Architectural and Civil Drafters
Medium55.34%
Salary Range
Low (10th %)$39,720
Median$61,820
High (90th %)$94,580
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Prepare detailed drawings of architectural and structural features of buildings or drawings and topographical relief maps used in civil engineering projects, such as highways, bridges, and public works. Use knowledge of building materials, engineering practices, and mathematics to complete drawings.
The automation risk for "Architectural and Civil Drafters" is assessed at 55.3%, which is slightly lower than the base risk of 56.3%. This moderate risk emerges from the nature of core drafting activities which are increasingly handled by technological advancements, specifically in computer-aided design (CAD) tools and related software. The most automatable tasks in this occupation involve producing drawings with CAD or traditional drafting tools, drafting plans for various infrastructure projects based on existing sketches or notes, and coordinating graphical representations of complex building systems. These tasks, by their structured and repetitive nature, are highly amenable to automation as artificial intelligence and software can efficiently generate, update, and optimize drafts. Despite the significant potential for automation, several critical tasks performed by architectural and civil drafters remain resistant to full automation. Notably, reviewing rough sketches or engineering documents to verify conformity with design concepts necessitates human judgment and domain expertise, as does representing architects or engineers on-site to ensure compliance and handle unforeseen design modifications. Additionally, preparing cost estimates, contracts, bidding documents, and technical reports under supervisory guidance requires interpretive judgment, attention to context, and adaptability that present challenges for current automation technologies. These resistant tasks highlight the continued importance of professional experience and contextual understanding in this field. The primary bottleneck skills limiting automation risk for this occupation are related to originality, with bottleneck levels of 3.4% and 3.1%. Originality in this context implies the capability to create and adapt designs, solve unique problems, and innovate on the job—skills that are typically difficult for automated systems to replicate. While routine drafting can be efficiently automated, tasks requiring original thinking, tailored problem-solving, and on-the-ground decision-making remain predominantly in the realm of human workers. As automation technologies evolve, drafters’ ability to leverage originality and adaptive expertise will continue to be crucial in mitigating the impact of automation on their roles.
Filter by Automatable Status
Produce drawings, using computer-assisted drafting systems (CAD) or drafting machines, or by hand, using compasses, dividers, protractors, triangles, and other drafting devices.
Partially Automatable
Coordinate structural, electrical, and mechanical designs and determine a method of presentation to graphically represent building plans.
Partially Automatable
Analyze building codes, by-laws, space and site requirements, and other technical documents and reports to determine their effect on architectural designs.
Partially Automatable
Draw maps, diagrams, and profiles, using cross-sections and surveys, to represent elevations, topographical contours, subsurface formations, and structures.
Partially Automatable
Lay out and plan interior room arrangements for commercial buildings, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment and software.
Partially Automatable
Supervise and train other technologists, technicians, and drafters.
Partially Automatable
Determine the order of work and method of presentation, such as orthographic or isometric drawing.
Partially Automatable
Finish and duplicate drawings and documentation packages according to required mediums and specifications for reproduction, using blueprinting, photography, or other duplicating methods.
Partially Automatable
Draw rough and detailed scale plans for foundations, buildings, and structures, based on preliminary concepts, sketches, engineering calculations, specification sheets, and other data.
Partially Automatable
Correlate, interpret, and modify data obtained from topographical surveys, well logs, and geophysical prospecting reports.
Partially Automatable
Check dimensions of materials to be used and assign numbers to lists of materials.
Automatable
Determine procedures and instructions to be followed, according to design specifications and quantity of required materials.
Automatable
Explain drawings to production or construction teams and provide adjustments as necessary.
Partially Automatable
Obtain and assemble data to complete architectural designs, visiting job sites to compile measurements as necessary.
Partially Automatable
Determine quality, cost, strength, and quantity of required materials, and enter figures on materials lists.
Partially Automatable
Locate and identify symbols on topographical surveys to denote geological and geophysical formations or oil field installations.
Automatable
Create freehand drawings and lettering to accompany drawings.
Partially Automatable
Calculate excavation tonnage and prepare graphs and fill-hauling diagrams for use in earth-moving operations.
Automatable
Prepare colored drawings of landscape and interior designs for presentation to client.
Partially Automatable
Calculate weights, volumes, and stress factors and their implications for technical aspects of designs.
Partially Automatable
Calculate heat loss and gain of buildings and structures to determine required equipment specifications, following standard procedures.
Automatable
Prepare cost estimates, contracts, bidding documents, and technical reports for specific projects under an architect's or engineer's supervision.
Partially Automatable
Represent architect or engineer on construction site, ensuring builder compliance with design specifications and advising on design corrections, under supervision.
Non-Automatable
Review rough sketches, drawings, specifications, and other engineering data to ensure that they conform to design concepts.
Partially Automatable
Supervise or conduct field surveys, inspections, or technical investigations to obtain data required to revise construction drawings.
Non-Automatable
Draft plans and detailed drawings for structures, installations, and construction projects, such as highways, sewage disposal systems, and dikes, working from sketches or notes.
