
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Time Management
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Precision Agriculture Technicians67%
5 shared skills
Chemists67%
5 shared skills
Water/Wastewater Engineers67%
5 shared skills
Energy Auditors67%
5 shared skills
Curators67%
5 shared skills
Desktop Publishers67%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Learn on the Job:
- →Mathematics
- →Writing
- →Monitoring
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Systems Analysis
- ✓Reading Comprehension
- ✓Complex Problem Solving
- ✓Critical Thinking
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Systems Analysis
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Complex Problem Solving
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Active Learning
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Architectural and Civil Drafters
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Autodesk AutoCAD
🔥 Hot TechAutodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
🔥 Hot TechAutodesk Revit
🔥 Hot TechBentley MicroStation
🔥 Hot TechDassault Systemes SolidWorks
🔥 Hot TechTrimble SketchUp Pro
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechAdobe InDesign
🔥 Hot TechC
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft .NET Framework
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Acrobat
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Autodesk AutoCAD
Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
Autodesk Revit
Bentley MicroStation
Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
Trimble SketchUp Pro
Microsoft Access
Adobe InDesign
C
Microsoft .NET Framework
Adobe Acrobat
Microsoft Outlook
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏗️
Location
Varies
💪
Physical Demand
LOW
👥
Team Orientation
Varies
🤝
Customer Interaction
NONE
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in varies environments?
- •Can you meet low physical demands?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (10)Planning & Development (8)Management & Supervision (2)Documentation & Record-Keeping (1)
1
Produce drawings, using computer-assisted drafting systems (CAD) or drafting machines, or by hand, using compasses, dividers, protractors, triangles, and other drafting devices.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Draft plans and detailed drawings for structures, installations, and construction projects, such as highways, sewage disposal systems, and dikes, working from sketches or notes.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development97% perform98%
3
Coordinate structural, electrical, and mechanical designs and determine a method of presentation to graphically represent building plans.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development94% perform96%
4
Analyze building codes, by-laws, space and site requirements, and other technical documents and reports to determine their effect on architectural designs.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development91% perform94%
5
Draw maps, diagrams, and profiles, using cross-sections and surveys, to represent elevations, topographical contours, subsurface formations, and structures.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Lay out and plan interior room arrangements for commercial buildings, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment and software.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development85% perform90%
7
Supervise and train other technologists, technicians, and drafters.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Management & Supervision82% perform88%
8
Determine the order of work and method of presentation, such as orthographic or isometric drawing.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Finish and duplicate drawings and documentation packages according to required mediums and specifications for reproduction, using blueprinting, photography, or other duplicating methods.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Draw rough and detailed scale plans for foundations, buildings, and structures, based on preliminary concepts, sketches, engineering calculations, specification sheets, and other data.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Planning & Development73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Architectural and Civil Drafters
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Architectural and Civil Drafters professionals typically have a RCA Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
AArtistic
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Architectural and Civil Drafters
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.78
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.58
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.33
Analytical Thinking
Very ImportantAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.29
Adaptability/Flexibility
Very ImportantAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level4.15
Independence
ImportantIndependence
Importance Level3.99
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.8
Dependability
4.6
Cooperation
4.3
Analytical Thinking
4.3
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.2
Independence
4.0
Stress Tolerance
4.0
Integrity
3.9
Self-Control
3.8
Initiative
3.8
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
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