What Does An Architectural Drafter Do (including Their Typical Day at Work)

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Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz

Architectural Drafters

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

Salary
$59120
Becoming One
Hard
Education
Bachelor's degree
Job Satisfaction
Job Growth
Low

Personality


What they do

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

  • Operate computer-aided drafting (CAD) equipment or conventional drafting station to produce designs, working drawings, charts, forms, and records.
  • 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.
  • Layout and plan interior room arrangements for commercial buildings, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment and software.

Typical day

On a daily basis, Architectural Drafters analyze technical implications of an architect’s design concept, calculating weights, volumes, and stress factors. They operate computer-aided drafting (cad) equipment or conventional drafting station to produce designs, working drawings, charts, forms, and records.

A typical day for an Architectural Drafter will also include:

  • Determine procedures and instructions to be followed, according to design specifications and quantity of required materials.
  • Draw rough and detailed scale plans for foundations, buildings, and structures, based on preliminary concepts, sketches, engineering calculations, specification sheets, and other data.
  • 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.
  • Reproduce drawings on copy machines or trace copies of plans and drawings, using transparent paper or cloth, ink, pencil, and standard drafting instruments.

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Architectural Drafters also prepare cost estimates, contracts, bidding documents, and technical reports for specific projects under an architect’s supervision. They may also represent architects on the construction site, ensuring builder compliance with design specifications and advising on design corrections, under the architect’s supervision.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Architectural Drafters prepare colored drawings of landscape and interior designs for presentation to clients. They might also create freehand drawings and lettering to accompany drawings.

In addition, they obtain and assemble data to complete architectural designs, visiting job sites to compile measurements as necessary.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them check the dimensions of materials to be used and assign numbers to lists of materials.

To some Architectural Drafters, it is also their responsibility to determine procedures and instructions to be followed, according to design specifications and quantity of required materials.

What is the job like

Job satisfaction

Average

Is this job meaningful

Average

66% said they were satisfied with their job and 48% said they found their job meaningful.


Sabrina Beaumont
Passion Plans

I am one of the architectural drafters at Passion Plans, a growing set of platforms offering house plans to aspiring house builders.

Turning designs into actual drawings: One of the main responsibilities I have is to work with a set of really talented architects and turning their vision into the actual drawings that are going up on the platform. Besides that, I also help make sure that design alterations that come in are managed in ways that stay true to the initial design and feel of a home while maintaining compliance with building codes.

Flexibility to do my work when I want: Suffering from insomnia, I appreciate that I can mostly do this work at all hours of the day, whether that means I am up working on a design at 3 am.

Understanding of software: Architectural drafting also gives me the option to both live out my creative side as well as my passion for software and computers, where I feel this role offers me a good amount of both.

On the downside, when I disagree on the changes, I often don’t have the final say on the changes. Whether it is a customer or an architect, there are definitely times when I don’t feel the final design is true to the vision I had for the project.


Pros

Suitable for people who like to work with designs.

Suitable for people who wants job security and a good working condition.

This career is perfect for people who love to work indoors.

Normal working hours (40 hours per week).

Cons

Not suitable for people who like to help and teach others.

Salary is below average.

It is hard to get into this career. A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career.

How much do they make

Average salary

$59120 per year

Average hourly wage

$28 per hour

Entry-level Architectural Drafters with little to no experience can expect to make anywhere between $36,590 to $45,770 per year or $18 to $22 per hour.

Salary by experience Annual Hourly
Highest (Top 10%) $83,740 $40
Senior (Top 25%) $70,170 $34
Median $57,500 $28
Junior (Bottom 25%) $45,770 $22
No experience (Bottom 10%) $36,590 $18

This table shows the top 10 highest paying industries for Architectural Drafters based on their average annual salary.

Salary by industry Annual Hourly
Water, Sewage and Other Systems $89480 $43.02
Scientific Research and Development Services $75460 $36.28
Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution $74340 $35.74
Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction $73090 $35.14
Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services $72840 $35.02
Oil and Gas Extraction $71210 $34.24
Telecommunications $70130 $33.72
Natural Gas Distribution $68210 $32.79
Software Publishers $67960 $32.68
Professional and Commercial Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers $66050 $31.76

View more salary by industries here.

