CAD Drafter Career Guide and Counseling

Question: I am a CAD drafter and i need a book that has the dimensions for anything that i would put in a floor plan? I am a CAD drafter and i am looking for a book that shows the dimensions of items used in a floor plan, such as toilets, bath tubs, beds, desks, ect. Does anyone know what this type of book would be called?

Answer: You just need do download a library of blocks. These scale blocks can then be imported into your drawing. There are all kinds of blocks covering everything from office furniture to electrical symbols for wiring diagrams. Examples can be found at: http://cben.net/

Question: Cad Drafter? I'm currently a college student who finished Autocad 2D and working on Autocad 3D in my community college(2D is practically an introduction to autocad while 3D refers to more 3D drawings and more onto rendering objects and future presentations.) I was wondering if this is all I need to be a drafter or are there more specifications in order to be a drafter?

Answer: Dear don't worry practice Autocad 3D to the maximum level. For a draftsmen you shoud have good knowledge of Engineering Drawing Machine Drawing and a CAD tool to use them on Computer Concentrate on Theory and 2D drawing its enough.

Question: To be a CAD drafter, do you have to be a good artist? To be a CAD drafter, do you have to be a good artist? I mean, do you have to be a essentially a graphics artist that can draw anything?

Answer: You need to have the ability to become a good interpreter or rather reproducer. The ability to draw proficiently helps and anyone can learn to do that. It's all about practice and training the eye. CAD relies more on math than your own judgment, but knowing how to draw would give you an advantage over those who don't know or who aren't willing to learn.

Question: How much does a certified Architect charge to sign and seal a floor plan done by a CAD drafter?

Answer: I am not sure about architects, but as an engineer I am not permitted to sign and seal work that is not my own, or done under my direct supervision. You can check with your state board that certifies architects.

Question: What is the average pay for a cad drafter in North Carolina?

Answer: I'm sorry to answer your question this way, but I don't know. I just wanted to tell you that you can do a job search for architect jobs by zip code. I found one site that should help you. Hopefully this will be of assistance to you.

Question: what is starting salary for Engineering CAD Drafter? im about to graduate from college with an associates of applyed science in computer aided design/ architectual drafting. im looking for a job i seen this 1 on craigslist. and it says Please submit your resume with salary expectations to the email address in the listing. im not sure what salary i should say please help!

Answer: From the US Department of Labor Website - Occupational Outlook Handbook Drafters’ earnings vary by specialty, location, and level of responsibility. Median annual earnings of architectural and civil drafters were $41,960 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $33,550 and $52,220. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $27,010, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $63,310. Median annual earnings of mechanical drafters were $43,700 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $34,680 and $55,130. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $28,230, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $67,860. Median annual earnings for mechanical drafters in architectural, engineering, and related services were $44,120. Median annual earnings of electrical and electronics drafters were $46,830 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $36,660 and $60,160. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $29,290, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $74,490. In architectural, engineering, and related services, median annual earnings for electrical and electronics drafters were $44,140.

Question: Is it hard to find steady work as a CAD drafter? Im going back to school and always wanted to get into drafting, but was a little worried from what one drafter told me that it was hard to earn a steady income due to most places only needing temporary help.Is this true or was he misinformed?

Answer: You can definitely find steady work as a CAD drafter. Check to see if the school you are interested in offers internships or placement assistance. If so, they should have established relationships with companies that need CAD drafters and can place you there for a short internship so you can add some experience to your resume. Most large engineering companies use CAD drafters all the time. Look up engineering firms in your area and talk to them about opportunities for entry level drafters. Also, if you're not opposed to relocating or working on remote projects, you can always find work on design or architecture projects that pay pretty well. If you work on the project side, you will likely only have temporary employment (although temporary could mean several years). However, if you can get in with a major engineering company, you should have little trouble keeping permanent employment. Good luck

Question: Where would I advertise my services as a CAD drafter, providing a 'paper to CAD' service? I have all the required software and experience. But don't know how to find clients. I want to provide a service to anyone who requires paper/pdf drawings or sketches converted to AutoCAD. I am based in the UK, any ideas where to advertise this kind of service? I am not looking for a job, I am looking to start self employed in this field.

Answer: Go to http://www.guru.com/ to find CAD jobs from legitimate companies, that you may have the skills to do

Question: cad drafter in daytona beach looking for a job? I am a cad drafter with an AAS in Architecture and Building Construction. I cant find a job anywhere is anyone hiring in a 40 mile radius of Daytona beach. I have 4 years experience drafting. I have administrative and clerical experience as well. I have experience with the permitting process and variances, site plan approval etc. If anyone knows of a job opening please let me know. Jessicadance413@yahoo.com

Answer: www.monster.com. Also check with the local universities.

