If you have ever considered working as a computer-assisted design drafter, this guide will offer you the information you need on the technology behind the job, related careers and the industry, educational programs in the field, and other resources.

CAD Overview

Computer-assisted design (CAD) drafting utilizes computer technologies and software to aid in the design of both real and virtual objects. It can be used for both 2D and 3D objects, creating shapes and figures in the former, and surfaces and solids in the latter. In more technical professions, CAD can also convey information about dimensions, processes, and materials to be used in the physical rendering of the design.

There are a multitude of different CAD software programs that can be used for projects with varying degrees of complexity, including AutoCAD, TurboCAD, DesignCAD, and more. These range from 2D vector-based drafting to specialized 3D solid and surface drafting to software for particular industries such as architecture or prosthetics.

CAD drafters work in many industries, but their work essentially all revolves around using software to prepare technical drawings and blueprints. Drafters should expect to work 40-hour weeks and spend much of their time in offices at computers. The most common drafting specialties are architectural/civil, mechanical, and electrical/electronics, corresponding to median annual salaries of $44,490, $46,640, and $51,320 respectively.  

Drafters ideally need at least two years of postsecondary training giving them hands-on experience with CAD software, and learning related technical skills. Job prospects are growing more slowly than the national average, although positions in architectural and civil drafting should remain plentiful in coming years. 

For more information, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Back to Top

Popular Careers That Use CAD

  • Automotive Engineers or, more specifically, designers, develop the most cost-effective and functionally efficient forms for car components and systems. They make sure that cars are safe to drive for consumers, while also minimizing costs for the automobile manufacturers. They earn an average salary of $62,880.
  • CAD Operators use CAD software to design tools, machines, and a variety of other consumer products. They are part of both creative and R&D (research and development) departments and work in many different industries, earning an average of $48,000 annually.
  • Electrical Designers utilize design software to determine the ideal placement of wiring and other electrical layouts, while complying with official safety codes. They typically earn $76,000 annually.
  • Industrial Architects and designers typically earn a salary around $52,310. They spend time developing a wide variety of industrial products, from electronics to construction plans.
  • Mechanical Engineers, specifically those who work in design, are usually CAD users. They aid in designing and determining the most efficient functions of various machines to perform specific tasks, and use CAD software to model the form of these machines. They earn a median annual salary of $66,320.
  • Petroleum Engineers design the processes required to move oil and natural gases out of the ground and into storage tanks. They choose and sometimes design the appropriate equipment, and examine the environmental factors that may play a role in the process. Engineering knowledge and experience with CAD software can help in the design of this equipment. Petroleum engineers typically earn around $88,500.
  • Pipeline Engineers must have experience with engineering principles, design, and construction. They help construct the structural design of pipes used to conduct various products, and also design the layout of the pipes, earning $70,000 annually.
  • Process Engineers develop industrial and structural processes for manufacturing a large range of products in many different industries. They design both equipment and control systems, and earn $87,000 annually.
  • The specialized work of Residential Architects requires creativity and careful planning, in addition to consulting and compromising with the individual or firms contracting the work. The average salary is $61,530.
  • Structure Design Engineers calculate the effect of various stresses on structures, and use CAD software and engineering knowledge to determine how new and existing structures can, be designed or modified to manage these stresses and function safely. They earn $95,000 annually.