Where can they work

Where can Architectural Drafters work? Here is a table showing the top 10 largest employers of Architectural Drafters including the average salary in that industry.

Employers Total Employed Annual Salary Hourly Wages
Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services 73820 $59260 $28.49
Residential Building Construction 2390 $57080 $27.44
Nonresidential Building Construction 2150 $61240 $29.44
Building Equipment Contractors 2060 $63260 $30.41
Veneer, Plywood, and Engineered Wood Product Manufacturing 1500 $54190 $26.05
Furniture and Related Product Manufacturing 1310 $53490 $25.71
Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing 1230 $54650 $26.27
Foundation, Structure, and Building Exterior Contractors 1220 $60090 $28.89
Local Government 1090 $61620 $29.62
Computer Systems Design and Related Services 870 $63360 $30.46

What is the work day like

Working hours

Less than 40 hours
0%

40 hours
63%

More than 40 hours
37%

Working schedule

100%

0%

0%

Email

How often do you use email in this job?

Once a week
4%

Every day
96%

Telephone

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

Once a week
48%

Every day
44%

Group discussions

How often do you have group discussions in this job?

Once a week
1%

Every day
98%

Public speaking

How often does this job require you to do public speaking?

Never
12%

Once a year
10%

Once a month
47%

Once a week
31%

Every day
0%

Level of competition

How much competitive pressure is in this job?

Not competitive at all
1%

Slightly competitive
3%

Moderately competitive
60%

Highly competitive
26%

Extremely competitive
10%

What is the work environment like

Office-style environment

Indoors in an environmentally controlled condition

Never
2%

Once a year or more
0%

Once a month or more
1%

Once a week or more
24%

Every day
73%

Warehouse-style environment

Indoors in a non-controlled environmental condition such as a warehouse

Never
71%

Once a year or more
5%

Once a month or more
1%

Once a week or more
24%

Every day
0%

Outdoors

Outdoors exposed to all weather conditions

Never
16%

Once a year or more
34%

Once a month or more
27%

Once a week or more
24%

Every day
0%

Outdoors – Under Cover

Outdoors but under cover (e.g. structure with roof but no walls)

Never
45%

Once a year or more
32%

Once a month or more
0%

Once a week or more
24%

Every day
0%

How to become one

Difficulty to become one

Hard
You will need a considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience. Careers in this difficulty category usually require a Bachelor’s degree and several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training. Similar careers include Database Administrators, Chemists, Art Directors, and Accountants.

Required level of education

What level of education do you need to perform the job?

Less than a High School Diploma
0%

High School Diploma or equivalent
0%

Post-Secondary Certificate
1%

Some College Courses
0%

Associate’s Degree or similar
18%

Bachelor’s Degree
55%

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
0%

Master’s Degree
26%

Post-Master’s Certificate
0%

First Professional Degree
0%

Doctoral Degree
0%

Post-Doctoral Training
0%

Relevant majors

3D Modeling and Design Technology

A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills in the use of three-dimensional (3-D) computer technology to create technical illustrations and models used in manufacturing, design, production, and construction. Includes instruction in 3-D computer-aided design (CAD), 3-D printing, 3-D model design and construction, and 3-D scanning.

Drafting and Design Technology

A program that prepares individuals to generally apply technical skills to create working drawings and computer simulations for a variety of applications. Includes instruction in specification interpretation, dimensioning techniques, drafting calculations, material estimation, technical communications, computer applications, and interpersonal communications.

CAD/CADD Drafting and/or Design Technology

A program that prepares individuals to apply technical skills and advanced computer software and hardware to the creation of graphic representations and simulations in support of engineering projects. Includes instruction in engineering graphics, two-dimensional and three-dimensional engineering design, solids modeling, engineering animation, computer-aided drafting (CAD), computer-aided design (CADD), and auto-CAD techniques.


