Architectural Drafters

Wages
In 2021, the average annual wage in a Alabama was $54,230 with most people making between $29,260 and $78,660
Wages by Industry
  • Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services $48,450.00
  • Residential Building Construction $45,500.00
  • Nonresidential Building Construction $48,610.00
  • Architectural and Structural Metals Manufacturing $46,560.00
Education Required
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Common Majors
  • Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, General
  • Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology
  • Architectural Drafting and Architectural CAD/CADD
  • Architectural Sciences and Technology, Other
  • Architectural Technology/Technician
  • CAD/CADD Drafting and/or Design Technology/Technician
About the job

Prepare detailed drawings of architectural designs and plans for buildings and structures according to specifications provided by architect

What you'll do
    • Analyze technical implications of architect's design concept, calculating weights, volumes, and stress factors.
    • Build landscape, architectural and display models.
    • Calculate heat loss and gain of buildings and structures to determine required equipment specifications, following standard procedures.
    • Check dimensions of materials to be used and assign numbers to lists of materials.
    • Create freehand drawings and lettering to accompany drawings.
    • Determine procedures and instructions to be followed, according to design specifications and quantity of required materials
    • Prepare colored drawings of landscape and interior designs for presentation to client.
    • Prepare cost estimates, contracts, bidding documents and technical reports for specific projects under an architect's supervision.
    • Represent architect on construction site, ensuring builder compliance with design specifications and advising on design corrections, under architect's supervision.
    • Reproduce drawings on copy machines or trace copies of plans and drawings using transparent paper or cloth, ink, pencil, and standard drafting instruments.
Things you need to know
    • Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
    • Building and Construction - Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
    • English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
    • Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
    • Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Abilities you'll need to have
    • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
    • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
    • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
    • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
    • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
    • Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
    • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.