Prepare drawings and topographical and relief maps used in civil engineering projects, such as highways, bridges, pipelines, flood control projects, and water and sewerage control systems.
Significant Points
- The type and quality of postsecondary drafting programs vary considerably; prospective students should be careful in selecting a program.
- Employment is projected to grow more slowly than average.
- Opportunities should be best for individuals with at least 2 years of postsecondary training in drafting and considerable skill and experience using computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) systems.
- Demand for drafters varies by specialty and depends on the needs of local industry, particularly architectural and engineering services and manufacturing.
National Outlook
| 2004 Total Employment | 110,000 |
| 2014 Expected Employment | 115,000 |
| Change (Percent) | 5,000 ( 4.6) |
| Total Openings | 36,000 |