AutoCAD Drafter

AutoCAD Drafters design technical schematics for products & structures.

AutoCAD drafters use AutoCAD - the industry-leading drafting and design software produced by Autodesk - to prepare 2D & 3D technical drawings. These drawings are used as blueprints for the construction of products and structures, such as buildings, machinery, toys, microchips, plumbing & electrical systems, vehicles and a host of other manufactured goods. AutoCAD drafting professionals hold a range of job titles, including engineer, drafter, estimator, designer, architect or illustrator.

The best AutoCAD drafters meld "right-brain" attributes, such as creativity & spatial relationships, with "left-brain" traits, like mathematics & analytical thinking, to produce captivating designs. Whether your CADD career path lies in civil engineering, architecture, electrical, or entertainment (CADD software can render stunning 3D animation & special effects), AutoCAD gives you the power to bring your ideas to life.

AutoCAD is the most popular CADD technology with the highest overall job-market demand. There are also specialized versions of AutoCAD and other Autodesk products designed for drafters in specific job-roles and industries. Here are the most popular Autodesk products and the drafting specialists that use them:

Drafting and design schools offer campus & online degree programs, courses, and certificates in the latest AutoCAD drafting skills & technologies. Compare the top-rated AutoCAD drafter training programs in the U.S. and online.

a.k.a. CADD Drafter | AutoCAD Designer | AutoCAD Operator | AutoCAD Engineer | AutoCAD Illustrator | AutoCAD Architect

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AutoCAD Drafter Skills & Responsibilities

Typical day-to-day activities and in-demand skill sets for AutoCAD drafters include:

• AutoCAD drafters are fluent in one or more Autodesk CADD (computer-aided drafting & design) programs.
• AutoCAD drafters create technical schematics and blueprints for the construction of structures and products.
• AutoCAD drafters provide measurements, dimensions and notes on the materials needed to complete the project.
• AutoCAD drafters coordinate with other employees to obtain technical details, optimize designs, and resolve issues.
• AutoCAD drafters modify and revise designs to correct operating deficiencies and reduce production problems.
• AutoCAD drafting professionals write additional instructions & comments and position them into technical drawings.
• AutoCAD drafters need strong communication skills to deal with both technical & non-technical employees and clients.
• The best AutoCAD drafters are creative thinkers, with an aptitude for mathematics and a curiousity for how things work.

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AutoCAD Drafter Salary

• AutoCAD drafter average annual salary: $43,000

Salaries for AutoCAD drafters and related positions by experience, specialty, industry & AutoCAD certification:

• AutoCAD Drafter salary: $43,000
• AutoCAD Designer salary: $51,000
• AutoCAD Certified Associate salary: $52,000
• AutoCAD Mechanical Designer salary: $62,000
• AutoCAD Civil 3D Drafter salary: $63,000
• AutoCAD Landscape Designer salary: $64,000
• Autodesk Revit Drafter salary: $64,000
• AutoCAD Structural Designer salary: $64,000
• Autodesk Maya Animator salary: $65,000
• AutoCAD Electrical Engineer salary: $70,000
• AutoCAD Electrical Controls Engineer salary: $70,000
• AutoCAD Piping Designer salary: $74,000
• AutoCAD Instructor salary: $76,000
• AutoCAD Product Design Engineer salary: $79,000
• AutoCAD HVAC Mechanical Engineer salary: $80,000
• AutoCAD Certified Professional salary: $52,000
• Autodesk Revit Specialist salary: $82,000
• AutoCAD Project Manager salary: $84,000
• Senior Civil Engineer salary: $99,000
• Lead Electrical Engineer salary: $127,000

With AutoCAD drafting jobs paying hourly, wages typically range from $12 to over $25 per hour.

