Technical drawing skills like drafting are employed in a variety of fields like architecture, engineering, manufacturing, and construction. For the purpose of directing the work of engineers and builders, drafters produce comprehensive plans and blueprints for structures, devices, and products. As with any job, experience, education, industry, and location all have an impact on the earning potential for drafters. We will go through the highest-paying drafting jobs in this article, as well as how to apply for them.
1. Electrical and electronics drafter – Electrical and electronics drafters are experts at drawing schematics, circuit board layouts, and wiring diagrams for electrical systems. Electrical and electronics drafters made a median annual pay of $64,360 in 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
2. Aerospace Drafter – Aerospace drafters design parts, assemblies, and systems for aircraft and spacecraft. To produce 3D models and simulations, they could employ CAD software. In 2020, aerospace drafters made an average of $66,020 per year.
3. Architectural and Civil Drafter – Architectural and civil drafters design plans for structures including buildings, roads, and bridges. To make sure that the plans adhere to safety, building, and zoning standards, they could collaborate with architects and engineers. In 2020, the median annual income for drafters of architectural and civil plans was $56,830.
4. Mechanical Drafter – Mechanical drafters design tools, machines, and other mechanical devices. To make sure that the plans adhere to specifications and criteria, they could collaborate with engineers. Mechanical drafters made an average of $58,350 a year in 2020.
You need a trifecta of education, experience, and talents to land a high-paying drafting position. You can take the following actions to improve your chances of landing a high-paying drafting position:
1. Earn a degree – The majority of drafting positions call for at least an associate’s degree in the subject or a closely related profession. You can excel in the field if you enroll in a degree program, which will provide you the technical expertise you require.
2. Become certified – Many firms favor hiring drafters who have certification in a particular piece of software, like AutoCAD. Depending on the level of certification you select, the cost of AutoCAD certification can range from $95 to $245 every exam.
3. Develop your portfolio – Employers want to see examples of your work in addition to your schooling and credentials. Create a portfolio of your greatest work to demonstrate your abilities and knowledge. To meet other drafters and find out about job chances, attend industry events and join professional organizations. Is CAD drafting challenging? Drafting with CAD can be difficult, especially if you’re just starting out. Technical know-how, inventiveness, and attention to detail are all necessary. However, it gets simpler and more natural with time and expertise.
How much time does CAD training take? The time required for CAD training varies depending on the program and educational level you select. A bachelor’s degree program normally lasts four years, compared to two years for an associate’s degree program. Nevertheless, the length of various CAD training programs might vary depending on the curriculum and course load.
Depending on your objectives and level of commitment, learning CAD can take a few months to a few years. It can take two to four years to master the software if you’re going for a CAD degree. On the other hand, if all you want to do is learn the fundamentals, you might be able to do it in a few months with the help of online lessons and practice.