CAD Drafter Career Training Guide

Question: What is the average salary of a CAD Drafter, or something related to CAD? Also, how much schooling does it require, and what is the job availability?

Answer: Salaries vary depending where you live. Where I'm from, starting salary is about $20,000.00+ with 2 years of training. With a 4 year degree, starting salary is about $30,000.00+. There's always raises and other benefits to go along with that. Two years of training could be from a community college or a CAD training course. Four year degree is usually interior designers right out of a university or architects who are not yet state registered. Interior designers and architects don't usually stay in the CAD field very long... they move on to better jobs. They start off with CAD to get their feet wet and for the practice. For people who want to stay in the CAD field only, there's a variety of jobs. They can draw buildings, structures, mechanical parts, transportation, furniture and light fixtures, piping, the list is endless. Companies that work with cities, hospitals, and schools never seem to run out of work.

Question: ITT Technical Institute promised me success as a CAD Drafter but I can't get a single job why? I was the best in my class I got some experience but now all the employers tell me sorry were not hiring, or do I have knowlege in programs the school never taught me.

Answer: The problem is that a cad degree is the worst degree to get. According to a poll that my girlfriend read; it is the dregree that is least likely to make you enough money to pay back student loans. I also have this degree. I cant find a job that pays more than $10/hour and i was promised $30/hour by my teachers. I figured that the beat way is to do freelance work. Call construction companies and ask them if they need details sized up or ask if they need a 3d model of something. Then go on craigslist and post your services. You can draft up a floor plan for someones basement remodel in no time.

Question: When am I an experienced CAD drafter? I've been taking classes, and to be honest, I've only completed an entry level CAD course at college. It does certify me, however. Does this count as "experienced" when applying for freelance jobs. I've never applied for one before

Answer: "Experience" is work you've been paid for.

Question: does anybody knows ho to get job as a CAD drafter in Australia?

Answer: You could check some job websites for opening in Australia but at the same time you can approach a immigration firm if you are not from aus and they can provide you an assessment about the job oppertunity you will have there. below are some links for job sites. /www.migrationexpert.com/ http://www.seek.com.au/ http://www.bestjobsau.com/ http://australia.recruit.net/ Hope this helps.

Question: I want to become a CAD Drafter? What do I have to do to become a CAD drafter for architecture? I know I have to get at least an Associates degree but are there more jobs you could do with CAD? How much does it pay to be in Architecture CAD? Do I have to be a math genius? Do I have to draw really well? Is it really hard to get a job in it? Please help me I don't know what to do to know more. Could someone please tell me if they are in this how did they get jobs for it? PLEASE HELP! BTW I live in Northern Virginia if that helps. BTW I live in Northern Virginia if that helps.

Answer: To get into the architecture trade as a Cad drafter, you need to know how to use the program and basic construction documentation. Getting an Associate Degree is not required or desired as long as you can prove you are capable of contributing to the company. Your starting salary will depend on your experience and knowledge of different software. Companies will always give preference to experience. Without any professional experience, you can expect your salary to be minimum wage or a little higher, but don't worry, if you are competent, it will go up quickly. You do not need to be math genius, but an understanding of geometry is important. It's always a huge plus if you can draw well. When I mean "well", I'm referring to the industry standard. I interview many applicants who say they can draw "well" when in fact it is not fit for showing. It's not difficult to get into the trade as long as your demands are not too high and you are qualified to work the software. We do prefer to hire interns out of NAAB accredited programs. To this date, we have not hired anyone straight out of CAD Institutes. In fact, be careful of what the people at CAD institute tells you, you will not have an advantage over other candidates if you graduate from their programs.

Question: Online classes for auto drafter/ CAD drafter/ Package Engineering? Does anyone know relativity inexpensive courses in these subjects that i can also work my regular full time job and do? I would like my major to be Package Engineering with a minor in CAD drafting. any input is appreciated.

Answer: try Phoenix school online

Question: How to move up in the career path of drafter? I am currently working as a cad drafter for major construction company in us, i am making about 42k with one year experience. Is there any possible way to move up this career path? P.S: 1. I do not have college degree 2. If going back to school is out of question (4 years B.S degree) thank you for your answers......

