ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

3D Drafting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

McMillen, Inc.

Civil 3D Project Lead

Denver, CO · On-site

$44 - $67.42/hr

Manage and direct Civil 3D drafting and modeling efforts for large, multi-disciplinary projects across various software platforms and team members * Advanced 3D Modeling: Develop and manage complex ...

Victaulic

Piping Draftsperson

Easton, PA

... drafting. 3D Drafting/Rendering, Revit experience desirable * Excellent communication, leadership, interpersonal and customer skills required * Must have the ability to travel domestically and ...

Victaulic

Piping Draftsperson

Easton, PA · On-site

... drafting. 3D Drafting/Rendering, Revit experience desirable * Excellent communication, leadership, interpersonal and customer skills required * Must have the ability to travel domestically and ...

Victaulic

Piping Draftsperson

Easton, PA

... drafting. 3D Drafting/Rendering, Revit experience desirable * Excellent communication, leadership, interpersonal and customer skills required * Must have the ability to travel domestically and ...

Bellingham Marine

SW Drafting Technician

Dixon, CA · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

Fully trained in the use of AutoCad, and experience in 3D Drafting with software such as Solidworks or Autocad Inventor. Minimum five years' experience working in a network environment. Proficiency ...

Wood Plc

AutoCAD Civil 3D Drafter

Novi, MI

$20.75 - $26.50/hr

Associates degree in drafting/CAD technology and 4 years' of CAD drafting experience, or 8 to 10 ... Proven ability to read and understand both 2D and 3D drawings * Proficiency in CAD industry ...

WSP

Associate Civil 3D Designer

Redmond, WA

$56K - $72K/yr

Draft civil grading plans with guidance from engineering and design staff. * Adhere to company and ... Perform 2D and 3D drafting to develop working and final drawings. * Provide drafting support to ...

WSP

Associate Civil 3D Designer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$56K - $72K/yr

Draft civil grading plans with guidance from engineering and design staff. * Adhere to company and ... Perform 2D and 3D drafting to develop working and final drawings. * Provide drafting support to ...

BKF

Drafter / Civil 3D Technician

Brentwood, CA · On-site

$64K - $85K/yr

We're seeking an experienced CAD Drafter / Civil 3D Technician to provide production drafting and ... Support project teams with production drafting and document control * Coordinate with engineers and ...

BKF

Drafter / Civil 3D Technician

Vacaville, CA · On-site

$64K - $85K/yr

We're seeking an experienced CAD Drafter / Civil 3D Technician to provide production drafting and ... Support project teams with production drafting and document control * Coordinate with engineers and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All Jobs3D Drafting Jobs

3D Drafting information

See salary details

$14

$24

$37

How much do 3d drafting jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for 3d drafting in the United States is $24.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $25.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying 3D job?

The highest paying 3D jobs typically include senior roles such as 3D Art Directors, Lead 3D Modelers, or 3D Visualization Managers, especially in industries like gaming, film, and architecture. These positions often require advanced skills, extensive experience, and proficiency with tools like Maya, 3ds Max, or Blender, and can offer salaries exceeding six figures depending on location and company size.

What is the difference between 3D Drafting vs 2D Drafting?

Aspect3D Drafting2D Drafting
Skills & CertificationsProficiency in 3D modeling software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit), basic CAD skillsProficiency in 2D CAD software, technical drawing standards
Work EnvironmentDesign firms, architecture, engineering, manufacturingArchitectural firms, engineering, construction
Industry UsageUsed for detailed visualizations, complex assemblies, and simulationsUsed for technical drawings, blueprints, and construction documents

3D Drafting involves creating three-dimensional models that provide detailed visualizations and simulations, while 2D Drafting focuses on flat technical drawings and blueprints. Both require CAD skills, but 3D Drafting offers more advanced visualization capabilities, making it ideal for complex projects and presentations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 3D Drafter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 3D Drafter, you need strong spatial visualization, attention to detail, and proficiency in drafting principles, usually backed by a degree or certification in drafting, engineering, or a related field. Expertise with CAD software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Revit, along with knowledge of industry standards, is typically required. Effective communication, problem-solving skills, and the ability to collaborate with engineers and architects set standout professionals apart. These skills are essential for producing accurate, high-quality designs that meet project specifications and facilitate seamless teamwork.

Will CAD drafters be replaced by AI?

CAD drafters perform detailed technical drawings and designs that require creativity and understanding of engineering principles. While AI tools can assist with automating repetitive tasks and generating basic models, human expertise remains essential for complex, precise, and context-specific drafting work.

What is 3D drafting?

3D drafting is the process of creating three-dimensional representations of objects or structures using specialized computer-aided design (CAD) software. Unlike traditional 2D drafting, which only shows height and width, 3D drafting incorporates depth, allowing for more accurate visualizations and detailed models. This is widely used in industries such as architecture, engineering, and manufacturing to design, analyze, and present complex projects. By using 3D drafting, professionals can detect potential design issues, improve communication, and streamline the fabrication or construction process.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

In 3D drafting, experienced professionals working on large-scale projects or in specialized industries such as aerospace or automotive design can earn around $10,000 per month. Success often depends on advanced skills, portfolio quality, and industry demand, with some freelancers or consultants reaching high income levels without formal degrees.

How to become a 3D drafter?

To become a 3D drafter, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and proficiency in CAD software such as AutoCAD, Revit, or SolidWorks. Pursuing a postsecondary certificate or degree in drafting, engineering, or architecture can improve job prospects, and gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions is beneficial.

