Architectural Drafter Salary
Architectural Drafters in the United States pull down an average of $18.11 per hour. With some bonuses approaching $4K and certain profit sharing proceeds approaching $3K, overall incomes of Architectural Drafters spread between $29K and $58K depending on individual performance. Geographic location and experience level each impact pay for this group, with the former having the largest influence. Some workers in this field — more than a third — are not awarded benefits. Medical coverage is reported by a majority and dental plans are enjoyed by about two-fifths. Architectural Drafters who participated in the survey are largely men, dominating at 67 percent. Job satisfaction is high and work is enjoyable for most Architectural Drafters.
Job Description for Architectural Drafter
An architectural drafter creates precise scale drawings and schematics for structures to be built or renovated. These drawings can then be used by clients of the architectural firm for approval (or modifications until the client is satisfied with the design). The drafter’s work is then the basis that site managers use to assist in the actual construction or remodeling work to be performed.
Read More...Architectural Drafter Tasks
- Accurately post closed work orders to the master design files.
- Review engineering drawings and supporting documentation to verify adherence to standard practices.
- Prepare layouts, drawings and designs according to engineering specifications using software.
- Log work orders into database and distribute and file work order folders daily.
- Coordinate work order process with construction supervisors, engineers and property accounting.
Common Career Paths for Architectural Drafter
Add this chart to your site:
640px
300px
While not commonly seen, Architectural Drafters who transition into a Construction Project Manager position may see a rise in pay. The median salary for Construction Project Managers is $70K per year. It is quite typical for Architectural Drafters to transition into roles as Architectural Job Captains or Architecture Project Managers, where reported median earnings are $13K and $25K higher per year.
Architectural Drafter Job Listings
Popular Skills for Architectural Drafter
Survey takers working as Architectural Drafters report using a large range of professional skills. Most notably, skills in Autocad 2000i, AutoCAD, Adobe Photoshop, and Autodesk Software are correlated to pay that is above average. Skills that pay less than market rate include Microsoft Excel and AutoCAD Architecture. It is often found that people who know Microsoft Office are also skilled in Autodesk Revit Architecture. Most people skilled in AutoCAD are similarly competent in 3D Rendering and Autodesk Revit Architecture.
Pay by Experience Level for Architectural Drafter
Pay by Experience for an Architectural Drafter has a positive trend. An entry-level Architectural Drafter with less than 5 years of experience can expect to earn an average total compensation of $37,000 based on 397 salaries provided by anonymous users. Average total compensation includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay. An Architectural Drafter with mid-career experience which includes employees with 5 to 10 years of experience can expect to earn an average total compensation of $42,000 based on 154 salaries. An experienced Architectural Drafter which includes employees with 10 to 20 years of experience can expect to earn an average total compensation of $50,000 based on 151 salaries. An Architectural Drafter with late-career experience which includes employees with greater than 20 years of experience can expect to earn an average total compensation of $52,000 based on 47 salaries.
Pay Difference by Location
San Francisco is home to an above-average pay rate for Architectural Drafters, 43 percent higher than the national average. Architectural Drafters will also find cushy salaries in Minneapolis (+28 percent), Dallas (+19 percent), Houston (+16 percent), and New York (+12 percent). Architectural Drafters in McAllen take home the lowest salaries, earning a whopping 54 percent less than the national average. Below-median salaries also turn up in Chicago and Miami (9 percent lower and 7 percent lower, respectively).
Architectural Drafter Reviews
Related Job Salaries
Key Stats for Architectural Drafter
Gender
Female
31 % |
|
Male
69 % |
|
Job Satisfaction
Extremely satisfied |
Rated 5 out of 5 based on 186 votes. |
|
|