Architectural and Civil Drafters
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.
Also called: Architectural CAD Drafter (Architectural Computer-Aided Design Drafter), Architectural CAD Technician (Architectural Computer-Aided Design Technician), Architectural Designer, Architectural Drafter, Architectural Draftsman, Architectural Technician (Architectural Tech)
Median pay
$66,150
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$46,260 – $99,710
People employed
103,700
Holland code
RCA
Realistic · Conventional · Artistic
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 2.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
- 3.Do you want the same hours every week?
- 4.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 5.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
Architectural and Civil Drafters pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (49 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What architectural and civil drafters do
- 01Produce drawings, using computer-assisted drafting systems (CAD) or drafting machines, or by hand, using compasses, dividers, protractors, triangles, and other drafting devices.
- 02Analyze building codes, by-laws, space and site requirements, and other technical documents and reports to determine their effect on architectural designs.
- 03Draw rough and detailed scale plans for foundations, buildings, and structures, based on preliminary concepts, sketches, engineering calculations, specification sheets, and other data.
- 04Coordinate structural, electrical, and mechanical designs and determine a method of presentation to graphically represent building plans.
- 05Explain drawings to production or construction teams and provide adjustments as necessary.
- 06Draft plans and detailed drawings for structures, installations, and construction projects, such as highways, sewage disposal systems, and dikes, working from sketches or notes.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Monitoring
Knowledge
- Design
- Building and Construction
- Engineering and Technology
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
Education and first steps
O*NET has no education survey data for this job.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from architectural and civil drafters
- Civil Engineers80% · +52%
- Construction and Building Inspectors76% · +13%
- Landscape Architects74% · +21%
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval72% · +50%
- Electrical Engineers72% · +82%
Change into architectural and civil drafters
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Landscape Architects81% · $79,870
- Transportation Engineers78% · $100,840
- Interior Designers77% · $67,190
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists75% · $81,390
- Wind Energy Engineers73% · $122,930
Majors that lead here
- Architectural Technology/Technician
- Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology
- Architectural Sciences and Technology, Other
- Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, General
- CAD/CADD Drafting and/or Design Technology/Technician
- Architectural Drafting and Architectural CAD/CADD
- Civil Drafting and Civil Engineering CAD/CADD
- 3-D Modeling and Design Technology/Technician
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.