Question: I am a CAD drafter. I want to work at home or some part time job. If someone know how, please help me. Thanks? I have heard some people really need drafters to work part time for them, but I don't know how to look for them. Please help!

Answer: There are billions of job vacancy sites on the web.... give it a google. Google "freelance CAD drafter wanted" - or something like that. http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=freelance+CAD+drafter+wanted&btnG=Google+Search&meta= Have you got a website? It would look very pro if you have your own online cv, and then you could advertise in your local paper as a freelancer and prospective clients could check your work out. No freelancer or small business should be without their own website, even if it's just a 1 or 2 a page affair with contact details.

Question: Cad Drafter test? I want to take the civil exam for Cad Drafter for the State highway Dept. Anyone know where I can get booklet on what questions are asked and maybe the answers?

Answer: look over all your notes and work that you have all ready completed. then go to a book store that you are able to sit and read the books and then look it up on the net under sample test questions for civil cad drafter. maybe your school has a sample.good luck.

Question: Whats wrong with just being a CAD Drafter? I am currently a CAD Drafter, I've been working as a drafter for 4 years now. My boss is constantly pressuring me to do other jobs, like a project manager. He says that he is fine with me just being a drafter and if thats all i want to do that is fine. but he would like me to try new things. not a requirement just if i want to. But i love drafting and drawing. and i hate talking on the phone and dealing with a lot of people. i dont want to be a project manager. What is wrong with me just wanting to be a CAD Drafter? Is that bad? Should i want to do more? I make only $12.50 right now, i've been at the same job for 4 years and my boss says that if i just want to be a Drafter, that is the most i can make. I just had my yearly review and i did not recieve an increase. is that right? another thing is that I am the only drafter in the company. I do all the CAD drawings and my boss still says that 12.50 is the highest my pay can go.Can anyone answers my questions or just give me some advice?

Answer: There’s nothing wrong in being just a CAD operator. If that is what floats your boat then by all means carry on. However if you want to be a good drafts person I would suggest that involvement in other facets of your trade would make you a better and more rounded drafts person. You don’t have to leave drafting and become a PM but be you cannot improve your CAD skills without realizing that drafting is not done in a vacuum. Knowledge about the other aspects of the job at hand will give you better insights about what information is actually required on your drawings. In other words it would make your drawings more practically useful if you were aware of other aspects and problem areas in any project that should be included in your drawings. Drafting is about communicating in a drawing format how to build/design/construct etc something and by getting out there and being involved with the project will make you a better more valuable employee and a better CAD communicator. You drafting skills coupled with broader insight will also give you a better sense of job satisfaction. Don’t be afraid of going there! Your boss sees your potential and your role as a communicator and wants you realize that potential. It’ll make him and you more money. Been there, done that, seen the movie, and got the T- shirt and boy was it fun!

Question: Do you know any CAD drafter working for $10-$12 or less per hour? My boss sasy he will get a CAD drafter for $10 an hour. I already look on salary.com and they say 10% of the Jr Cad Drafter are in the $12 per hr. but I don know hor realistic is that number, it coul be because of the bad economy some will take the $10. do you have any info? Its for construction industry... Architectural and structural drawings For Arizona, Nevada area. My positions is that he wont find someone below $12 and with no experience at all.

Answer: It all depends on the industry & and area you're in. You can't rely on salary.com, becuase that's just a survey. I'm in the automotive industry & our CAD drafter makes $14.00/hr. Junior drafters would likely make less, since they're in 'junior' status & probably just learning.

Question: What is the avarage salery for a CAD designer (Computer aided Drafter)? How much does a draft designer make a year/hour?

Answer: Depends on too many factors to give a single answer. You can look at the salary surveys at AUGI.org, CADalyst.com, and robertgreen.com to get some ideas.

Question: Is a BS in Civil Engineering enough to be a CAD drafter/operator/technician? I've been using CAD since my junior year in high school and have used it alot in college, i've just graduated and i have no work experience related to my major as of yet, would i qualify for a CAD operator job? really just trying to get my foot in the door and gain some experience, any ideas?!

Answer: I am going for my bs in Physics/Mechanical engineering. I also have lots of experience with CAD and I feel that it will help you greatly because ideas are now generated on computers to see if they are practical. With the experience with auto cad and your degree, you should be able to find a job at any construction company. Because you have a civil engineering major, look for state and federal jobs.

Question: How do I get into Freelance CAD drafting? I'm 14, and a skilled CAD drafter, with 4 years experience. Is there anyway I can do freelance drawings or get an internship?

Answer: Good question. Many try and fail. A few try and succeed. Keep sight of your goal. To start, learn a few CAD programs. progeCAD Smart! is a great way to learn AutoCAD for free. You have to looking until someone gives you a job. Work hard. Keep a portfolio of your work that you can show other prospective customers.