Description
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.
Interests
- Realistic
- Conventional
- Artistic
- Investigative
Work Values
- Support
- Working Conditions
- Achievement
Work Styles
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cooperation
- Analytical Thinking
- Adaptability/Flexibility
Tasks
- Produce drawings, using computer-assisted drafting systems (CAD) or drafting machines, or by hand, using compasses, dividers, protractors, triangles, and other drafting devices.
- Draft plans and detailed drawings for structures, installations, and construction projects, such as highways, sewage disposal systems, and dikes, working from sketches or notes.
- Coordinate structural, electrical, and mechanical designs and determine a method of presentation to graphically represent building plans.
- Analyze building codes, by-laws, space and site requirements, and other technical documents and reports to determine their effect on architectural designs.
- Draw maps, diagrams, and profiles, using cross-sections and surveys, to represent elevations, topographical contours, subsurface formations, and structures.
Work Activities
- Working with Computers
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
- Getting Information
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Detailed Work Activities
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Technology Skills
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Presentation software
- Graphics or photo imaging software
- Map creation software
- Geographic information system
Abilities
- Near Vision
- Oral Comprehension
- Visualization
- Written Comprehension
- Written Expression
Skills
- Reading Comprehension
- Complex Problem Solving
- Systems Analysis
- Active Learning
- Critical Thinking
Knowledge
- Design
- Building and Construction
- Engineering and Technology
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.
Certificates
Certificate name
Architectural Apprentice DrafterCertifying Organization
American Design Drafting Association/American Digital Design Association
Type
Core
Certificate name
Highway Design - Level IICertifying Organization
National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
LEED AP Building Design + ConstructionCertifying Organization
Green Business Certification Inc.
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
LEED Green AssociateCertifying Organization
Green Business Certification Inc.
Type
Core
Certificate name
Revit Certified User for ArchitectureCertifying Organization
Autodesk, Inc.
Type
Product/Equipment
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $51,094 |
| Median (50%) | $65,422 |
| High (90%) | $94,406 |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
Entry Level  | $55,463 |
| Mid Level | $68,550 |
| Senior Level | $78,259 |
| Expert Level | $107,195 |
Employability
There are currently 112,300 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to increase to 113,600 positions, reflecting a projected growth of 1%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of 1%
Related Careers
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.
Career Resources
Search All Careers
Compare Careers
Income Outlook
Career Pathways
Career Clusters
Job Suite Home
CV Templates
Resume Templates
Cover Letter Templates
All Templates
Job Resources
Blog Articles
Podcast