Answer: With more experience, CAD management position. The Architecture industry is leaning towards Building Information Modeling (Revit, 3D AutoCAD, ArchiCAD, etc.) and 3D modeling (3D Max, Form Z, Sketchup, etc.). I've heard of BIM managers making 100k+, but I've never met one, nor have I ever seen a job posting that offers anything close to that much. But the thing with CAD for Architecture is that architects normally have good command of their softwares. Microstation too.

Question: Is a (CAD)Computer Aided Drafter Career a prospering Career?

Answer: Absolutely YES. A common misconception is that CAD is just another computer program like Word or Powerpoint. In reality, it's much more complex. Marketable skills are specific to the discipline using the CAD software (architecture or electrical engineering for example). For an entry level drafter, your most desirable job skills are a good attitude and aptitude for learning. After you've gained a few years experience, you will be able to move easily among companies.

Question: any good auto cad drafter job links? know of any jobs in GA?

Answer: All Auto CAD jobs are updated daily in the following sites. auto.cad.jobs.topusajobs.com www.careerjet.com/ www.job-ad-venture.com hotjobs.yahoo.com

Question: Help with info about a CAD Drafter? a) How do computers change the ways in which people work in that job? b) What is the nature of the job? c) Describe your prediction of future changes that face the job with the advance of computers. d) Critically discuss the positive and negative influence of computers on the job. All info welcome..thx

Answer: computers mkae it faster, ti think the future is based upon new technologies etc and the negatives r u sit in front a comp all day

Question: How much does an experienced computer cad (engineering or architecture) drafter get pay on average full-time? ?

Answer: depending on your location. Usually, larger cities pay more with a few exceptions. You can figure someone who graduated from a technical school (2 yr program) who can perform basic CAD functions but have not building technical knowledge to pay around $12-15/hr. It goes up from there if you are able to do 3-D modeling. The pay rate goes up exponentially when you have an understanding of codes, construction assemblies, and etc.

Question: Should I become a Drafter? I'm 18 years old and I'm planning on going to NOVA (Northern Virginia Community College) I want to be a Drafter in Architecture. The program on the catalog says drafting Specialization. Is that that same thing? Well I'm wondering if it will be hard for me to get in job in this field in Fairfax County VA? or in any near by County? and will I make a good amount of money? Also is a CAD Drafter the same thing?

Answer: This business is a very fast paced. I'm a CAD Drafter for a privet retailer, and have been in the field for about 6 years. So I should be able to answer any questions you have. To the first one, Is this the same thing? Yes and No, The yes would be that you are specialized in a program that lots of manufacturing and construction fields use, and no because it is just a general coverage of what the program is. Basically they are teaching you how to use the program and then it is up to you to apply that to the field of your choose. Second question about getting a job. in the current economical situation i would say yes but again you are starting school and i assume that you will be going for 2 years, so I would say no but the best advise I would give you is do an internship. It gets your foot in the door and gets you experience. Third question about money. here is a link to the AUGI ( Autodesk used group international ) survey on how much money people make in this field. http://www.augi.com/surveys/sspdfs2008/SalarySurvey2008.pdf and to the final question. Cad stands for Computer Aid Design. So yes it is the same. Just a tip there are two major programs out there that the industry uses. AutoCAD and Microstation. I would see what program you will be using and go to the website and download a trial version and just mess around in it. See if you like it. Oh ya this field always changes and you will always be learning now ways. I have been using the program for about 10 years now and I still only know about 50 % of it. Just so stuff to chew on.

Question: What math do CAD drafters use? What math is involved in CAD drafting? Im thinking about a career in it. Im not real fond of math but im good at it. Is it more basic geometry? Trig? Cal?

