Details Report for:
17-3011.00 - Architectural and Civil Drafters
Prepare detailed drawings of architectural and structural features of buildings or drawings and topographical relief maps used in civil engineering projects, such as highways, bridges, and public works. Use knowledge of building materials, engineering practices, and mathematics to complete drawings.
Sample of reported job titles: Architectural Designer, Architectural Drafter, Architectural Draftsman, Civil Drafter, Computer-Aided Design Designer (CAD Designer), Computer-Aided Drafting and Design Drafter (CADD Drafter), Computer-Aided Drafting Designer (CAD Designer), Drafting Technician, Draftsman, Draftsperson
Tasks | Technology Skills | Tools Used | Knowledge | Skills | Abilities | Work Activities | Detailed Work Activities | Work Context | Job Zone | Credentials | Interests | Work Styles | Work Values | Related Occupations | Wages & Employment | Job Openings | Additional Information
Tasks Save Table (XLS/CSV)
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Category | Task |
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97 ![]() ![]() |
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53 ![]() ![]() |
Supplemental | |
41 ![]() ![]() |
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32 ![]() ![]() |
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Not available | Not available | |
Not available | Not available | |
Not available | Not available |
Technology Skills Save Table (XLS/CSV)
- Computer aided design CAD software
— Autodesk AutoCAD
; Dassault Systemes CATIA; ENERCALC FastFrame; Logitech 3D Pro (see all 25 examples)
- Data base user interface and query software — ARCOM Masterspec; Database software; Microsoft Access
- Desktop publishing software — Adobe Systems Adobe InDesign
- Development environment software — Adobe Systems Adobe Creative Suite; C; Microsoft .NET Framework
- Document management software — Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
; Document management system software
- Electronic mail software — Microsoft Outlook
- Enterprise application integration software — Extensible markup language XML
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
— ERP software; SAP software
- Graphics or photo imaging software — Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
; Microsoft Visio
; Softimage Extreme; Sun Microsystems Cobalt (see all 18 examples)
- Map creation software — Boundary survey software; ESRI ArcGIS software
; ESRI ArcView; Topographic map software (see all 6 examples)
- Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software — Bill of materials software
- Office suite software — Microsoft Office
- Operating system software — Microsoft Windows
- Optical character reader OCR or scanning software — Digitizing and photogrammetric software; Scanning software
- Pattern design software — 100 Plus Hatch Pattern Library
- Presentation software — Microsoft PowerPoint
- Project management software — Microsoft Project
; SpecsInTact
- Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel
- Video creation and editing software — Autodesk 3ds Max
- Word processing software — Microsoft Word
; Specification software
Hot Technology — a technology requirement frequently included in employer job postings.
Tools Used Save Table (XLS/CSV)
- Compasses
- Computer mouse or trackballs — Three-dimensional motion controllers
- Curves — Flexible curves; French curves
- Desktop computers
- Graphics or video accelerator cards — Computer aided design CAD multi-unit display graphics cards
- Multimedia projectors — Three-dimensional stereoscopic projectors
- Notebook computers
- Plotter printers — Plotters
- Pocket calculator — Handheld calculators
- Print servers
- Protractors
- Scales — Architects' scales; Electronic scales
- Scanners — Backlit digitizers; Sonic digitizers; Three-dimensional laser digitizers; Wide-format document scanners (see all 5 examples)
- T squares — T-squares
- Tablet computers — Graphics tablets; Pressure-sensitive graphic tablets
- Touch pads — Estimating keypads
- Triangles
Knowledge Save Table (XLS/CSV)
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Knowledge |
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83 ![]() ![]() |
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Skills Save Table (XLS/CSV)
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67 ![]() ![]() |
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9 ![]() ![]() |
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0 ![]() |
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0 ![]() |
Abilities Save Table (XLS/CSV)
Work Activities Save Table (XLS/CSV)
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Work Activity |
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94 ![]() ![]() |
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90 ![]() ![]() |
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84 ![]() ![]() |
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Detailed Work Activities Save Table (XLS/CSV)
- Create graphical representations of civil structures.
- Create graphical representations of structures or landscapes.
- Evaluate technical data to determine effect on designs or plans.
- Create maps.
- Supervise engineering or other technical personnel.
- Prepare detailed work plans.
- Analyze operational data to evaluate operations, processes or products.
- Verify mathematical calculations.
- Determine operational methods.
- Survey land or bodies of water to measure or determine features.
- Collect data about project sites.
- Explain engineering drawings, specifications, or other technical information.
- Estimate operational costs.
- Estimate technical or resource requirements for development or production projects.
- Prepare procedural documents.
- Review technical documents to plan work.
- Analyze costs and benefits of proposed designs or projects.
- Create graphical representations of energy production systems.
- Evaluate designs or specifications to ensure quality.
- Monitor processes for compliance with standards.
- Prepare contracts, disclosures, or applications.
- Prepare technical reports for internal use.
- Provide technical guidance to other personnel.
- Recommend technical design or process changes to improve efficiency, quality, or performance.
- Review details of technical drawings or specifications.
Find occupations related to multiple detailed work activities
Work Context Save Table (XLS/CSV)
Job Zone Save Table (XLS/CSV)
Title | Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed |
Education | Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. |
Related Experience | Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job. |
Job Training | Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations. |
Job Zone Examples | These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, travel guides, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters, and medical assistants. |
SVP Range | (6.0 to < 7.0) |
Interests Save Table (XLS/CSV)
Work Styles Save Table (XLS/CSV)
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Work Style |
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95 ![]() ![]() |
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90 ![]() ![]() |
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83 ![]() ![]() |
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Related Occupations Save Table (XLS/CSV)
15-1299.02 | Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians ![]() |
17-1021.00 | Cartographers and Photogrammetrists ![]() |
17-2121.00 | Marine Engineers and Naval Architects |
17-3012.00 | Electrical and Electronics Drafters |
17-3013.00 | Mechanical Drafters |
17-3022.00 | Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians |
17-3031.00 | Surveying and Mapping Technicians |
27-1021.00 | Commercial and Industrial Designers |
27-1025.00 | Interior Designers |
51-6092.00 | Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers |
Wages & Employment Trends
Median wages (2019) | $27.09 hourly, $56,340 annual |
State wages | |
Local wages | |
Employment (2019) | 102,900 employees |
Projected growth (2019-2029) | ![]() |
Projected job openings (2019-2029) | 8,500 |
State trends | |
Top industries (2019) | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (74% employed in this sector)
Construction (10%)
|
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2019 wage data
and 2019-2029 employment projections
.
"Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2019-2029). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.
Sources of Additional Information
Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.
- Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
- American Design Drafting Association
- American Public Works Association
- American Society of Landscape Architects
- Association for Career and Technical Education
- Autodesk User Group International
- International Code Council
- National Society of Professional Surveyors
- Occupational Outlook Handbook: Drafters
- Society of Manufacturing Engineers
- The American Institute of Architects