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AutoCAD Drafter Education Requirements

Hiring managers for AutoCAD drafter positions prefer applicants with training in a recent version of AutoCAD or a specialized Autodesk drafting program, such as Revit Architecture, AutoCAD Civil 3D or 3ds Max. Depending on the type of position you wish to acquire and your preferred learning style, you can learn AutoCAD drafting in a two-year program at a technical or trade school, as part of an associate or bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, or through a post-secondary diploma or certificate program. The AutoCAD subject matter works well with online training programs. Prospective employers may also want to see a portfolio of your completed AutoCAD projects. Most AutoCAD training programs, including those listed below, will review your coursework and help you assemble a professional portfolio and resume. Relevant work experience and drafting certifications will aid candidates in securing a position.

Specific coursework and in-demand skill sets to look for in an AutoCAD drafting education program include hands-on training in AutoCAD technologies, AutoCAD user interface (UI) training, mechanical drawing, knowledge of drafting standards & terminologies, mathematics, science, art and engineering. For industry-specific AutoCAD training programs, Architecture, Building Information Modeling (BIM) & Civic Engineering are currently in the highest demand; that said we recommend you choose the CADD specialty you're most passionate about, as there will always be new job oppotunities and hot specialties, but your passion for the subject matter can give you the edge in getting hired as well as more happiness on the job.

Research and compare top-rated AutoCAD drafting training programs in the U.S. and online.

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AutoCAD Drafter Training, Certificates & Degree Programs

Browse the top-rated undergrad & graduate degrees, professional certificates, online courses and self-paced training programs matching the AutoCAD Drafter education requirements and career path.

Drafting School	AutoCAD Training Program	Course Highlights & Certifications
Request More Info	A.S. CADD / Architectural Drafting Method: Online or On-Campus Degree Level: Associate Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	Includes Prep for Hot Autodesk Certifications: AutoCAD Associate AutoCAD Professional Revit Architecture Associate Revit Architecture Professional Autodesk 3ds Max Certifications Hands-On AutoCAD Drafting & Design Training Master the AutoCAD User Interface & Shortcuts Building Information Modeling (BIM) Training Residential & Commercial Architectural Design Residential & Commercial Construction Topics Develop a Digital Walk-through & Visualization Courses in College Algebra & Physical Sciences AutoCAD Drafter Portfolio and Resume Review Learn Green Building Trends and Technologies Day, Evening, Weekend or Online Self-Study Option to Attend Individual AutoCAD Classes
Request More Info	A.S. in Building Information Modeling Method: Online Degree Degree Level: Associate Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	Advanced Training in Building Information Modeling, Today's Hottest CADD Discipline Learn about Modern Construction Methods, incuding Electrical and Plumbing Systems Career Prep for the Architectural, Construction, Engineering & Industrial Design Fields Learn the AutoCAD User Interface & Shortcuts Advanced AutoCAD 2D and 3D Design Training Learn Document Drawing & Detailing Methods Courses in Modern Sustainable Design Methods CADD Operator Project Management Training College Algebra & Effective Communications Taught by Active Practitioners in the BIM Field BIM Design Portfolio and Resume Compilation Option to Attend Individual Online Courses
Request More Info	Drafting with AutoCAD Diploma Method: Online Training Degree Level: Diploma Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	Ten Step-by-Step Online Courses in the Skills & Programs to Become an AutoCAD Drafter Learn AutoCAD Structural, Civil, Electrical, HVAC & Electronic Schematic Drafting Intro to Computer-Aided Design and Drafting AutoCAD User Interface & Shortcuts Training Sketching & Geometric Construction Training Draw & Render 3D Objects using Coordinates Architectural, Mechanical, Civil & Metric Scales Region. & Nation. Accredited AutoCAD Diploma Includes AutoCAD Software, Books, and Tools Portfolio Prep and Enhanced Career Placement Option to Attend Individual Online CAD Courses
Request More Info	A.A.S. Drafting & Design Technology Method: Online or On-Campus Degree Level: Associate Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	Introduction to Drafting and Design Technology Learn how to use CADD Equipment: Light Tables, Micro-CAD Terminals, Plotters, Draft Printers, Portable Drafting Boards, Scales, etc. Building Information Modeling (BIM) Training Rapid Visualization and Drawing Techniques AutoCAD Dimensioning, Sketching & Detailing Learn to Design & Sketch Complex Floor Plans 3D Civil Drafting with Survey & Engineer Data Learn to do Parametric Modeling in AutoCAD 3D Modeling w/ Realistic Textures & Lighting Sustainability in Design & Renewable Energy Coursework in College Mathematics & Physics Professional Computer-Aided Drafting Portfolio Option to Attend Individual Drafting Classes
Request More Info	Bachelor's in Computer Animation Method: Online Degree Degree Level: Bachelor Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes Also available in Winter Park, FL	Learn how to Develop Engaging 3D Computer Graphics for Video Games, TV, Films & Websites Fine Arts Foundation including Character Motion, Color Theory, Layouts and Life-Drawing Integrate 2D and 3D Animation Techniques to Create Fluid, Professional-Quality Animations Create Complex Animations using Autodesk's Entertainment Suite: Maya, 3ds Max, Softimage, Motionbuilder, Mudbox, and Sketchbook Pro Hands-On Lessons in 3D Production Modeling, Surface Flow and Anatomical Modeling Seamlessly Combine Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) with Video & Film Elements Showcase your Skills with a Portfolio & Demo Reel Ideal for Job Interviews and Promotion Award-Winning Online Education Platform Option to Attend Individual Online Courses
Request More Info	A.A.S. Interior Planning w/ AutoCAD Method: Online or On-Campus Degree Level: Associate Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	Hands-On Training in Architectural Drafting Techniques, Equipment, Terminology & Symbols Interior Design Theory, Codes & Standards Design Fundamentals, Color & Perspective Building Materials and Mechanical Systems Learn the AutoCAD UI, Commands & Shortcuts AutoCAD and Revit Architecture Training Rendering 3D Images in Autodesk Revit Learn Interior Detailing & Lighting Design College Math and Environmental Science Advanced Space Planning & Creative Design Interior Designer Portfolio Review & Assembly Option to Attend Individual Online Courses