Answer: Ive drawn custom houses for 3 years now. I think the question is a tad too open. There are many kinds of draftsmen. I will speak about custom home draftsman (since that is mostly what i know). It depends on how efficient you want to be. Trig will be useful only if you learn how to aply it to the situations you are given. I found that the only time that i actually needed any math was when I receive site plans from engeneers. (when you are drawing a site plan from a paper print out of the radiuses and cords of archs in property lines and streets) AutoCad does much of the math for you in other situations. However the more Trig and Geometry that you know the more effective you can be when drawing. Simply knowing the math will not help but if you are able to aply it to real life situations (word problems) then yes it can help you become more efficient. It also depends on what kind of Drafting you mean. I will assume you mean house drafting (although that is only part of drafting) There are also draftsmen who still draw engeneering topo maps. mechanical parts and such. I know nothing about hom much math that requires. So to sum up the answer I think many Home Draftsmen use little to no math. However Architects and Engeneers do require require it. I have never seen any situation in drafting houses that requires calculus (which i happen to know) Trig and Geometry is useful however although you can scratch by with none.

Question: How is the job market for Architecture//CAD Drafters? I'm a junior in high school now and I've been thinking about my career choice for a long time now. I'm very proficient in the CAD program, and have taken two CAD classes, and intend to take an architectural design class next year. I had planned to either start out as a CADD, (Computer Aided Design Drafter) Or go straight to the title of Architect. I was just wondering what the job market is like for this field, with the nations economy in the state that it is, I'd like to know where I stand with this current field. Any comments are greatly appreciated.

Answer: Job market is still good, though weakened by the recession. Make sure you know both AutoCAD and a BIM software, not just one or the other. Kind of like being bilingual, you will be able to sell yourself either way. Don't forget to look at other disciplines, unless you have your heart set on construction. Mech, elec, struct, and civil engineers also do quite well, tend to get paid better at the bottom, and about the same at the top as architects. Architect or drafter? Architect means buildings, drafter can go into many other fields. Architect means tons of overtime, drafter...depends on the job and your desire to do overtime. Architect eventually means way more money...so long as you don't mind sacrifcing your social and/or family life. You might want to look into GIS, too. So far as I've seen, few architects use GIS, yet still try to double as city/urban "planners." I have been VERY unimpressed with any architects concept of "urban planning." GIS techs make more than drafters, and can work both sides of the desk, too. "Real" planners can make as much as architects or engineers.

Question: Any one know of CAD jobs in Tamap Fl or Brandon Fl? Does anyone know of jobs needing a CAD drafter in brandon tampa area?

Answer: You should try national job directories, such as: www.monster.com www.dice.com www.usajobs.com (government jobs)

Question: What is the going salary for secretaries, CAD drafters, HR personnel, market/sales?

Answer: u s salaries http://www.salary.com/home/layoutscripts/homl_display.asp

Question: What scale is known as "general purpose" scale and is used for drawing buildings and machine parts? Also could you answer What substance is added to graphite to make a drawing lead harder? What are the instructions and commands called, that the CAD operator uses to tell the computer what to do and how to do it? and The cross hairs that the CAD drafter manipulates on the computer screen, are called what?

Answer: Graphite 'leads' are combined with clay. Most modern 'leads' for drawing on mylar film are plastic and carbon black. For architecture the most common scales are 1/8" = 1'-0", and 1/4" = 1'-0", but others are used. For machine parts it depends on the size of the part and the detail involved. CAD commands? - The book is 3" thick. " AutoCad for Dummies" is a good start point. The 'cross hairs are called the cursor.

Question: what salary could i expect with an associates in architectural technology? i'm thinking of switching my major from IT to architechtural technology. i think i'd like to be a CAD drafter. what salary range could i expect once i graduate and get a job?

Answer: here are a few things you can find at this site, for any job you pick; Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), 2006-07 Edition the training and education needed earnings expected job prospects what workers do on the job working conditions

Question: What level of education do you need to become a cad/drafting/design teacher at the college level? I have a BS in Industrial Technology and have been a civil drafter for 4 years. I was thinking about getting my master's degree and maybe pursue teaching. Would I need some kind of teaching certificate or classroom experience in order to do so? What master's programs would be available in order to achieve this? Thanks for any help.

