Computer Aided Design (CAD) Technician Hourly Rate

The computer aided design (CAD) technician works with the project designer to create a detailed visual representation of a project. They use computer design programs to sketch the object from multiple perspectives and include relevant details such as materials, dimensions, and fasteners. Once these digital drawings are complete, CAD designers show builders, designers, and manufacturers how to construct the project in an effective way that takes into account regulatory requirements. The CAD technician’s efforts also provide a visual representation of a project to investors, builders, and others involved.
CAD technicians work across a number of specific fields, with individual technicians sometimes either working in one specific field or multiple fields at once. Architectural CAD technicians draft blueprints of structures, including interior features. CAD technicians in civil design generally focus on infrastructure and earthwork drafting; technicians in electrical fields focus their efforts on electrical systems' infrastructure or the internal circuitry of electronic items.
Many CAD technicians have technical trade school program(s) that focus specifically on drafting and in using CAD software. Others have earned associate’s or bachelor’s degrees in computer aided design. Often, CAD technicians will engage in continuing education courses during their career to keep up with changes in software and design technology.
CAD technicians must have a solid grasp of math and scientific concepts, strong computer skills, an eye for detail, and strong knowledge of the components needed to create real-world versions of their virtual designs. Additionally, it is to their benefit to have good interpersonal skills to ensure good communication with designers, engineers, and other colleagues.

Computer Aided Design (CAD) Technician Tasks