Partially Automatable
Plot characteristics of boreholes for oil and gas wells from photographic subsurface survey recordings and other data, representing depth, degree, and direction of inclination.
Partially Automatable
Reproduce drawings on copy machines or trace copies of plans and drawings, using transparent paper or cloth, ink, pencil, and standard drafting instruments.
Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingOperations MonitoringQuality Control AnalysisSystems EvaluationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlEquipment MaintenanceTroubleshootingRepairingJudgment and Decision MakingSystems AnalysisTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Personnel ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceActive LearningLearning StrategiesMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordination
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Administration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignHistory and ArcheologyForeign LanguageBuilding and ConstructionFine ArtsMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyMedicine and DentistryEnglish LanguageEducation and TrainingPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationTherapy and CounselingPhilosophy and TheologyGeography
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsGetting InformationInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesDocumenting/Recording InformationDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
ERP softwareBentley WaterCADAdobe After EffectsBill of materials softwareAutodesk InventorBentley Systems InRoads SuiteAdobe IllustratorAdobe InDesignCAdobe PhotoshopAdobe Creative Cloud softwareExtensible markup language XMLBentley MicroStationAutodesk AutoCAD Civil 3DDassault Systemes CATIAESRI ArcViewESRI ArcGIS softwareAutodesk 3ds MaxAutodesk Land DesktopComputer aided design and drafting software CADDBentley GeoPak Bridge100 Plus Hatch Pattern LibraryAdobe LiveMotionAlias Wavefront Design StudioARCOM MasterspecAutodesk 3d Studio VizAutodesk Revit ArchitectureAutodesk SoftdeskBoundary survey softwareCorel Paint Shop ProDigitizing and photogrammetric softwareMicrosoft VisioVectorWorks ARCHITECTUGS Solid EdgeOpenRoads DesignerMicrosoft .NET FrameworkPTC Creo ParametricMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft WordSAP softwareMicrosoft AccessTrimble SketchUp ProGraphic presentation softwareGeographic information system GIS systemsGeomechanical design analysis GDA softwareMicrosoft ExcelMcNeel Rhinoceros 3DIntergraph Image AnalystLandscape modeling softwareLogitech 3D ProMotion graphics softwarePiping and instrumentation design PID softwareScanning softwareSoftimage ExtremeSpecsInTactSun Microsystems CobaltTekla softwareTopographic map softwareMicrosoft WindowsAutoDesSys form ZAutoDesSys form ZGraphisoft ArchiCADNavisWorks JetstreamNavisWorks JetstreamComputer assisted design softwareENERCALC FastFrameMicrosoft PaintENERCALC FastFrameMicrosoft PaintBentley WaterCADBill of materials softwareAutodesk InventorBentley Systems InRoads SuiteAdobe After EffectsAdobe IllustratorAdobe InDesignAdobe PhotoshopAutodesk RevitBentley MicroStationAutodesk AutoCAD Civil 3DAutodesk 3ds MaxAutodesk Land DesktopBentley GeoPak Bridge100 Plus Hatch Pattern LibraryAdobe LiveMotionAlias Wavefront Design StudioAutodesk 3d Studio VizAutodesk Revit ArchitectureAutodesk SoftdeskAnimation softwareMicrosoft VisioMicrosoft WindowsMcNeel Rhinoceros 3DVectorWorks ARCHITECTComputer aided design and drafting software CADDCUGS Solid EdgeMicrosoft .NET FrameworkERP softwareOpenRoads DesignerPTC Creo ParametricIntergraph Image AnalystBoundary survey softwareCorel Paint Shop ProDigitizing and photogrammetric softwareMicrosoft Office softwareTrimble SketchUp ProMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft WordSAP softwareDatabase softwareMicrosoft AccessDassault Systemes CATIAMicrosoft ExcelDassault Systemes SolidWorksESRI ArcViewESRI ArcGIS softwareComputer aided design and drafting CADD softwareGraphisoft ArchiCADLandscape modeling softwareLogitech 3D ProMotion graphics softwarePiping and instrumentation design PID softwareScanning softwareSoftimage ExtremeSpecsInTactSun Microsystems CobaltTekla softwareTopographic map softwareAutodesk AutoCADGraphic presentation softwareWord processing softwareDocument management system softwareGeographic information system GIS systemsGeomechanical design analysis GDA softwareComputer aided design and drafting CADD softwareDatabase softwareAutodesk Architectural DesktopAdobe AcrobatAdobe AcrobatAutodesk RevitWord processing softwareDocument management system softwareDassault Systemes SolidWorksARCOM MasterspecComputer assisted design softwareAnimation softwareAutodesk Architectural DesktopThree-dimensional modeling softwareThree-dimensional modeling softwareNon uniform rational b-splines NURBS softwareNon uniform rational b-splines NURBS softwareSpecification softwareSpecification softwareAutodesk AutoCADExtensible markup language XMLAdobe Creative Cloud software
Construction Managers
Medium49.23%
Plan, direct, or coordinate, usually through subordinate supervisory personnel, activities concerned with the construction and maintenance of structures, facilities, and systems. Participate in the conceptual development of a construction project and oversee its organization, scheduling, budgeting, and implementation. Includes managers in specialized construction fields, such as carpentry or plumbing.