Answer: Most likely need a masters in the subject you are teaching.

Question: Is gynecology a difficult field to get into? Ever since I was a about 12 I was interested in getting into this field. I am still young (in my late twenties) and currently have a bachelor's degree in biology but work as a CAD drafter. How competitive is the college program? I study up on gynecology on the side because it still interests me a lot. I also think that I would get to meet many interesting people.

Answer: no. it just takes dedication and creativity. i am self taught and have had a successfull practice for 15 years based on giving free exams.

Question: Will a bachelors degree give me a better shot at a job that doesn't require a degree? I'm applying for jobs for a CAD drafter, most of these jobs require work experience which I have and maybe a 2 year degree. I have a 4 year degree in a unrelated field but will the 4 year degree give me an advantage or typically will hr people oversee that about my resume.

Answer: In general yes you will have a better shot with a college degree. I would higher a person with a degree than no degree. The way over qualification works is like this. If you are a doctor, lawyer or engineer and say you apply for a position at Walmart. Now it is not worth hiring you for Walmart because you will leave when you get your medical, law or engineering job. You are not worth their investment, They would rather higher a student who will work for them until they graduate or who will move up their chain with their business degree.

Question: Is it possible to double major in business and engineering? My goal is to one day open up an engineering business and work for private contractors. I already have 2 1/2 years experience as a CAD Drafter and would like to improve upon that. Is this a reachable goal, and how would I go about achieving it? (by the way Im 18 and enrolled in college, attending in fall)

Answer: Long Answer: Check with your University or College first, a double major in Engineering and business, may require special planning. Double Majors are handled differently at every institution. Liberal Arts Colleges tend to be lax and readily allow double, and even triple majors. On the flip side many universities tend to be a bit more stingy because of more bureaucracy. Short Answer: Yes, with a catch. The catch is that both Engineering and Business majors have a lot of required courses. For instance, engineering majors will spend most of their credits in major. Part of the reason is that all engineering degrees should be Bachelor of Science degrees. A BS degree holder has taken more required courses in-major than a Bachelor of Arts holder. Additionally, engineering BAs are not ABET accredited, which does not help you getting a job. Engineering students tend to have few electives that can be sacrificed to classes for a business degree. you will have to sacrifice your electives to do this, and you may have to overload to graduate in 4 years, But it is totally possible!

Question: Two Week Notice: What should I do with my two days left at work? I'm leaving my work place after three years as a CAD Drafter to go be a design engineer with another. I'm leaving because of my boss and he knows it because my boss and I don't really get along. I currently have the rest of today (Wed.) and two more days left of my two week notice then I'm done here. No one has been asking me to do anything or about how to do my job or to do any kind of work. All the work that I usually do has been given to someone else already. So for the past two days or so I've been basically twittling my thumbs and it has been extremely boring. I never doubted that they wouldn't make me feel like an outcast but they have. I'm used to working my tail off and making a good name for myself and getting things done. Monday I start my new job. What do I do? Wait it out?

Answer: you would think that since you have been there for three years they would be a little bit more appreciative ..wow they definetly have a way of showing you the door..although you may hate this place or your boss..I would wait it out..I know just sitting there not doing anything is pretty boring but pretty soon you will be leaving that god forsaken place....I just dont understand why bossess are so mean.. I worked at a law firm for about two years in NYC...lower manhattan near city hall.. 11 Park place to be exact.. where my boss was a dream come true..peaceful, thoughtful, sense of humor, caring etc..I fell in love with that man as a human being..it is soooo hard to find a boss like that. Mr. J. god bless you and thank you for being so patient and understanding and caring.

Question: How much should I ask for a raise? hi . I am a Architectural Cad drafter , I start my job last Augst and I should ask for a raise now, my salary is 36000 a year plus 250 monthly benefit, which make it all 39000 so Ho much I should as for a raise?

Answer: hm. Well : 25 cents per hour for your first raise. 50 cents per hour but you might not get that raise. 75 cents per hour your pushing your luck. 1.00 is a guaranteed hell no. so I reccommend 25 cents

Question: Whats the future for the basic autocad drafter? Its becoming extemely hard to find a CAD Job lately is it a dieing industry?

