Career Defined for Civil Drafting Technicians
Civil drafting is a specialty under the larger heading of drafters and refers to those drafting professionals who specifically work on major projects intended for civil use such as pipelines, bridges and flood control projects. Civil drafting technicians typically work in offices preparing drawings and maps, which provide visual guidelines on how to construct a project or structure.
| Education | Associate's degree or bachelor's degree |
| Job Skills | Interpersonal skills, mechanical precision, teamwork, visual aptitude, drawing ability |
| Median Salary (2021)* | $60,340 for architectural and civil drafters |
| Career Outlook (2021-2031)* | -1% for architectural and civil drafters |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Required Education
Training for a career in civil drafting can be completed in a technical school, community college, or university and typically takes 2-4 years to complete. Coursework includes such topics as computer technology, computer graphics, mathematics and design. Because training programs can vary widely, be certain the program you're considering is one that will prepare you for the specialty of civil drafting.
Job Skills
A civil drafting technician must have the visual aptitude and mechanical precision to produce the highly technical drawings that are required for civil projects. Good interpersonal skills are also needed in order to work well with contractors and other professionals.
Career and Economic Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projected a 1% job decrease for architectural and civil drafters from 2021 through 2031. The median annual income for architectural and civil drafters was reported at $60,340 in May 2021.
Alternative Career Options
Related jobs include:
Architect
Aside from planning and designing buildings, architects prepare scaled drawings, estimate costs and consult with clients. To become an architect, an architecture degree, an internship and licensure are required. A 3% job growth was estimated for architects from 2021 to 2031, according to the BLS. In 2021, architects made a median salary of $80,180.
Surveyor
This career could experience a 1% increase in employment during the BLS' 2021-2031 reporting period. Licensure and a bachelor's degree are the most common requirements needed for surveyors. Among their many duties, surveyors work with architects and related professionals in establishing land boundaries, writing property descriptions and preparing maps. In 2021, the BLS noted that surveyors made a median income of $61,600.
