What Skills Should CAD Drafters Have?
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Learn the Skills You Need to Become a CAD Drafter
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AutoCAD
AutoCAD is a commercial computer-aided design and drafting software developed by Autodesk. AutoCAD is used to create 2D drawings and 3D models.
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CAD
Computer-aided design (CAD) is a technology used to create, modify, and optimize precise 2D and 3D designs. CAD software is widely used in engineering, architecture, and product design to streamline the drafting and modeling process.
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Revit
Revit is a Building Information Modeling (BIM) software developed by Autodesk, designed for architects, engineers, and construction professionals. It enables collaborative, data-rich 3D modeling, allowing users to plan, design, and manage building projects.
CAD Drafter Salaries
A CAD Drafter in the United States makes, on average, $59,519 annually, according to Indeed.com.
Salaries for CAD Drafters vary by region within the the United States. Listed below are some CAD Drafter salaries for specific areas with the United States compared with the average national salary:
- U.S. Average $59K source n/a
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New York City
$68K
source
+15.36%
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Orange County, CA
$67K
source
+12.61%
- U.S. Average $59K source n/a
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Houston, TX
$58K
source
-1.19%
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Dallas, TX
$57K
source
-2.99%
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Washington, D.C.
$57K
source
-3.45%
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Chicago, IL
$57K
source
-3.85%
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Alexandria, VA
$57K
source
-4.2%
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Los Angeles, CA
$54K
source
-9.18%
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Fairfax, VA
$53K
source
-10.56%
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Miami, FL
$51K
source
-13.28%
Related Careers
CAD Drafters create detailed technical drawings for architecture, engineering, and manufacturing projects, making them essential in many industries. With experience, they can transition into CAD Designer roles, refining and enhancing drafts into complex blueprints. Drafters interested in aesthetics may explore Graphic Design, using technical illustration skills to develop digital graphics. Those seeking broader responsibilities in construction or engineering may move into general Designer roles, taking on creative and structural planning within their industries.
Salary Comparison to CAD Drafter
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Designer
$78K
+31.08%
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Drafter
$70K
+19.04%
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CAD Designer
$69K
+16.58%
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Graphic Designer
$61K
+2.83%
- CAD Drafter $59K n/a
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CAD Designer
Indeed.com Avg. Salary
$69K / year
Glassdoor Avg. Salary
$75K / year
CAD Designers use software to create technical drawings for complex projects. These designs may be: surface modeling (2D), 3D images, or solid modeling. CAD Designers work on: civil engineering projects, architecture, electronics, fashion, cars, or medical equipment designs.
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Drafter
Indeed.com Avg. Salary
$70K / year
Glassdoor Avg. Salary
$66K / year
Drafters work with architects and engineers to create technical plans. After gathering all required drawings and specifications and determining material and equipment needs, drafters use CAD software to develop detailed diagrams, maps, and schematics. Drafters must have deep expertise in 3D modeling, engineering, and architectural concepts, and methods to calculate design limitations and resource needs.
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Graphic Designer
Indeed.com Avg. Salary
$61K / year
Glassdoor Avg. Salary
$68K / year
Graphic designers work with both digital and physical media to create art that communicates and inspires. Using graphics, text, colors, and animations, graphics designers develop media assets for branding, advertising, and messaging. Graphics designers can work for agencies or themselves. They create a wide variety of design elements, such as brochures, infographics, marketing material layouts, and design elements for print, video, or web use.
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Designer
Indeed.com Avg. Salary
$78K / year
Glassdoor Avg. Salary
$94K / year
Designers work in a wide variety of industries and specialize in just as many mediums. Most designers create digital assets, but some designers work with hand-drawn sketches and illustrations. They start with an understanding of the best design principles and functional aesthetics. Common fields for designers include web, apps, print, fashion, animation, advertising, and UX design.