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AutoCAD Drafter Certifications List

Highly desirable certifications for AutoCAD drafters include the following credentials from Autodesk and the ADDA.

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AutoCAD Drafter Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for drafters is projected to grow by 4% from 2008 to 2018, slower than the most IT career paths, however CADD drafters entering the field with the right AutoCAD education and career specializations will still have a great deal of job opportunities. Architectural and civil drafting is the hottest drafting specialty, projected to grow by 9% through 2018, over twice as fast as drafting positions overall. Increases in construction activity stemming from U.S. population growth and related needs to increase government construction jobs and improve America’s infrastructure will spur demand for AutoCAD drafters who are trained and certified in architectural & civil design.

Drafters are also beginning to break out of the traditional drafting role and increasingly do work traditionally performed by engineers and architects, which will also increase the demand and salary for drafters.

Sources: U.S. Dept. of Labor - Bureau of Labor Statistics

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AutoCAD Drafter Jobs

Your specialized AutoCAD drafting training, experience and certifications qualify you for a variety of positions including:

• All AutoCAD Jobs: Browse and apply to all AutoCAD Jobs
• AutoCAD Drafter Jobs: Browse and apply to AutoCAD Drafter Jobs
• AutoCAD Designer Jobs: Browse and apply to AutoCAD Designer Jobs
• Building Information Manager Jobs: Browse and apply to BIM Jobs
• Architectural Drafter Jobs : Browse and apply to Architectural Drafter Jobs
• Engineer Machine Designer AutoCAD Jobs: Find AutoCAD Machine Engineer Jobs
• Businesses & Hiring Managers: Find candidates & post jobs on CareerBuilder at a discount

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AutoCAD Drafter Related Careers

• Graphic Designer
• Web Developer
• Video Game Designer

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