Architectural drafters are key members of an architectural team. The drafter is responsible for preparing the architect’s plans for construction through accurate scale drawings. Architectural drafters work in a variety of settings including engineering firms, construction companies, manufacturing companies, private architectural firms or the government.
Drafters must have absolute attention to detail, as precision matters in construction planning. Even the slightest mismeasurement can compromise the structural integrity of the finished product. Drafters usually work in an office environment with a typical nine-to-five schedule, but longer hours are common under a deadline, and some light travel may be required to job sites.
Required Education and Experience
There are no set educational standards for architectural drafters, but most companies want candidates who have a minimum of an associate degree and/or certification from an accredited drafting program. Licenses are not required, but drafters who want a competitive edge should consider getting a Certified Drafter (CD) credential from the American Drafting Association.
Job Outlook for Architectural Drafters
The salary aggregator at Indeed cites an average national annual salary of $43,139 for Architectural Drafters and Designers. Glassdoor cites a slightly higher figure at $46,795 and The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports an average of $53,480 per year. It is important to remember these are just averages, and salary can vary significantly based on organizational size, niche, geographic location and the experience of the drafter.
Current Opportunity for Architectural Drafters
Selectek is currently recruiting for an AutoCAD drafter to work with a premier producer of aluminum composite materials in Alpharetta, Georgia. The drafter will work closely with staff engineers and must be able to interpret surveys and architectural drawings submitted by clients. The drafter will create materials lists, fabrication drawings and installation drawings to be used in the field.
Two or more years of related industry experience is required, as is AutoCAD proficiency, the ability to read and interpret surveys and architectural drawings, experience creating fabrication drawings, experience creating installation drawings, and the ability to work well independently and as part of a team. You can learn more about this opportunity and apply online here.
If you are an experienced architectural drafter looking for exciting new opportunities in the Southeast region of the U.S., we encourage you to reach out to the expert recruiters at Selectek. We are always seeking strong engineering talent to match with top companies in the region. Contact us today to learn more about our process for helping you take the next step in your career.
