Engineering Job Options: Structural Detailer

Structural detailers play a critical role on an engineering team. They are responsible for creating the detailed drawings and models that are used to create the end product, typically for buildings, bridges and other large structures.

Structural detailers may also be referred to as structural designers or drafters. They work with CAD technology to create schematics that can be printed or programmed directly into building information modeling systems. The models that detailers make allow the entire team of drafters, architects, construction managers, and engineers to collaborate on the digital model.

Required Education and Experience For Structural Detailers

The name of the job says it all. Detail orientation is critical for this field because one transposed number or inaccurate measurement can spell disaster for a project.  Detailers must complete a formal education program to learn the math, science, engineering and drafting principles necessary to do their jobs accurately.

It is possible to become a detailer, drafter or designer with an associate’s degree or graduation from a technical program. Though certification is not required, many detailers do choose to pursue certification from The American Design Drafting Association to make themselves more marketable to employers.

Job Outlook For Structural Detailers

The salary aggregator at Indeed indicates that the national average salary for structural detailers is currently around $73,000 per year. Glassdoor cites a lower figure of around $63,000. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) cites a figure of $55,550 as the national average. Glassdoor and Indeed are aggregators that draw only from jobs listed currently on their websites while the BLS uses national data, which would account for such a large span of average salaries.

BLS data predicts that structural detailing and drafting job openings will grow at a rate of 7% through 2026, a rate about as fast as average for all occupations. It is important to remember that salary and benefits packages will vary from job to job-based on the requirements of the position, the size of the company, its geographic location and the experience of the candidate.

Current Opportunity For Structural Detailers

Selectek is currently recruiting structural detailers for a company in Kansas City, Missouri. The detailer will be responsible for building structural steel construction models and creating parts, fabrication, and installation drawings for large manufacturing plants. AutoCAD is required while structural plate and mild steel drafting and detailing experience are preferred, as is Tekla experience. Detailers with zero to ten years of experience are welcome to apply, as training will be made available for entry-level detailers, if hired.  You can learn more about this opportunity or apply online here.

If you are an experienced structural detailer or drafter looking for exciting new career opportunities, we invite you to browse all of our current engineering openings or reach out to the expert recruiters at SelectekContact us today to learn more about our process for helping you take the next step in your career.