Back to Top

Popular CAD Programs

  • Anthem College has three campuses and offers programs in CAD drafting and computer networking and security. All three campuses are locally accredited.
  • Capitol City Trade and Technical School offers a drafting degree allowing you to specialize in two of four possible areas: architectural, civil, electronic, and mechanical drafting. It is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Council on Occupational Education.
  • CDM Institute has an AutoCAD and Drafting certification program and school locations located throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. The Institute also offers hands-on training at special facilities with personalized workstations.
  • Ferris State University offers both a CAD drafting degree and an associate level CAD drafting tool design program. Students are exposed to computer-aided engineering, design, drafting, and utilize prototyping equipment.
  • ITT Technical Institute offers an associate’s degree program in Computer Drafting & Design. Students take both classroom theory and laboratory projects, and acquire hands-on experience with drawings and computer-aided drafting equipment.
  • Northern Michigan University has an Engineering Design Associate program. It offers students a background in CAD software specifically for use in designing mechanical devices and parts. Software packages used include AutoCAD and Solid Works.
  • Oklahoma State University has many departments that offer classes in CAD and drafting. You will take CAD classes in courses as diverse as Design, Housing, and Merchandising in the College of Human Environmental Sciences; in Engineering Technology; and in Landscape Architecture.
  • Utah State University, like Oklahoma State, offers a wide variety of schools and sub-departments. Drafting is involved in courses from Engineering and Technology to the BFA in Theatre Arts with a Scenic Design Emphasis.
  • Virginia College offers degrees in CAD and drafting and also interior design. It is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS).
  • Westwood College has a CAD and Architectural drafting associate’s degree program. The program provides training on the latest applications and software, and the school is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS).

Back to Top

Job Boards & Career Resources

  • CADTalent is an employment site spanning the architectural, building, infrastructure, mechanical design and engineering industries. Jobs can be categorized by CAD platform, job classification, job type, and state.
  • Careerbuilder is large job search site where you can search by keyword. Results can be narrowed down by selecting specific job post dates, industry categories, company, city or state.
  • ComputerAidedDesignCrossing consolidates many CAD job listings from a variety of different architecture, engineering and other professional firms’ career pages. Search allows for keywords, zip code radius, and even by country for international job postings.
  • Hound is a job search hub where results can be sorted by category, publish date, and location.
  • Indeed is another job search engine that categorizes job listings by salary estimate, job title, company, location, job type and recruiter. 
  • JustCADJobs is part of webmediabrands, which provides both employers and job seekers with niche postings in the technology sector. This site has CAD job listings within the technology industry.
  • Monster is another job search hub that searches job listings by keyword.
  • Simply Hired provides a job search tool where you can specify keywords in a desired position.
  • WorkHound is another job search tool for jobs specifically in the United Kingdom. Results can be filtered according to location, posted date, salary, and other criteria.
  • Worldwideworker is a job site geared towards the energy industry. Search results are for CAD jobs available in energy.

Back to Top

Financial Aid & Scholarship Resources

  • Carl L. Keeslar Memorial Scholarship provides annual awards to sophomores, juniors and seniors attending Murray State University. Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and be majoring in Drafting and Design.
  • Debra Edwards Scholarship for Industrial Design gives one full-time rising junior or senior student majoring in Industrial Design a financial award, each year, based on need. The minimum GPA for application is 3.25.
  • Douglas R. Pitman Scholarship gives an annual award to an undergraduate attending Idaho State University, majoring in Electromechanical Drafting.
  • Francis C. St. Blanc Scholarship provides $500 for tuition to a full-time student at Southeastern Louisiana University. He or she must have at least a 2.5 GPA and demonstrate financial need. Preference is given to students pursuing drafting.
  • G & C Enterprises, Inc. Scholarship provides tuition, fees, and books for one year to the recipient of this scholarship. The student must be enrolled at Burlington County College in the drafting and design technology program and have at least a 2.5 GPA.
  • George & Vynett Mathis Scholarship provides annual awards to undergraduates at the University of Southern Mississippi who are majoring in Architectural Engineering Technology. Winners are selected based on academic achievement and potential.
  • Maggie Grounds Scholarship is for female graduating seniors planning to attend a postsecondary institution to pursue studies in Architecture, Contracting/Building Engineering, Traditional Drafting, Architectural Computer-Aided Design, or a closely related field.
  • O'Brien-Atkins Associates gives an annual award to a student attending Durham Technical Community College in North Carolina. The successful student must demonstrate financial need and have a minimum 2.5 GPA.
  • W.J. Castle, P.E., and Associates, P.C. provides a $1000 scholarship each year to a student enrolled at Burlington County College. The student must be enrolled in a program related to drafting, design technology, or a similar field.
  • William D. Smith Memorial Scholarship is a scholarship awarded to one returning sophomore student majoring in Drafting annually. Cumulative GPA must be 3.5.

Back to Top