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Science, Engineering & Lab career
CAD Drafter
Also called: Architectural Drafter · Civil Drafter · CAD Technician · Drafting Technician
What CAD drafters do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a CAD drafter do?
Architectural and civil drafters prepare technical drawings and plans for buildings, roads, bridges and infrastructure using CAD software. The median pay is $66,150 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 1–2 years, and employment is projected to grow +5.2% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$66,150$31.80/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+5.2%2025–35, faster than average
- Openings per year9,100Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationAssociate's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train1–2 yearsTypical program length
- U.S. jobs104,100Employment, 2025
What CAD drafters do
CAD drafters create the drawings that builders follow. Architectural drafters draw floor plans, elevations and details for buildings. Civil drafters draw site plans, grading, roads, utilities and bridges. They work from sketches and specifications, apply codes and standards, build 3D models and BIM, and revise drawings as designs change.
Most drafters have an associate degree or certificate in drafting or CAD. Software skills such as AutoCAD, Revit and Civil 3D are essential.
Typical duties
- Prepare technical drawings
- Build 3D models and BIM
- Apply codes and standards
- Revise drawings
- Calculate dimensions and quantities
- Coordinate with engineers and architects
- Manage drawing sets
Work environment and schedule
Drafters work in offices, with occasional site visits.
Schedule: Most work full-time; deadlines can bring overtime.
A day in the life
- Review redlines from the engineer.
- Revise a site grading plan in Civil 3D.
- Model a building section in Revit.
- Coordinate utility locations with the team.
See a full day in the life of a CAD drafter →
CAD Drafter salary
Half of CAD drafters earned more than $66,150 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $46,260 for the lowest 10% to $99,710 for the top 10%.
Full CAD drafter pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a CAD drafter
- Take drafting and math
- Earn a degree or certificate
- Build a portfolio
- Get hired
- Advance
An associate degree or certificate in drafting or CAD technology is typical.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a CAD drafter →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- AutoCAD
- Revit and BIM
- Civil 3D
- Drafting standards
- Building codes
People skills
- Attention to detail
- Communication
- Organization
- Teamwork
All CAD drafter skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Two-year path
- Creative technical work
- Office environment
- Path to design and engineering roles
Cons
- Long screen time
- Deadline pressure
- Automation of routine tasks
- Constant software updates
Certifications and licenses
- Autodesk Certified Professional: Software credential.
- ADDA Certified Drafter: American Design Drafting Association.
- Revit Certified Professional: BIM credential.
- Civil 3D Certified Professional: Civil software credential.
Career path
- Junior Drafter: Draft drawings.
- CAD Drafter: Produce drawing sets.
- Senior Drafter or BIM Specialist: Lead drafting.
- Designer or BIM Manager: Lead design.
Learn the job before day one
Our CAD Drafter training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as pick up redlines and set up a drawing, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: CAD Drafter vs. Civil Engineering Tech · CAD Drafter vs. Surveying Technician · CAD Drafter vs. Interior Designer · CAD Drafter vs. Mechanical Engineering Tech
CAD Drafter FAQ
Do drafters need a degree?
An associate degree or certificate is typical.
Is drafting being automated?
Routine tasks are, but skilled BIM and CAD drafters remain in demand.
What software matters most?
AutoCAD, Revit and Civil 3D.
How much does a CAD drafter make?
The median annual wage for CAD drafters was $66,150 ($31.80 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $46,260 and the highest 10% earned more than $99,710.
How long does it take to become a CAD drafter?
Most people need about 1–2 years of training. An associate degree or certificate in drafting or CAD technology is typical.
Do you need a degree to be a CAD drafter?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “associate's degree” as the typical entry-level education.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 17-3011 (Architectural and civil drafters).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Architectural and civil drafters (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.