So you’ve decided to major in the art of CAD, or computer-aided drafting, and you want to know your prognosis on landing a job after graduation. Not to worry, statistics show and project no signs of decline, rather an increase in some areas of CAD through the year 2022. So just what exactly are your chances of landing a professional CAD job after graduation? That is contingent on a few criterion, depending on the type of CAD you specialize in, as well as your formal training and education.
CAD Overview
Computer aided drafters are specialized in the art of transforming the designs of architects, engineers, and the like into blueprints essential for building anything from a high-rise building to a microscopic piece of computer technology. Drafters utilize software in converting these designs, hence the title computer aided drafting. A CAD may specialize in civil, architectural, mechanical, or electrical drafting. This is a profession that requires typically a two-year technical training certificate or associate’s degree.
CAD Income
The overall median income for CAD professionals in May of 2012 was $49,630, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment Statistics. The median is not an average, but rather the mark at which 50% earn above, and 50% earn below. This is not bad considering only two years of formal education are required. The bottom 10% of CAD earners harnessed below $32,190, and top 10% of CAD earners received over $77,770. This is incredibly high considering the minimal training. This is based off all CAD employees across the board. When looking at specific specializations, the median wages in May 2012 were as follows: $55,700 for electrical drafters, $50,360 for mechanical, $47,870 for architectural and civil, and $46,110 for all others. It appears most lucrative to seek electric and mechanical programs.
Education
Prospective employers prefer applicants to have an education in drafting. This may occur via a 2-year associate’s degree from a community college, or a certificate from a technical institution. Technical institutes tend to primarily offer courses that focus on the competencies needed to complete the duties of a CAD solely. They usually award certificates or diplomas, and can vary in the amount of time taken to graduate. Many institutes will provide training in one specialization, such as mechanical, architectural, civil, or electrical drafting, rather than offering all specializations.
The American Design Drafting Association offers certification for drafters. This is not a required certification needed to land a drafting job however. It merely displays one’s level of competency, especially in the areas of national policies and practices. One may attain a certification in their specialty of choice, be it mechanical, architectural, civil or electrical. You may visit the Academy of Art University if you are interested to study architecture.
Job Statistics
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections program, the overall competitive levels for CAD positions through 2022 will be high. The demand for drafters is projected to show little or no change from 2012 to 2022 overall, with the same being true for architectural and civil drafters. Electrical demand is expected to grow 10%, close to the 11% increase in overall employment demands for all occupations. This is a great news for students of electrical drafting. The demand for mechanical drafters is projected to decline 5%; however, this may be a wise direction to pursue, as architectural and civil drafters should face higher competition for jobs as the number of graduates from these programs outweigh the number of positions available. This is not the case for the other specializations. With that being said, it is always wise to educate oneself before choosing a program.
