AutoCAD is a computer-aided design software used by numerous industries to design consumer products, healthcare devices, or large construction projects. An important aspect of receiving professional AutoCAD training to set yourself up for a career change is learning what kinds of fields and industries that training will help you find work in. Each industry will have different requirements and expectations for prospective employees, and you should consider these expectations when you start your training. This is true for students who have an idea of what kind of work they want to do and those who aren’t yet sure what path to take after learning AutoCAD skills.

What is AutoCAD?

AutoCAD is the most widely-used computer-aided design (CAD) software worldwide. It is used to create architectural, construction, and engineering blueprints, schematics, and models. Released by Autodesk in 1982, AutoCAD makes 2D and 3D designing more efficient. As a result, millions of professionals across several industries rely daily on this powerful, collaborative software.

Read more about what AutoCAD is and why you should learn it. 

What Can You Do with AutoCAD Skills?

AutoCAD enables users to create, edit and collaborate across desktop, web, and mobile devices. With AutoCAD, you can produce precise 2D and 3D drawings and models, electrical diagrams, construction drawings, interior designs, and more. 

AutoCAD is a versatile software featuring many industry-specific tools and features. It makes the design process easier through its many automation and customization tools. AutoCAD is a popular and vital tool for professionals in many industries, including interior design, project management, machining, manufacturing, architectural design, and engineering. The software allows team members to share and collaborate seamlessly on projects across their devices from anywhere.

Common Industries That Use AutoCAD

It might be surprising to realize how many industries use AutoCAD and other computer-aid design software at first glance. Designs and prototypes are necessary to create a variety of products successfully. Testing these designs is also essential for maintaining safety and satisfaction standards and avoiding errors before manufacturing. Engineers primarily use AutoCAD and can be found in a variety of industries, including aerospace, aviation, healthcare, energy, utilities, civil works, and consumer goods, among others.

Aerospace & Aviation

The aerospace and aviation industries are similar in that both center around air travel. However, aviation air travel occurs within the earth’s atmosphere, while aerospace travel occurs beyond it. Jobs within both industries entail designing, maintaining, manufacturing, and flying aircraft. Aerospace and aviation designers and engineers use AutoCAD and other CAD software to design aircraft parts, create prototypes, and conduct simulations. Manufacturing builds the aircraft parts, maintenance repairs parts as needed, and pilots are responsible for keeping aircraft in the air. Aviation also involves customer service job positions on passenger flights. Job locations in the aerospace and aviation industries vary widely, from a typical office, manufacturing plant, airport, control center, or space station. 

Job growth in air transportation and aerospace engineering aligns with the national average. Jobs in aerospace tend to pay more than in aviation. However, careers in aerospace generally require more education. Aerospace and Aircraft Engineers usually pursue a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or mechanical engineering. The job market for Engineers in both aerospace and aviation is competitive. Job seekers will need top qualifications in mathematics and physics. Internships, summer jobs, and other temporary experience may be necessary to enter the field. 

Biomedical & Biotechnology

The biomedical industry involves the creation of medical and healthcare products, including pharmaceuticals, diagnostic tools, biotechnology, and medical devices. Jobs within the industry include engineers, scientists, researchers, technicians, and physicians. Biomedical engineers design and build medical devices and equipment used for treating patients. They may also use CAD software for running drug testing simulations. Biomedical scientists work in laboratories and conduct tests to improve the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. They may work alongside biomedical researchers who conduct studies to achieve similar purposes. Biomedical technicians and physicians work in hospital or medical office settings. Technicians are responsible for installing and running medical equipment while physicians treat patients.

Jobs in biotech and Biomed are growing faster than the national average. Technicians and engineers in Biomed require a bachelor's degree in their respective fields. Most entry-level scientist positions require a master’s degree. Biomedical salaries can be rather lucrative, with Biomedical Engineers making a medium salary of around $100,000 annually. Biomed and Biotech are increasingly competitive fields that require specialized medical and scientific knowledge. 

