Architectural Drafting Technologies

Architectural drafting technologists typically prepare drawings and plans for different types of construction developments. Learn more about architectural drafting technologies and how to enter this field below.

Is Architectural Drafting Technologies for Me?

If you choose a career in architectural drafting 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 architectural engineering and architectural designing. Architectural technicians receive similar training.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employers generally desire applicants who have completed a formal educational program (www.bls.gov). 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.

Employment of architectural and civil drafters was expected to increase nine percent between 2008 and 2018, reported the BLS in 2011.. The average annual earnings for architectural and civil drafters in May 2010 was $48,740, reported the BLS.

How Can I Work In Architectural Drafting Technologies?

Community colleges and technical schools often offer architectural drafting technology certificate programs and undergraduate programs. These might include drafting technology associate's degree programs, computer-aided drafting (CAD) associate's degree programs or drafting and design (CADD) associate's degree programs. 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. Online architectural drafting and design courses might also be offered.

The American Design Drafting Association (ADDA) offers voluntary certification for drafters. You'll need to pass a relevant knowledge test to obtain certification.With more experience and additional education, you couldadvance to management positions. You might want to enter into a management position or maybe change professions to an architect. Many opportunities are available in architectural drafting technology.The BLS noted that some architectural drafters eventually receive enough education and training to become architects or engineers.

Related Articles for Architectural Drafting Technologies

View More Articles

Related Videos

  • What Does an Architectural Draftsman Do? - Video

    Architectural draftsman work across multiple industries, some of which include: government, building construction and non-building construction. Alternative titles for this position include architectural drafter, building drafter, drafting officer, architectural technician or draftsperson.
    What Does an Architectural Draftsman Do? - Video
  • Computer Aided Drafting Careers - Video

    Computer Aided Drafting, sometimes known as Computer Aided Drafting and Design, is a drafting technique used to create blueprints and drawings for engineers, manufacturers and other construction professionals. Students who study Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) can work for manufacturing, architectural, engineering, and related services firms.
    Computer Aided Drafting Careers - Video

Popular Schools

  • International Academy of Design and Technology

    International Academy of Design and Technology responds quickly to information requests through this website.

    Popular programs at International Academy of Design and Technology:

    Online and Campus-Based Programs Available:

    View All Locations
    • Anywhere: Online Campus
    • California: Sacramento
    • Florida: Tampa
    • Michigan: Troy
    • Washington: Tukwila
  • ITT Technical Institute

    ITT Technical Institute responds quickly to information requests through this website.

    Popular programs at ITT Technical Institute:

    • Bachelor Degrees
    • Associate Programs

    Online and Campus-Based Programs Available:

    View All Locations
    • Anywhere: Online Campus
    • Alabama: Bessemer, Madison, Mobile
    • Arkansas: Little Rock
    • Arizona: Phoenix, Tempe, Tucson
    • California: Clovis, Concord, Corona, Culver City, Lathrop, Oakland, Orange, Oxnard, Rancho Cordova, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Dimas, Sylmar, Torrance
    • Colorado: Aurora, Westminster
    • Florida: Bradenton, Deerfield Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Lake Mary, Miami, Orlando, Saint Petersburg, Tallahassee, Tampa, West Palm Beach
    • Georgia: Atlanta, Duluth, Kennesaw
    • Iowa: Cedar Rapids, Clive
    • Idaho: Boise
    • Illinois: Mount Prospect, Oak Brook, Orland Park
    • Indiana: Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Merrillville, Newburgh, South Bend
    • Kansas: Overland Park, Wichita
    • Kentucky: Lexington, Louisville
    • Louisiana: Baton Rouge, Saint Rose
    • Massachusetts: Norwood, Wilmington
    • Maryland: Owings Mills
    • Michigan: Canton, Dearborn, Grand Rapids, Southfield, Swartz Creek, Troy
    • Minnesota: Brooklyn Center, Eden Prairie
    • Missouri: Arnold, Earth City, Kansas City, Springfield
    • Mississippi: Madison
    • North Carolina: Cary, Charlotte, Durham, High Point
    • Nebraska: Omaha
    • New Jersey: Marlton
    • New Mexico: Albuquerque
    • Nevada: Henderson, North Las Vegas
    • New York: Albany, Getzville, Liverpool
    • Ohio: Akron, Columbus, Dayton, Hilliard, Maumee, Norwood, Strongsville, Warrensville Heights, Youngstown
    • Oklahoma: Oklahoma City, Tulsa
    • Oregon: Portland, Salem
    • Pennsylvania: Dunmore, Harrisburg, King of Prussia, Levittown, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Tarentum
    • South Carolina: Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, North Charleston
    • Tennessee: Chattanooga, Cordova, Johnson City, Knoxville, Nashville
    • Texas: Arlington, Austin, Desoto, Houston, Richardson, San Antonio, Waco, Webster
    • Utah: Murray
    • Virginia: Chantilly, Norfolk, Richmond, Salem, Springfield
    • Washington: Everett, Seattle, Spokane Valley
    • Wisconsin: Germantown, Green Bay, Greenfield, Madison
    • West Virginia: Huntington
  • Northcentral University

    Northcentral University responds quickly to information requests through this website.

    Popular programs at Northcentral University:

    Online Programs Available

  • The Art Institutes

    The Art Institutes responds quickly to information requests through this website.

    Popular programs at The Art Institutes:

    • Associate Programs

    Campus Locations:

    • Nevada: Henderson
  • Ashworth College

    Ashworth College responds quickly to information requests through this website.

    Popular programs at Ashworth College:

    • Certificates

    Online Programs Available

  • Penn Foster Career School

    Penn Foster Career School responds quickly to information requests through this website.

    Popular programs at Penn Foster Career School:

    Online Programs Available

  • South University

    South University responds quickly to information requests through this website.

    Popular programs at South University:

    Online Programs Available

 More Schools