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AutoCAD Drafter Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

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An 9912586cad drafter8.94drafter8.86cad5.8autocad4.65autocad drafter4.33794431181599.7525.9649.75HOURLY56598522025-11-012025-11-302025-10-012025-10-312025-12-05AutoCAD Drafter, or CAD Operator, uses computer-aided design (CAD) software to create technical drawings to help design and build products or structures. Their duties include collaborating with engineers and architects, generating digital drawings and schematics based on design specifications and preparing related technical documents.

9912586cad drafter8.94drafter8.86cad5.8autocad4.65autocad drafter4.33794431181599.7525.9649.75HOURLY56598522025-11-012025-11-302025-10-012025-10-312025-12-05AutoCAD Drafter duties and responsibilities

An AutoCAD Drafter’s primary responsibility is to create technical drawings to help design and build aircraft, bridges and other engineering, manufacturing or architectural projects. More specifically, their daily duties include: 

  • Using CAD software, such as AutoCAD and SolidWorks, to prepare technical drawings

  • Working with engineers and other professionals to produce drawings that meet their specifications

  • Writing related technical documents such as material lists and cost estimates

  • Ensuring that all drawings are accurate and meet industry standards

  • Maintaining a library of standard drawing templates

  • Updating existing drawings as new information becomes available

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AutoCAD Drafter Job Description Examples

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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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What does an 9912586cad drafter8.94drafter8.86cad5.8autocad4.65autocad drafter4.33794431181599.7525.9649.75HOURLY56598522025-11-012025-11-302025-10-012025-10-312025-12-05AutoCAD Drafter do?

AutoCAD Drafters create technical drawings that help translate engineering and architectural designs into detailed plans used in building products and structures. They typically specialize in a particular industry, such as civil or mechanical engineering. 9912586cad drafter8.94drafter8.86cad5.8autocad4.65autocad drafter4.33794431181599.7525.9649.75HOURLY56598522025-11-012025-11-302025-10-012025-10-312025-12-05AutoCAD Drafter job duties require them to work in office settings, but they may occasionally need to travel to job sites to obtain or verify measurements and other relevant information. Their day-to-day responsibilities include collaborating with engineers and other professionals to clarify design specifications, using CAD software to produce drawings and checking design drawings to verify they’re accurate and meet industry standards.

9912586cad drafter8.94drafter8.86cad5.8autocad4.65autocad drafter4.33794431181599.7525.9649.75HOURLY56598522025-11-012025-11-302025-10-012025-10-312025-12-05AutoCAD Drafter skills and qualifications

AutoCAD Drafters use technical expertise and soft skills to succeed at the job, including:

  • Extensive working knowledge of CAD software, such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks, to be able to prepare technical drawings efficiently

  • Ability to analyze design sketches and specifications to create technical drawings

  • Strong attention to detail to ensure drawings are accurate according to specifications

  • Communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with architects, engineers and other professionals

  • Time management skills to work with multiple projects and competing deadlines

  • Knowledge of engineering practices and industry standards

  • Advanced mathematical skills

9912586cad drafter8.94drafter8.86cad5.8autocad4.65autocad drafter4.33794431181599.7525.9649.75HOURLY56598522025-11-012025-11-302025-10-012025-10-312025-12-05AutoCAD Drafter experience requirements

Entry-level AutoCAD Drafter positions typically don’t require previous work experience. However, employers look for candidates with CAD software experience, which post-secondary education in drafting provides. For Senior AutoCAD Drafter positions, employers usually seek candidates with 2 years of experience. An AutoCAD Drafter with at least 5 years of experience and leadership skills may be a good candidate for an AutoCAD Drafting Supervisor who manages a team of drafters.

AutoCAD Drafter education and training requirements

Most AutoCAD Drafters have completed a 2-year associate degree or 1-year certificate program in computer-aided design and drafting (CADD). These programs include coursework in mathematics, engineering, design and CAD software. Many AutoCAD Drafters also pursue professional certification from the American Design Drafting Association by taking an exam and meeting the training and employment requirements. In addition, some certifications demonstrate a Drafter’s proficiency in CAD software, such as the Autodesk Certified Professional (ACP) credential.

AutoCAD Drafter salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, an AutoCAD Drafter earns about $53,204 per year. The exact salary may vary depending on the candidate’s experience, qualifications and location.

Job description samples for similar positions

If the AutoCAD Drafter job description doesn’t meet your requirements, below are job descriptions for related roles:

AutoCAD Drafter job description FAQs

What are the different types of AutoCAD Drafter?

AutoCAD Drafter careers can branch into different engineering fields, resulting in several types of CAD Drafters. One of them is Architectural Drafters who prepare technical drawings of buildings and other structures. Another type is Civil Drafters who produce drawings for land development projects, such as streets and sewer systems. Electrical Drafters create drawings showing the location of wiring and equipment within a building. And finally, Mechanical Drafters prepare detailed diagrams of mechanical devices and systems, from furnaces to power plants.

What qualities make a good AutoCAD Drafter?

A strong AutoCAD Drafter understands engineering and architectural concepts, is adept in using CAD software and can read and interpret blueprints and other technical drawings. They enjoy learning and improving their technical skills. In addition to being technically proficient, a good AutoCAD Drafter is detail-oriented and has excellent problem-solving skills to create accurate drawings that meet industry standards. Communication, interpersonal and time management skills are also essential.

Who does an AutoCAD Drafter report to?

In most cases, an AutoCAD Drafter directly reports to the CAD Drafting Supervisor, who manages a team of drafters. Since AutoCAD Drafters usually work on multiple projects, they may also indirectly report to Project Managers and Engineers.

What makes a good AutoCAD Drafter job description?

A good AutoCAD Drafter job description specifies the requirements for the position, such as education and experience, as well as a list of duties and responsibilities. It’s also helpful to include working hours, schedule and compensation information. Additionally, a good AutoCAD Drafter job description should be clear and concise so potential candidates can easily understand what the position entails.

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Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

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