Architectural Drafting and Architectural CAD/CADD

A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to develop working drawings and electronic simulations for architectural and related construction projects. Includes instruction in basic construction and structural design, architectural rendering, architectural-aided drafting (CAD), layout and designs, architectural blueprint interpretation, building materials, and basic structural wiring diagramming.

Civil Drafting and Civil Engineering CAD/CADD

A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to develop working drawing and electronic simulations in support of civil engineers, geological engineers, and related professionals. Includes instruction in basic civil engineering principles, geological and seismographic mapping, machine drafting, computer-aided drafting (CAD), pipe drafting, survey interpretation, and blueprint reading.

Architectural Engineering Technologies

A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of architects, engineers and planners engaged in designing and developing buildings, urban complexes, and related systems. Includes instruction in design testing procedures, building site analysis, model building and computer graphics, engineering drawing, structural systems testing, analysis of prototype mechanical and interior systems, test equipment operation and maintenance, and report preparation.


Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology

A program that focuses on the application of advanced technology to building design and construction, retrofitting existing buildings, and efficient operation of buildings, including lighting and daylight design, acoustics, solar design, building conservation, and energy-conscious design. Includes instruction in architecture, building technology, civil and structural engineering, mechanical engineering, environmental control systems, sustainability, and computer tools and applications.

Architectural Technology

A program that prepares individuals to assist architects in developing plans and related documentation and in performing architectural office services. Includes instruction in architectural drafting, computer-assisted drafting and design, construction methods and materials, environmental systems, building codes and standards, structural principles, cost estimation, planning documentation, visual communication skills, display production, and architectural office management.


Relevant work experience

How much related work experience do you need to get hired for the job?

None
27%

1 month
0%

1 to 3 months
0%

3 to 6 months
1%

6 months to 1 year
34%

1 to 2 years
2%

2 to 4 years
1%

4 to 6 years
2%

6 to 8 years
0%

8 to 10 years
32%

Over 10 years
1%

On The Job Training

How much on the job training do you need to perform the job?

None or short demonstration
1%

1 month
33%

1 to 3 months
27%

3 to 6 months
7%

6 months to 1 year
28%

1 to 2 years
3%

2 to 4 years
1%

4 to 10 years
0%

Over 10 years
0%

Should you become one

Best personality type for this career

The Artist

People with this personality likes to work with designs and patterns. They prefer activities that require self-expression and prefer work that can be done without following a clear set of rules.

The Builder
76%

People with The Builder personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.


The Thinker
67%

People with The Thinker personality likes to work with ideas that require an extensive amount of thinking. They prefer work that requires them to solve problems mentally.


The Artist
81%

People with The Artist personality likes to work with designs and patterns. They prefer activities that require self-expression and prefer work that can be done without following a clear set of rules.


The Helper
19%

People with The Helper personality type likes to work with people and in teams. They prefer work that allows them to build relationships with others.


The Leader
33%

People with The Leader personality likes to start and work on projects. They also like leading people and making many decisions.


The Organizer
62%

People with The Organizer personality type likes to follow set procedures and routines. They prefer working with data and details more than with ideas.


You can read more about these career personality types here.

People who are suitable for this job tend to like working with forms, designs, and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

They also like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.

Take this quiz to see if this is the right career for you.

Work Values

Which values are the most important to a person’s satisfaction for this job?

Achievement
62%

You are someone who is results oriented. You prefer work that allows you to utilize your skills and abilities while at the same time giving you a sense of accomplishment.

Working Conditions
64%

You are someone who values job security, steady employment, and good working conditions. You also prefer work that keeps you busy all the time with something different to do every day.

Recognition
57%

You are someone who values job advancement and leadership roles. You prefer work that receives recognition for the work you do and jobs that are looked up to by others in the company and your community.

Relationships
57%

You are someone who likes to provide a service to others. You prefer a work environment where you can work with your co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment.

Support
57%

You are someone who values a company that stands behind their employees. You prefer a work environment where everyone is treated fairly and is being supported by the company.

Independence
48%

You are someone who likes to work on your own and make your own decisions. You prefer work that requires little supervision and are allowed to try out your own ideas.

FAQ


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