Answer: Ya, that's true. Knowledge in ACAD alone rarely bring you a job. However, it spices up relevant experience in your industry e.g. engineering. I don't really consider autocad drafting an industry, rather say it as 'designing with autocad.' Usually employer hires autocad draftsman with course in engineering... or a degree, with experience. I am a civil engineer and my proficiency in autocad really helps amplify my qualifications and gives better chance of getting a higher salary.

Question: How can I learned interview skills? My work record is a little spotty. I have worked two jobs that they had me there for 20 hrs with only 5 hours of work. My best reference is as a janitor for a school I worked at and I have a bad reference at a constuction company where I worked as a receptionist and started having problems when the workers started giving me a hard time. I want to get back into an office as a CAD Drafter. I have been taking classes at night and have had a couple of interviews but get a little tougue tied when it comes to my work experience.

Answer: practice, practice, practice. . . Did I mention practice?? Use a tape recorder, get a friend to ask you interview questions that you stumble over, listen to your answers and smooth them out. Remember that if you get nervous or tongue-tied, it will make the potential employer nervous about hiring you. You have to be confident with every one of your answers in order to lead the potential employer to be confident in hiring you:) Good luck!!!!

Question: I started working a job a few days ago, and I want to quit, do I have to tell my new employer im employed? Started working as a cook 3 days ago but it's not working out. I work 4 hours a day till midnight and it's tough. Along with that I'm only getting minimum wage, the last 3 jobs I've had here 10.00 an hr. I'm thinking of getting a job as an IT specialist or CAD drafter, I'm a junior in college for mechanical engineering.

Answer: Don't quit.. It's bad luck.. Being unemployed sucks, it really is.

Question: what qualifications/experience do i need to get a job as a junior drafter? im thinking of doing drafting for a year while i figure out what to study at uni. i studied graphics (where we used Auto-Cad for pretty much everything) at high school right up to grade 12, and i mostly got A's in it. would this be enough to get a drafting job at the junior level? (i finished grade 12 a year ago though so i might be a bit rusty with auto-cad)

Answer: Yes it would get you an entry level drafting job. However make sure you also have 3D, menu creation and layering up to-date. Most companies are going PRO3 and teaming this with primavera. You will not be paid a great price, usually running from $8.50 to $10 for juniors but it will get you desk time and most companies will give schooling for advancement. When I left CAD, I was making $75K. My greatest life was CAD and I wish I could get back to it full time. I just became too executive for my own good.

Question: Are Civil Designers respected in the "Civil" community? What are the basic job requirements & job description? Ive been a civil cad drafter for 8 years and want to get more involved with the design aspect of projects: conceptual site plans, etc. and of course a better paycheck (if possible)

Answer: You should have taken a course in Architechtural design if you really wanted to go in the design aspect of the project. It pays top dollars if you are successful. There are a lot of Architec that are working as cad drafter too, though I am not familiar with the salary scale. However, joing an architectural design firm is a good start if your aim is to be involved in the design aspect, they need top caliber cad drafters too.

Question: CAD Drafters? I was just wondering what a guy with a two year degree in computer-aided drafting could expect to make?

Answer: I've heard of CAD techs making upwards of $15/hr right out of high school, so someone with a technical degree could probably make upwards of $20/hr depending on where you are.

Question: What type of degree should an architectural drafter have? one that uses CAD programs

Answer: Associates degree. Check out local community colleges first, then you're on your way! Good luck.

Question: what do Auto Cad drafters make? should i go to school to learn autocad?.......just curious

Answer: AUGI (Autodesk User Group International) publishes their survey results every year for CAD related salaries around the world. Check out the pdf at their site.

Question: Is a Paralegal Career A rewarding Career? I chose this career because of the number of job openings and lucrative pay it offers, verses my previous career as a CAD Drafter which is a falling industry heading for a black hole. I thought about a paramedic or criminal justice career but its so competitive and the more competition the stricter the employer can be with specifics so please help me did I make the right decision?

