Architectural Drafter

Your Fit

Income

$62K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

0.6%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Architectural Drafter?

An Architectural Drafter is responsible for creating detailed technical drawings and plans for buildings and structures based on the specifications provided by architects. These drawings are crucial in the building process, guiding construction teams and serving as a visual guide for completed projects.

Sample job titles:

Architectural Drafter, Civil Drafter, Computer-Aided Drafting Designer (CAD Designer), Draftsman

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Architectural Drafter.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Architectural Drafter earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Architectural Drafter.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$44K per year	$52K per year	$62K per year	$76K per year	$93K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $2.6K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Architectural Drafter do?

Work environment

Architectural Drafters typically work in architecture firms, engineering firms, or construction companies. They primarily work in office settings, using computers and specialized software to create their drawings. Collaboration with architects, engineers, and sometimes construction managers is common to ensure accuracy and adherence to design specifications.

Quick task list

Creates detailed architectural drawings and plans using CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software.
Revises designs and layouts to meet changing architectural specifications.
Collaborates with architects and engineers to understand design requirements.
Ensures that drawings comply with building codes and regulations.
Prepares and presents documentation for approval processes.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Residential Drafting: Focusing on designing homes and residential buildings.
Commercial Drafting: Specializing in plans for commercial structures like office buildings or retail spaces.
Structural Drafting: Concentrating on the structural aspects of a building, such as foundations and load-bearing elements.
Electrical Drafting: Creating detailed layouts of electrical systems within architectural designs.
3D Modeling: Utilizing advanced software to create three-dimensional models of architectural designs.

Description

Architectural Drafters play a pivotal role in translating architectural ideas into tangible plans. They must have a keen eye for detail and a strong understanding of architectural principles. Drafters work closely with architects, providing the technical expertise to bring design concepts to life. Their drawings are essential for visualizing the final structure and ensuring that all aspects of the design are feasible and comply with legal standards.

The occupation requires strong technical skills, particularly in CAD software and an understanding of building codes and regulations. Stays up to date with the latest software and technology in the field is crucial. Drafters must be precise, as their drawings directly influence the construction process and the safety and viability of structures.

This career involves a balance of creative and technical skills. Drafters often have opportunities to contribute to the design process, making suggestions and adjustments that can impact the final product. The role can be highly rewarding, as drafters see their work materialize in the form of completed structures.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Playing a key role in bringing architectural designs to life.
The satisfaction of contributing to the creation of functional and aesthetically pleasing buildings.
Opportunities to collaborate with architects and other professionals in the field.

You might make a good Architectural Drafter if you are...

Detail-oriented and enjoy working with technical drawings and plans.
Proficient in using computer software, particularly CAD programs.
Interested in architecture and building design.
Good at visualizing concepts in a detailed and precise manner.
Able to communicate effectively and work collaboratively in a team.

Pros:

A vital role in the architectural and construction industries.
Opportunities to work on a variety of projects.
A mix of creative and technical work.

Cons:

May involve long hours of desk work and focus on detailed drawings.
Keeping up with rapidly changing technology and software can be challenging.
Limited career advancement without additional education or certifications.

How to become an Architectural Drafter

Typical education

Most positions require an associate's degree in drafting, architectural drafting, or a related field, which typically takes about 2 years to complete. Some drafters may pursue additional certifications or a bachelor's degree for advanced positions or specializations.

High school preparation

Courses:

Drafting or technical drawing classes to develop foundational skills.
Mathematics, particularly geometry, for understanding spatial relationships.
Art or graphic design classes to enhance visual and creative skills.
Computer science courses to become familiar with various software and technologies.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining a robotics club or similar groups where drafting skills can be practiced.
Participating in design or architecture-focused programs or competitions.
Engaging in DIY projects or internships that involve drafting and design work.

Preparation after high school

Pursuing an associate's degree in architectural drafting or a related field.
Obtaining certifications in CAD software or other relevant technologies.
Seeking internships or entry-level positions in drafting to gain practical experience.
Continuing education for a bachelor's degree for advanced opportunities.

More resources

American Design Drafting Association (ADDA) - Offers resources and certification for drafters.
Autodesk Education Community - Provides access to CAD software and training, widely used in architectural drafting.
National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) - Offers certification programs in various engineering technology areas.
CADTutor - An online resource offering tutorials and articles on CAD software.
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) - Provides industry news and resources relevant to those interested in architectural careers.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.