The average salary for a drafter varies by job title and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Drafters who work as surveyors or hydrographic engineers earn more than other drafters, with an average annual salary of $55,280 in May 2012.
The average salary for a drafter is $41,000 annually.
Average salary for drafter
Drafters work in the background of many industries, supporting architects, engineers, builders, and manufacturers. Just like these primary professionals, drafters vary by specialty as well. Specific industries within a market may require very different skill sets to succeed.
What is a drafter?
A drafter is a person who creates technical drawings. Drafting jobs are available in many different industries and disciplines, including architecture, civil engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and others. Drafters use a set of specific technical skills to create detailed drawings that describe the design and layout of products or structures.
In order to become a drafter you will need basic drafting knowledge as well as strong communication skills because most of your work will be done on commission by engineers or architects who need your help in creating accurate plans for constructing buildings or other man-made structures such as bridges or dams.
What does an architectural drafter do?
An architectural drafter is a person that creates drawings of buildings, structures and other designs. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create the images and can work with architects or engineers to make alterations on their designs as needed.
Architectural drafters are usually employed in engineering firms or architecture firms. Some architectural firms hire architects and drafting professionals separately so they can individually manage each phase of a project’s development process; others hire one full-time employee who performs both roles under their supervision.
What does a civil drafter do?
A civil drafter is a professional who creates civil engineering plans, maps and charts. The civil engineer draftsman should be familiar with the various types of drafting tools used for this purpose, such as pencils, pens and markers.
The typical responsibilities of a civil drafter include:
- Designing and drafting civil engineering projects. This includes preparing plans and drawings of civil engineering projects; preparing maps and charts; preparing drawings of civil engineering projects
What does an electrical drafter do?
Electrical drafters are responsible for designing electrical systems. They work with engineers, architects, and contractors to develop plans for electrical systems that meet building codes and regulations. Electrical drafters use blueprints and CAD software to create these designs.
Electrical drafters are employed in many industries such as manufacturing and construction. In addition to the hourly wage listed above, they also receive benefits such as health insurance and paid vacation time depending on where they work
What does a mechanical drafter do?
A mechanical drafter designs and drafts mechanical drawings. A mechanical drawing is a technical illustration of the design of machinery, equipment or structures. Mechanical drafting jobs usually involve the creation of drawings from blueprints, or by creating them from scratch. You can also find jobs that involve designing and drafting mechanical parts and assemblies, as well as systems.
How much do drafters make in the United States?
If you’re thinking about becoming a drafter, it’s important to know what your salary might look like. The good news is that the average salary for drafters in the United States is $68,000 per year. However, keep in mind that this figure includes all types of draftsmen—from those who work at large firms to those who freelance and take on project-based work.
The median salary in America is around $55,000 per year. The bottom 10% earn less than $41,000 annually while the top 10% earn more than $81,000 annually. Keep these numbers in mind when considering whether or not to become a draftsman!
U.S. city average salary comparison
- New York City, NY: $71,000
- Los Angeles, CA: $64,000
- Washington D.C.: $63,500
- Chicago, IL: $60,000
- Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex (TX): $58,500
- Boston Metro Area (MA): $55.00
If you’re wondering about other cities or regions in the United States where drafters make more than average wages for their profession and experience level—or less—you’ll find that information below as well.
Drafters are employed in large numbers and make a reasonable median salary of around $55,000 per year.
The overall job outlook for drafters is positive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment opportunities will increase by 46 percent between 2016 and 2026, which is faster than average. The need to replace retiring workers will drive much of this growth.
Drafters are paid well for their skills, earning a median salary of $55,000 per year in 2016. This salary varies based on location and industry, but drafters tend to make more money in large cities and industries like architecture or construction.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that drafters are in high demand and they make a decent salary relative to other professions. The average person working as a drafter in the United States earns around $55,000 per year, which is well above the national average of $50,000. That’s not bad considering that most drafters have only completed some college or even less than that! If you want to become an architectural or civil drafter, you’ll want to make sure your math skills are up-to-par before applying. It’s also important for these professionals to be good communicators so they can collaborate with engineers and architects on various projects. Mechanical and electrical drafters don’t need as much mathematical knowledge because their work is more focused on creating drawings from blueprints provided by others.