What are some common challenges 3D Drafters face when collaborating with engineers and architects?

3D Drafters often work closely with engineers and architects, and one common challenge is ensuring that design revisions are accurately reflected in the 3D models and drawings. Miscommunication or delayed updates can lead to discrepancies in project documentation. Effective collaboration requires strong attention to detail, clear communication, and proficiency with various design software to keep all team members aligned and projects on schedule.
More about 3D Drafting jobs
What cities are hiring for 3D Drafting jobs? Cities with the most 3D Drafting job openings:
What states have the most 3D Drafting jobs? States with the most job openings for 3D Drafting jobs include:
What job categories do people searching 3D Drafting jobs look for? The top searched job categories for 3D Drafting jobs are:
3D Drafting jobs near you
Infographic showing various 3D Drafting job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 22% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,908 per year, or $24.5 per hour.
Civil 3D Project Lead

Civil 3D Project Lead

McMillen, Inc.

Denver, CO • On-site

$44 - $67.42/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Design a career and build your future... Because it matters!
Civil 3D Project Lead
McMillen, Inc. is currently seeking a Civil 3D Project Lead to join our growing team. As a Project Lead, you will be instrumental in elevating our water resource projects, driving innovation, delivering high-quality engineering solutions, often requiring creative designs to solve complex design problems. Frequent coordination and communication with design engineers is essential to solving problems, improving processes, and completing projects on time.
Who we are: McMillen, Inc. designs and builds solutions that shape the future of water resources. As an employee-owned firm, we take pride in every project because we know our work truly matters. Our people thrive on solving complex challenges, pushing boundaries, and refining their craft. We don't look for the complacent or the comfortable. We seek problem solvers, innovators, and experts who are always striving to be better. We support continuous learning, cutting-edge technology, and a balanced work-life environment so our employees can build careers they're proud of.
We are focused in the dams, energy, fisheries, natural resources, and infrastructure markets. With staff across the United States, Canada, Europe, and beyond, we bring global best practices to our clients. Our people integrate engineering, environmental, and construction expertise to deliver practical, results-driven outcomes. From concept to completion, projects are guided through feasibility studies, permitting, design, construction, and commissioning, ensuring technical precision and real-world functionality.
Responsibilities:
  • Lead Design Execution: Manage and direct Civil 3D drafting and modeling efforts for large, multi-disciplinary projects across various software platforms and team members
  • Advanced 3D Modeling: Develop and manage complex project models utilizing Civil 3D, Revit, Inventor, ReCap, and Navisworks
  • Cloud & Collaboration Management: Oversee project files and data environment using Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) and coordinate design reviews via Bluebeam Revu
  • High-Level Design Interpretation: Translate verbal instructions and conceptual ideas into advanced technical drawings, executing complex, non-routine assignments with minimal supervision
  • Custom Design Innovation: Conceptualize and plan the visual presentation of intricate, unique designs, adaptively solving challenges that fall outside established drafting standards
  • QA/QC Enforcement: Lead rigorous Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) workflows for major projects to ensure absolute accuracy and strict compliance with company and client standards
  • BIM & CAD Standards: Actively contribute to the development, implementation, and maintenance of company-wide BIM and Civil 3D standards
  • Project Estimation & Planning: Prepare accurate man-hour estimates for drafting activities and overall project support; assist engineering teams in developing and maintaining comprehensive drawing lists
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Design Technology personnel across multiple disciplines on large-scale, integrated projects
  • Technical Mentorship: Serve as the primary technical resource and subject matter expert (SME) for problem resolution, guiding both drafting team members and engineering staff
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitate project meetings, lead design reviews, provide clear, effective project updates. Coordinate directly with clients to implement and adhere to appropriate design standards

Qualifications:
  • Experience: 10-15 years of progressive experience in Civil CAD and 3D modeling, ideally within a multi-disciplinary engineering environment
  • Education: Technical or vocational program completion in drafting/design is required; an associate degree (AA/AS) in a related field is preferred
  • Software Mastery:Advanced, hands-on expertise in Autodesk Civil 3D is required
  • Civil 3D Specialization: Proven proficiency in creating and editing plan and profile drawings, advanced grading plans, corridors, custom subassemblies, and section views
  • Geospatial & Data Integration: Strong ability to coordinate and integrate GIS data, survey files, coordinate systems, datums, and point cloud data into cohesive models
  • Domain Knowledge: Heavy familiarity with channel design, complex grading, and yard piping configurations
  • Industry Sector: Dedicated experience in water resources engineering is highly preferred
  • Design Autonomy: Demonstrated ability to independently set up, manage, and produce comprehensive engineering design drawing packages from concept to completion
  • Team Collaboration: Proven success collaborating effectively with multi-disciplinary teams across multiple concurrent, fast-paced projects
  • Communication Skills: Strong technical writing, organizational, and professional communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical details to both internal teams and external clients

Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The inability to cope with a stressful work environment does not constitute a protected disability.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Must be able to travel with luggage and be able to transport materials and personal overnight supplies. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Compensation Package:
  • Pay Range: $44.00 - $67.42 hr. (DOE)
  • Benefits: McMillen provides a full Benefits Program comprising medical, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA, EAP, HSA, 401(k) and match, 9 paid holidays, generous PTO, opportunity for stock ownership, and wellness reimbursement.

EEO: McMillen, Inc. is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and will make all employment related decisions without race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
Visa sponsorship, including renewal during employment, will not be provided for this position.
No recruiters, please.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.

Apply