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Architectural and Civil Drafters

General Information

Description

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.

Business Breakdown

People in this career work in these sectors.

  1. Private, for profit90.03%
  2. Self-employed4.38%
  3. State and local government2.94%
  4. Private, not for profit1.46%
  5. Federal government1.18%

Workplace at a Glance

What you can expect to experience while on the job

  • Responsibility
  • Exposure to job hazards
  • Physical activity
  • Decision making
  • Repetitiveness
  • Level of competition
  • Time pressure

Industry areas

  • Architecture & Construction

Job Outlook

Projected Job Growth (2022 - 2032)
-2%
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Job Outlook

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Overall employment of drafters is projected to decline 2 percent from 2022 to 2032. Despite declining employment, about 16,600 openings for drafters are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Similar Careers

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Salary

Salary Information

Median Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.

$59,820

State-by-state Salary

Gray states indicate no data available

Salary Range Salary varies based on years of experience, degree level and location.

$31,530
$71,160
No Information for this section

Education & Interests

Related College Majors

Select major to see colleges that offer it

PERSONALITY CHARACTERISTICS

You may find this career fulfilling if you consider yourself to be:

  • Realistic — You have an interest in physically working with equipment, materials or structures.
  • Conventional — You have an interest in following procedures and regulations to organize information or data.
  • Artistic — You have an interest in creating visual artwork, performances, written works, food or music.

Not sure what characteristics best describe you? Take the RIASEC Test.

Skills at a Glance

Skills helpful in this career

  • Verbal skills
  • Critical thinking & problem solving
  • Equipment operation & maintenance
  • Math & science skills
  • Technology design & control
  • Leadership

Knowledge

  • Design
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Building and Construction
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Mathematics

Gain insights into your knowledge by using the ASVAB Career Exploration Program

No Information for this section

Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.