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Architectural Draftsman: Average Salary of an Architectural Draftsman

Published Sep 10, 2009

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Architectural draftsmen perform rendering tasks for new structures. Such structures include homes, skyscrapers and retail developments but are by no means limited to those types of buildings. Architectural draftsmen can earn anywhere between $25,000 to $60,000, depending on their individual specialties and levels of experience.

Architectural Draftsman Career Summary

An architectural draftsman is one of the first workers contacted when a company undergoes a new construction project. O*Net (www.online.onetcenter.org) reports that these drafters design and create the plans for the various structural and architectural features of a structure. An architectural draftsman recommends the types of materials and tools that should be used for a job. Alongside all this planning, a drafter must ensure that the new building follows all laws and building codes, thus making the construction legal and up to code.

No official level of education is needed to become an architectural draftsman; however, employers look for workers who have some postsecondary school training. This education can be obtained at either a community college, a technical institute or a 4-year college. Programs for an architectural draftsman consist of classes on mathematics, science and engineering. Though not required for employment, earning certification from the American Design Drafting Association (ADDA), www.adda.org, can certainly improve a worker's employability..

Architectural Draftsman Career Outlook and Salary Information

Employment for drafters is predicted to grow at a slower than average rate, only growing by four percent between 2008 and 2018, reports the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) (www.bls.gov). Architectural drafters will see the most growth and demand. Openings will develop due to existing drafters retiring or leaving the industry. Job prospects will be best for an architectural draftsman with knowledge of computer aided design and drafting (CADD) systems. Recessions may lead to drafters finding less work, but contract and temporary employment should always be available.

The BLS reports that architectural and civil drafters make an average yearly salary of $46,390. The earnings for an architectural draftsman can vary greatly based on the location, specialty and position. The highest ten percent of drafters earned over $67,110 in a single year, while the lowest ten percent earned less than $28,220. The average hourly wages for drafters is around $20.82.

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