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$16

$30

$49

How much do apprentice draftsman jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice draftsman in Washington, DC is $30.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.94 and $34.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an apprentice draftsman?

An apprentice draftsman is an entry-level professional who assists in creating technical drawings and plans used in construction, manufacturing, and engineering projects. Working under the supervision of experienced draftsmen or engineers, apprentices learn how to use drafting software, interpret blueprints, and understand industry standards. This role provides hands-on training to develop drafting skills while gaining knowledge of materials, design principles, and construction methods. Apprenticeships typically combine on-the-job experience with classroom learning to prepare individuals for advancement in the drafting and design field.

What types of projects and tasks can I expect to work on as an apprentice draftsman?

As an Apprentice Draftsman, you can expect to support senior draftsmen and engineers by creating technical drawings, updating project documentation, and assisting in the design process for construction, manufacturing, or engineering projects. Your daily tasks may include interpreting sketches, modifying CAD drawings under supervision, and ensuring that all plans comply with relevant codes and standards. You’ll often collaborate closely with architects, engineers, and other draftsmen, which helps build a strong foundation for advancing to more complex design responsibilities as you gain experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apprentice draftsman, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apprentice Draftsman, you need a solid understanding of technical drawing, geometry, and basic engineering or architectural concepts, often gained through vocational training or an associate degree. Familiarity with computer-aided design (CAD) software such as AutoCAD or Revit is typically required, along with a willingness to learn new drafting technologies. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to follow instructions make someone stand out in this role. These skills ensure accuracy, effective collaboration with engineers or architects, and the ability to produce clear, reliable technical drawings essential for successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Apprentice Draftsman vs Junior Draftsman?

AspectApprentice DraftsmanJunior Draftsman
QualificationsBasic diploma or ongoing trainingDiploma or certificate in drafting or related field
Work ExperienceLimited or no professional experienceSome practical experience in drafting
Work EnvironmentLearning-focused, supervised environmentMore independent, project-based tasks
Employer UsageTraining role within firms or companiesEntry-level position in engineering or architecture firms

In summary, an Apprentice Draftsman is typically a trainee gaining foundational skills, while a Junior Draftsman has some practical experience and performs more independent drafting tasks. Both roles are common in engineering and architecture industries, but they differ mainly in experience level and responsibilities.

Is there a demand for apprentice draftsman?

The demand for apprentice draftsmen is steady in industries such as architecture, engineering, and manufacturing, especially as companies seek to develop skilled workers familiar with CAD software and drafting standards. Opportunities are often available in construction firms, engineering consultancies, and manufacturing companies, with demand influenced by infrastructure projects and technological advancements. Gaining relevant skills and certifications can improve job prospects in this field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Draftsman jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Draftsman jobs in Washington, DC are:

What are popular job titles related to Apprentice Draftsman jobs in Washington, DC?

For Apprentice Draftsman jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Apprentice Draftsman jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Apprentice Draftsman jobs in Washington, DC are:

Apprentice Draftsman jobs near you
Infographic showing various Apprentice Draftsman job openings in Washington, DC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,268 per year, or $30.4 per hour.

Director of Labor Relations & Associate Counsel

National Fire Sprinkler Association

Linthicum, MD • On-site

$165K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

The National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) is the leading national trade association representing the fire sprinkler industry. NFSA advocates for fire safety, advances training and workforce development, and supports contractors across the United States.
Through its labor relations and collective bargaining activities, NFSA represents approximately 200 union fire sprinkler contractors nationwide, impacting the livelihoods of more than 40,000 skilled tradespeople and their families.
Our mission is simple but powerful: save lives and protect property through the widespread acceptance of fire sprinkler systems.
NFSA is seeking an experienced labor relations attorney to serve as Director of Labor Relations & Associate Counsel in our Labor/Legal Department. This senior role combines labor law practice, collective bargaining leadership, and national industry policy work.
The Director will play a key role in multi-employer collective bargaining negotiations, provide labor relations guidance to unionized contractors, and serve as a management trustee on Taft-Hartley employee benefit funds.
This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of labor law, construction industry relations, and national workforce policy.
The position reports directly to the NFSA President and works closely with the Director of Legal Services & General Counsel and Labor/Legal Department staff.
Responsibilities include:
Collective Bargaining & Labor Relations
  • Establish relationships with our union contractors and fire sprinkler fitter unions. Coordinate meetings, bringing union contractor members together in preparation, execution, and review of contract negotiations.
  • Serve as lead spokesperson or negotiating team member in multi-employer collective bargaining negotiations with union representatives nationwide.
  • Develop collective bargaining strategies, negotiation plans, and economic analyses.
  • Draft and revise collective bargaining agreement (CBA) provisions and amendments.
  • Conduct industry and labor market research to support bargaining positions.

Labor Law & Contractor Support
  • Provide guidance to contractors regarding:
  1. Contract administration
  2. Grievance procedures
  3. Labor arbitration
  4. NLRB matters
  5. Union-management relations
  • Support NFSA members in navigating complex labor relations issues in the construction industry.

Taft-Hartley Benefit Fund Governance
  • Serve as a management trustee on multiple Taft-Hartley benefit funds, including:
  1. Pension funds
  2. Health & welfare funds
  3. Apprenticeship and training funds
  4. Labor-management cooperation programs

Legal Research & Association Policy
  • Research and draft association policies, governance documents, and labor relations guidance.
  • Participate in public policy review and legislative analysis affecting the construction and fire protection industries.
  • Prepare legal memos, statistical reports, and industry analyses.

Industry Leadership & Committee Engagement
  • Support and participate in NFSA committees related to:
  1. Collective bargaining
  2. Apprenticeship and workforce development
  3. Labor-management cooperation
  4. Industry promotion
  • Develop strong working relationships with:
  1. NFSA member contractors
  2. Union leadership
  3. Association committees
  4. NFSA Board of Directors

Internal Legal & Operational Support
  • Prepare meeting agendas, minutes, and supporting documentation.
  • Draft member communications and industry guidance.
  • Maintain departmental records and documentation.
  • Assist NFSA leadership on strategic labor and legal initiatives.

Requirements
Required
  • Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
  • Active bar membership in at least one U.S. state
  • 7+ years of experience practicing labor law or labor relations
  • First chair experience with collective bargaining negotiations
  • Experience with:

o Unionized workforce environments
o Contract administration and grievances
o Labor arbitration
o NLRB issues
Preferred
  • Experience in construction industry labor relations
  • Experience with multi-employer bargaining
  • Experience serving as counsel or trustee for Taft-Hartley benefit plans
  • Background working with trade associations or employer organizations

Professional Skills
  • Excellent legal writing and communication skills
  • Strong analytical and quantitative abilities
  • Demonstrated leadership in multi-stakeholder environments
  • High level of professional judgment, integrity, and discretion
  • Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365

Travel Requirements
This position requires regular nationwide travel, including periodic overnight stays, to support collective bargaining negotiations, fund trustee meetings, and industry events.
Work Location
NFSA prefers this position to be based at its headquarters in Linthicum Heights, Maryland (Baltimore metro area). Hybrid or remote arrangements may be considered for highly qualified candidates.
Salary Description
165,000 - 250,000 Yearly

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