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Architectural and Civil Drafters

Architecture and Engineering (17-3011)

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.

At a Glance

Architectural and Civil Drafters earns a median of $64,280/yr with +4.1% projected growth. Typical entry: Associate's degree. Top skills: Working with Computers, Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment, Trimble SketchUp Pro.

Median Annual Wage

$64,280/yr

Projected Growth (2024-34)

+4.1%

Annual Openings

10

Typical Education

Associate's degree

Skills & Requirements

Skills (10)

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

3.6
Systems Analysis

Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

3.5
Complex Problem Solving

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

3.5
Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

3.4
Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

3.4
Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

3.4
Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

3.3
Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

3.3
Time Management

Managing one's own time and the time of others.

3.3
Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

3.3

Knowledge (6)

Design

Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

4.3
Building and Construction

Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

4.3
Engineering and Technology

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

4.2
English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

3.8
Computers and Electronics

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

3.8
Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

3.6

Abilities (13)

Near Vision

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

3.6
Visualization

The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

3.6
Written Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

3.6
Written Comprehension

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

3.6
Oral Comprehension

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

3.6
Deductive Reasoning

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

3.5
Fluency of Ideas

The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).

3.4
Oral Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

3.4
Category Flexibility

The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

3.4
Information Ordering

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

3.4
Inductive Reasoning

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

3.4
Originality

The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.

3.4
Mathematical Reasoning

The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.

3.4

Technology (27)

Trimble SketchUp Pro

Category: Graphics or photo imaging software | Hot Technology

4.5
Adobe Acrobat

Category: Document management software | Hot Technology

4.5
SAP software

Category: Enterprise resource planning ERP software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Word

Category: Word processing software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Windows

Category: Operating system software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Visio

Category: Process mapping and design software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Project

Category: Project management software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft PowerPoint

Category: Presentation software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Outlook

Category: Electronic mail software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Office software

Category: Office suite software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Excel

Category: Spreadsheet software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Access

Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft .NET Framework

Category: Development environment software | Hot Technology

4.5
Adobe After Effects

Category: Video creation and editing software | Hot Technology

4.5
Extensible markup language XML

Category: Enterprise application integration software | Hot Technology

4.5
ESRI ArcGIS software

Category: Geographic information system | Hot Technology

4.5
Dassault Systemes SolidWorks

Category: Computer aided design CAD software | Hot Technology

4.5
C

Category: Development environment software | Hot Technology

4.5
Bentley MicroStation

Category: Computer aided design CAD software | Hot Technology

4.5
Autodesk Revit

Category: Computer aided design CAD software | Hot Technology

4.5
Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D

Category: Computer aided design CAD software | Hot Technology

4.5
Autodesk AutoCAD

Category: Computer aided design CAD software | Hot Technology

4.5
Adobe Photoshop

Category: Graphics or photo imaging software | Hot Technology

4.5
Adobe InDesign

Category: Desktop publishing software | Hot Technology

4.5
Adobe Illustrator

Category: Graphics or photo imaging software | Hot Technology

4.5
Adobe Creative Cloud software

Category: Graphics or photo imaging software | Hot Technology

4.5
McNeel Rhinoceros 3D

Category: Graphics or photo imaging software | In Demand

4.0

Work Activities (16)

Working with Computers

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

4.8
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment

Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

4.6
Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

4.4
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

4.3
Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

4.0
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

3.9
Thinking Creatively

Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

3.8
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

3.8
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

3.7
Documenting/Recording Information

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

3.7
Processing Information

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

3.6
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

3.5
Analyzing Data or Information

Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

3.5
Communicating with People Outside the Organization

Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

3.4
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

3.3
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information

Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

3.3

Careers with Overlapping Skills

These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.

Explore Key Skills

Frequently Asked Questions

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