Energy & Utilities

The energy industry involves producing and selling energy in various forms, such as oil, gas, nuclear, wind, and solar. Jobs within the industry apply multiple processes, including the extraction, refining, and distribution of energy sources. Broadly, the main types of careers within the sector include Engineers who work to make energy systems more efficient, Installers and Repairers who maintain equipment and systems, Plant Operators who monitor and manage energy generation, and construction workers who build plants and offices. Other jobs in the energy sector fall under customer service or business, such as Account Managers and Business Analysts. In general, energy personnel work in either a power plant or a typical office setting. 

AutoCAD is primarily utilized by Energy Engineers who use the program to design, test, and create blueprints for power plant energy systems and products. Energy Engineers may study or work in specific energy systems, such as petroleum, nuclear, hydroelectric, wind, and solar. Utilities Engineers also design for energy systems but focus on maintaining distribution systems for public water, gas, and electricity. Engineers in both sectors generally require a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field. 

Job growth in the energy and utilities industries has slowed due to rising costs and disruptions within the supply chain that have not fully recovered since the 2020 pandemic. Both industries are also facing labor shortages. With the need for efficient energy systems greater than ever, Engineers may find themselves in demand in these sectors. Growth is occurring in the renewable energy sector, with renewables being turned to as a solution to high energy demand. Jobs in the energy and utilities industries are often competitive and offer high salaries and benefits to match.

Civil Engineering

Civil Engineering involves designing and creating large-scale public works construction projects, such as roads, bridges, railways, sewage systems, airports, and public buildings. Jobs within the industry primarily involve Engineers who design and build projects but also positions involved in securing construction sites, such as Land Surveyors and Urban Planners. Civil Engineers typically work in office settings but can also be on-site to oversee construction.

Job growth within the civil engineering industry aligns with the national average. Civil engineering positions are competitive, with high salaries. Civil Engineers require at least a bachelor’s degree to enter the field. Civil Engineers must also undergo continuous education to keep their skills and knowledge up to date with the latest safety codes and new technologies. Civil Engineers report high levels of job satisfaction on average. 

Consumer Goods

The consumer goods industry involves products purchased by individuals for personal use. There are a variety of jobs available in the industry. Many of them involve retail associates who manage stores and provide customer service. Jobs involved in business management include positions such as Finance Managers and Business Analysts. Supply chain jobs that supply physical stores include warehouse workers, inventory managers, and truck drivers. Consumer goods workers typically work within a store but may also work in an office setting.

Product Engineers work within the consumer goods industry to create products and packaging. Such products might include electronics like cell phones or tablets, toys, sports equipment, and appliances. Product Engineers use AutoCAD and other design tools as part of the design and prototyping process. As with other engineering careers, the Product Engineers job market is competitive and has high salaries. Product Engineers need to possess a bachelor’s degree in engineering. 

Learn AutoCAD Skills with Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop offers a variety of AutoCAD classes for learners at all levels. Whether you attend online or in-person, you’ll get hands-on training from leading industry experts. In addition, Noble’s courses are taught in small groups and include an optional free retake for students within a year.

Noble’s AutoCAD Level 1 provides an overview of the basics. AutoCAD Level 2 builds upon the fundamentals and teaches you to create more technical and advanced projects. Noble’s AutoCAD Bootcamp combines all topics from Levels 1 and 2 for a comprehensive overview of everything you’ll need to master the software.

Key Takeaways

• AutoCAD is used in a wide variety of industries for designing products and projects. 
• Auto CAD is used to build aircraft for aviation and aerospace.
• AutoCAD is used to create healthcare products and devices.
• The energy industry uses AutoCAD to build energy systems, products, and power plants.
• AutoCAD is used to create transportation systems and public buildings in civil engineering.
• Auto CAD is used in the consumer goods industry to create consumer products and product packaging.
• Engineers are the primary job position that uses AutoCAD.
• Engineering positions are competitive and feature high salaries. 

• You can receive comprehensive AutoCAD training through Noble Desktop in-person or online.