Role Description

Engineering > Structural Designer/Drafter

Salary National Average

Low Medium High
50610.0000 59780.0000 73710.0000

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Candidate Supply: 6,651 Job Openings: 1,605

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Short Description:

Structural drafters prepare technical drawings, plans and cost estimates that provide their employers with visual guidelines for construction of buildings, bridges, manufacturing plants and other structures. They often use computer-aided design software (CAD) with their understanding of structural engineering and design to provide details and recommend changes to designs. Structural drafters work for construction companies, architectural firms, manufacturing firms, transportation firms, and departments of state and federal government.

Duties / Responsibilities:

  • Produce technical drawings based on rough sketches, specifications and calculations from engineers, surveyors and architects. 
  • Add or make necessary changes to designs while checking and verifying that drawings conform to specifications.
  • Consult with other drafters, architects, designers, construction supervisors and clients. 
  • Write detailed reports, calculate material amounts and costs and prepare construction specifications and timelines.
  • Operate CAD systems to create multi-dimensional graphic views, flow charts, layouts and detailed working drawings to simulate and analyze potential design problems.
  • Team with or supervise other drafters.

Skills / Requirements / Qualifications

  • Experience: Proven work experience as a Drafter or similar role
  • CAD Software: Hands-on experience with computer-aided design (CAD) software
  • Modeling: Familiarity with 3D modeling tools
  • Math: Good math skills
  • Time Management: Ability to meet deadlines
  • Education: BSc in Engineering, Architecture or degree from a technical college

Job Zones

  • Title: Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
  • Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
  • Related Experience: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
  • Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
  • Job Zone Examples: Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, chemists, art directors, and cost estimators.
  • SVP Range: (7.0 to < 8.0)

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