Answer: I always open my answers with this: I am currently employed as a construction litigation paralegal in the state of Texas. There are many people who love to answer this question and aren't are a paralegal or was a paralegal decades ago and know nothing about the profession now, and/or think they know enough because they are married to an attorney. Is the paralegal profession a rewarding career? For me, personally, it is. I absolutely love everything about my job. However, from the additional information you've given, I am going to say that this probably isn't going to be a rewarding career for you for the following reason. It sounds like you are choosing to become a paralegal for the wrong reasons. You don't choose a career because you see many job openings (you might want to share where you see all these job listings because SO many people on here are looking for positions) and for the salary (I hardly find an average salary of $40k a year lucrative). That is the first and last ingredients to professional suicide. You choose a profession because a) you are passionate about it; b) you enjoy it; and c) it is truly something you can see yourself doing for the rest of your life. If you are choosing it because the school is only 2 years, or because it appears to an easy job, or you are settling on it because you aren't willing or able to do the required amount of schooling/work for a better career, you will not find this career, or any career for that matter, rewarding. Every career worth having is competitive. If you want to make a good salary as a paralegal, you study to become a Registered Paralegal, or Certified Paralegal/Legal Assistant. You attend continuing legal education, join paralegal associations, and attend as many professional seminars as you can. If you aren't willing to put more than the least amount of effort into anything, any career path you choose will fail. Maybe I am being judgmental, but it sounds like you are looking for an easy career and fast. If this is the case, I don't see the paralegal profession rewarding for you in the long run. You have to want to be a paralegal because you love the law, love helping clients, love deadlines, and being your attorney's right hand man. I just get the impression from your paragraph that you have none of this. Do something you love and forget about everything else, because in the end, if you don't love it, you'll just quit.

Question: Are there jobs for computer aided drafters (CAD) In New York City? If so, how can I apply for these jobs? p.s. I'm in L.A.!!

Answer: Hi Rick, I am not a CAD or in a related field so I do not know, but here are some ideas of where you could look. I am not sure about relocation you'd have to ask the firms you interview with. Good luck hunting! http://www.aclion.com/search_jobs.php http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/ http://www.monster.com/ http://newyork.craigslist.org/egr/ http://newyork.craigslist.org/med/ http://www.cadjobsite.com/ http://jobmarket.nytimes.com/pages/jobs/ http://www.jobster.com/job/show/88155-rhhr-associates-cad-space-coordinator-new-york-ny?affiliate=10147&hbxcmp=j_aff&hbxsrc=10147 http://www.newyorkdiversity.com/ http://www.simplyhired.com/a/jobs/list/q-CAD/l-NY http://www.metronewyorkjobs.com/default.asp http://www.4jobs.com/JS/General/Job.asp?id=13470614&aff=FE1E04F6-9592-4CD2-A242-CD8247A4C0D7 http://engineering.thingamajob.com/jobs/New-York http://www.careerjet.com/jobs_in_new_york_404_8.html http://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=company%3A%22Gromwell%22&l=new+york

Question: Looking for a Draftsman/CAD jobs in Dallas, Texas area.? Someone I associate with is in need of a job as a Draftsman/CAD Operator or Drafter job in the Dallas, Texas area. He has over 10 years experience, and has been doing his best to find any such employment. He can do the computer systems of AutoCAD and Microstation. He done mostly mechanical drafting, but he is willing to take any entry-level positions in civil drafting, architectural drafting, and structural drafting. He badly needs any such job in this field. Please contact me if you have such a job in the field for him.

Answer: Here are places where you can find postings for CAD jobs in the Denver area http://dallas.craigslist.org/egr/ http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/jobs/TX/Dallas/Engineering-Architecture-jobs http://www.localcareers.com/search_jobs/Dallas/index.cfm http://www.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobDetails.aspx?pf=true&JOB_DID=J3I8F66SW1RDMDDJ4RF&cbRecursionCnt=1&cbsid=1bb7e8e1a8744e4db1e5a93fec7f96d3-216234493-W2-2