A career as an AutoCAD drafter opens the door to a wide range of opportunities in a variety of industries. Many AutoCAD drafters find employment with companies that construct products ranging from toys to skyscrapers or provide design services to architectural firms, engineers, and government agencies.
The more technically demanding the schematics, the broader the skill set required of an AutoCAD drafter. Basic knowledge of engineering principles is a must. Drafting experience is usually acquired through an apprenticeship.
Technical knowledge can be applied to a variety of industries, such as aerospace, avionics, construction, electronics, and power generation. Technical advancement is dependent upon education or experience in electrical circuitry systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, and other sciences that may apply.
Mechanical Drafter
A Mechanical Draftsperson is a person who is responsible for the design and creation of functional models, drawings, models, schematics, and other similar documentation required by manufacturing entities for manufacturing purposes. Some contractors specialize in specific machine types or specific materials.
Others may utilize computer-aided design (CAD) and other design technologies. Every day, many different businesses require detailed designs for equipment, systems, packaging, labeling, or any number of aspects that need to be produced in great quantity.
To meet these deadlines, Mechanical Draftsperson often worked alongside other skilled tradespeople who specialize in saws, milling machines, plumbing supplies, etc.
What Are The Educational Requirements?
Most drafters, whether their focus is on woodworking, metalworking, automotive design, or other fields, require a certain amount of formal education when entering this field. This generally means starting off with a two-year associate’s degree in drafting.
Depending on your employer you may need to take additional courses or continue onto a four-year degree. After completing your schooling there are many avenues open to you completing your drafter training.
What Is The Salary?
Typical Mechanical Drafter Salaries are dependent upon their job duties and company size. Typical annual salaries for a mechanical drafter vary from $27,400 for an individual working in the operations department of a large company to just under $70,000 for an individual working in either consulting services or selling equipment in retail stores.
Architectural Drafter
An architectural draftsman is someone who makes models using 3D printers and other machines in order to understand how things will fit together. This profession has seen an increase in popularity as 3D printers have become more affordable and accessible to the general public.
It is not necessarily a glamorous job, but it can pay well for those who are willing to dedicate the time needed to learn the trade. Many architects and engineers enjoy employment as draftsmen, as they gain the experience and knowledge necessary to become licensed architects or engineers.
What Are The Educational Requirements?
There are many varied careers within the Construction industry; however, one that is common within civil & structural is that of an Architectural Draftsperson. ADDA is a professional who creates the blueprints for building structures such as bridges, buildings, etc. While most DAs work for private homeowners, there are many public agencies & companies that utilize the services of a drafter.
The duties for a drafter may vary depending on if they are working for a private household or an agency-owned building.
What Is The Salary?
The top salaries for architectural drafters in the United States are earned by people who work in manufacturing, construction, and government. The median annual salary for an architect with a bachelor’s degree is $48,200, which increases to $57,200 for those with master’s degrees and $68,600 for those with specialist degrees.
A career as an architect requires extensive training which can be received through an accredited university or college, plus additional study years after obtaining a bachelor’s degree.
Interior Designer
A qualified interior designer provides design and project management solutions for clients. They plan, coordinate, and lead projects that enhance client satisfaction, either through attracting new clients or improving existing ones. They may specialize in a specific type of space, such as retail, office, or industrial.
Interested applicants should have experience managing budgets, designing products, and communicating projects to their clients. During the hiring process, interior designers look for creativity, passion for their craft, technical aptitude, communication skills, and a commitment to safety and quality.
What Are The Educational Requirements?
The journey to becoming an interior designer usually starts with an associate’s degree and then progresses to bachelor’s and master’s degrees. At some point, you’ll likely be required to pass a state licensing exam. Some states offer reciprocity — which means you can work anywhere in the U.S. as long as you hold a license from that state.
Other states require two separate licensing exams — one for the state where the work will be done; the second for the state where the degree was obtained.
What Is The Salary?
The average yearly salary of an interior designer is $49,810. Interior designers are responsible for planning and overseeing the renovation and decoration of offices. Interior designers handle every aspect of space including furniture layout, lighting, flooring, and various color schemes.
Interior designers place heavy importance on budgeting to ensure that the design meets the client’s requirements without exceeding their budget.
Industrial Designer
A lot of the time when we’re looking for a job, we check out a few jobs related to what we’re interested in. But sometimes, something clicks, and we choose this” job instead. Industrial designers have a unique job title because they develop the concepts for manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, electronics, and toys.
These designers work in offices in a variety of industries and often work with the creative development of other departments to come up with new products for sale or help build prototypes for other companies.
Industrial designers typically have 3 to 5 years of experience in designing for industry. This is a technical position that works closely with product development firms, manufacturers, and other businesses to determine overall product ideas and designs for manufacturing.
They use relevant knowledge to develop concepts and strategies needed to ensure successful execution. Operating daily shifts from concept development to final product development, industrial designers oversee the entire process from conception through implementation.
What Are The Educational Requirements?
Most industrial design programs include courses that industrial designers need in design: drawing, computer-aided design and drafting (CADD), and three-dimensional modeling. Most programs will also include courses in business, industrial materials, and processes that help design find its way into new products.
Industrial design is a booming field with many opportunities for those willing to put in the time and effort. If you are interested in learning more about industrial design and its many careers, here is a list of schools with programs that interest them.
What Is The Salary?
Industrial Designer salaries vary by company, but we’ve found that most Industrial Designers bring home annual paychecks that fall between $42218 and $80897. Industrial Designers working for the highest-paying companies can receive paychecks exceeding $80897, while those employed at the lowest-paying firms can earn as little as $42218. However, these numbers generally change depending on the location of the job and the industry in which it’s located.