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Medium49.05%
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.
Software Developers
Medium51.32%
Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.
Architects, Except Landscape and Naval
Medium48.97%
Plan and design structures, such as private residences, office buildings, theaters, factories, and other structural property.
Civil Engineers
Medium50.63%
Perform engineering duties in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of building structures and facilities, such as roads, railroads, airports, bridges, harbors, channels, dams, irrigation projects, pipelines, power plants, and water and sewage systems.
Electrical Engineers
Medium51.39%
Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
Medium47.85%
Research, design, develop, or test electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use employing knowledge of electronic theory and materials properties. Design electronic circuits and components for use in fields such as telecommunications, aerospace guidance and propulsion control, acoustics, or instruments and controls.
Industrial Engineers
Medium52.84%
Design, develop, test, and evaluate integrated systems for managing industrial production processes, including human work factors, quality control, inventory control, logistics and material flow, cost analysis, and production coordination.
Mechanical Engineers
Medium50.83%
Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems.
Electrical and Electronics Drafters
Medium56.65%
Prepare wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings used for the manufacture, installation, or repair of electrical equipment.
Mechanical Drafters
Medium57.37%
Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Medium52.78%
Apply theory and principles of civil engineering in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of structures and facilities under the direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Medium44.30%
Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions.
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Medium48.38%
Apply theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, test, or adjust machinery and equipment under direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.
Calibration Technologists and Technicians
Medium50.00%
Execute or adapt procedures and techniques for calibrating measurement devices, by applying knowledge of measurement science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and electronics, sometimes under the direction of engineering staff. Determine measurement standard suitability for calibrating measurement devices. May perform preventive maintenance on equipment. May perform corrective actions to address identified calibration problems.
Surveying and Mapping Technicians
Medium54.28%
Perform surveying and mapping duties, usually under the direction of an engineer, surveyor, cartographer, or photogrammetrist, to obtain data used for construction, mapmaking, boundary location, mining, or other purposes. May calculate mapmaking information and create maps from source data, such as surveying notes, aerial photography, satellite data, or other maps to show topographical features, political boundaries, and other features. May verify accuracy and completeness of maps.
Commercial and Industrial Designers
Medium44.65%
Design and develop manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children's toys. Combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design.
Construction and Building Inspectors
Medium46.69%
Inspect structures using engineering skills to determine structural soundness and compliance with specifications, building codes, and other regulations. Inspections may be general in nature or may be limited to a specific area, such as electrical systems or plumbing.
Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic
Medium33.53%
Lay out reference points and dimensions on metal or plastic stock or workpieces, such as sheets, plates, tubes, structural shapes, castings, or machine parts, for further processing. Includes shipfitters.
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
High68.97%
Develop programs to control machining or processing of materials by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems. May also set up, operate, or maintain equipment.
Cost Estimators
Medium45.75%
Prepare cost estimates for product manufacturing, construction projects, or services to aid management in bidding on or determining price of product or service. May specialize according to particular service performed or type of product manufactured.
Landscape Architects
Medium49.03%
Plan and design land areas for projects such as parks and other recreational facilities, airports, highways, hospitals, schools, land subdivisions, and commercial, industrial, and residential sites.
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
Medium56.29%
Research, study, and prepare maps and other spatial data in digital or graphic form for one or more purposes, such as legal, social, political, educational, and design purposes. May work with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). May design and evaluate algorithms, data structures, and user interfaces for GIS and mapping systems. May collect, analyze, and interpret geographic information provided by geodetic surveys, aerial photographs, and satellite data.
Surveyors
Medium50.29%
Make exact measurements and determine property boundaries. Provide data relevant to the shape, contour, gravitation, location, elevation, or dimension of land or land features on or near the earth's surface for engineering, mapmaking, mining, land evaluation, construction, and other purposes.
Geodetic Surveyors
Medium60.06%
Measure large areas of the Earth's surface using satellite observations, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), light detection and ranging (LIDAR), or related sources.
Transportation Engineers
Medium49.13%
Develop plans for surface transportation projects, according to established engineering standards and state or federal construction policy. Prepare designs, specifications, or estimates for transportation facilities. Plan modifications of existing streets, highways, or freeways to improve traffic flow.
Interior Designers
Medium48.98%
Plan, design, and furnish the internal space of rooms or buildings. Design interior environments or create physical layouts that are practical, aesthetic, and conducive to the intended purposes. May specialize in a particular field, style, or phase of interior design.
Set and Exhibit Designers
Medium47.21%
Design special exhibits and sets for film, video, television, and theater productions. May study scripts, confer with directors, and conduct research to determine appropriate architectural styles.