Architectural Drafting Technologies

<h2 id="section---AreArchitecturalDraftingTechnologiesForMe">Are Architectural Drafting Technologies for Me?</h2> <h3 id="section---CareerOverview">Career Overview</h3> <p>If you choose a career in <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Architectural_Drafting_How_to_Become_an_Architecture_Draftsman_in_5_Steps.html">architectural drafting</a> technology, you could work closely with architects and construction professionals to create plans and blueprints for various structures. Architectural drafters can often specialize in one or more areas, such as business buildings, offices, retail outlets or homes. Related occupations include <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Architectural_Engineering_How_to_Become_an_Architectural_Engineer_in_5_Steps.html">architectural engineering</a> and <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Architectural_Designer_Your_Salary_and_Career_Questions_Answered.html">architectural designing</a>. <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Architectural_Technician_Your_Salary_and_Career_Questions_Answered.html">Architectural technicians</a> receive similar training. </p> <p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employers generally desire applicants who have completed a formal educational program (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). As a graduate of an architectural drafting technology program, you could qualify for employment as an architectural drafter, civil drafter, electrical drafter or mechanical drafter. Architecture companies, engineering businesses and development firms often hire architectural drafters. Landscaping and prototyping are other options. </p> <h3 id="section---EmploymentInformation">Employment Information</h3> <p>Employment of architectural and civil drafters was expected to increase only one percent between 2012 and 2022, reported the BLS in 2012. The average annual earnings for architectural and civil drafters in May 2013 were $51,250, reported the BLS. </p> <h2 id="section---HowCanIWorkInArchitecturalDraftingTechnologies">How Can I Work In Architectural Drafting Technologies?</h2> <h3 id="section---Education">Education</h3> <p>Community colleges and technical schools often offer architectural drafting technology certificate programs and undergraduate programs. These might include <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Drafting_Technology_Associate's_Degree_Programs.html">drafting technology associate's degree programs</a>, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Computer_Aided_Drafting_CAD_Associates_Degree.html">computer-aided drafting (CAD) associate's degree programs</a> or <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Computer_Aided_Drafting_and_Design_CADD_Associates_Degree.html">drafting and design (CADD) associate's degree programs</a>. As an architectural drafting technology student, you can take classes covering CAD, construction procedures, engineering basics, history of building styles, sketching and illustrations. Structural design, structural drafting, structural materials and plotting are also frequently covered. <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Online_Courses_and_Schools_for_Architectural_Drafting_and_Design.html">Online architectural drafting and design courses</a> might also be offered. </p> <h3 id="section---Certification">Certification</h3> <p>The American Design Drafting Association (ADDA) offers voluntary certification for drafters. You'll need to pass a relevant knowledge test to obtain certification. </p> <h3 id="section---CareerOptions">Career Options</h3> <p>With more experience and additional education, you could advance to management positions. The BLS also noted that some architectural drafters eventually receive enough education and training to become architects or engineers.</p>