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Autocad Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AUTOCAD DESIGNER/DRAFTER

Maple Lake, MN ยท On-site

$25 - $35/hr

The Engineering Designer/Drafter supports the engineering services that the company provides to ... AutoCAD Essential Education and Qualifications: โ€ข Civil Engineering Technology Degree or ...

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AutoCAD Tech Designer

Hamilton, NJ ยท On-site

$23 - $29/hr

Our structured training program is designed to equip with the essential skills and knowledge needed ... Summary: Merlin Industries' Design department is seeking an individual with a strong AutoCAD ...

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Fire Sprinkler Designer

Tracy, CA ยท On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

AutoCAD Designer (Fire Sprinkler Systems) Tracy, CA | Full-Time | $65k - $130k About Us RCM Fire, a Guardian Fire Services company, has been a trusted leader in fire protection solutions in ...

Fire Sprinkler Designer

Tracy, CA ยท On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

AutoCAD Designer (Fire Sprinkler Systems) Tracy, CA | Full-Time | $65k - $130k About Us RCM Fire, a Guardian Fire Services company, has been a trusted leader in fire protection solutions in ...

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AutoCAD Designer information

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$16

$33

$52

How much do autocad designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for autocad designer in the United States is $33.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.76 and $40.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an AutoCAD Designer, you need a strong background in drafting, technical drawing, and spatial visualization, typically supported by a degree or certification in design, architecture, or engineering. Proficiency in AutoCAD software, and familiarity with related tools like Revit or SolidWorks, are essential, with many employers preferring candidates who hold Autodesk Certified Professional credentials. Attention to detail, creativity, and effective communication are key soft skills that set standout designers apart. These skills ensure precise, efficient, and collaborative design solutions that meet client requirements and industry standards.

What are AutoCAD Designers?

AutoCAD Designers are professionals who use AutoCAD software to create detailed technical drawings and plans for a variety of projects, such as buildings, machinery, and products. They interpret specifications and sketches from engineers or architects and translate them into precise, digital blueprints. AutoCAD Designers play a crucial role in the design and production process by ensuring accuracy and compliance with industry standards. Their work is essential in fields like architecture, engineering, manufacturing, and construction.

What Does an AutoCAD Designer Do?

The responsibilities of an AutoCAD designer include drafting original designs using CAD software to create 3D drawings starting from a sketch. In this career, you revise drawings and ensure they meet client specifications and required standards. As a draftsman, you help the engineer prepare and develop plans, estimate costs, and determine the parts needed for each project. Depending on the business you work for, you may create drawings for various applications, including electrical, structural, control, HVAC, and more. Other duties include completing paperwork to track project costs, filing engineering drawings, and ensuring workers complete the job safely and efficiently.

Is CAD designer a good career?

A CAD designer is a skilled professional who creates detailed technical drawings using computer-aided design software, often in fields like architecture, engineering, or manufacturing. The career offers steady demand, opportunities for specialization, and the potential for advancement with experience and certifications. Success depends on technical skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with industry standards and tools like AutoCAD or Revit.

What is the salary of an AutoCAD designer?

The salary of an AutoCAD designer typically ranges from $45,000 to $75,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced designers with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher wages. Salaries also vary based on the complexity of projects and the work environment.

What CAD job pays the most?

Senior CAD designers, especially those specializing in complex projects like mechanical, electrical, or civil engineering, tend to earn the highest salaries in CAD-related roles. Advanced skills, certifications, and experience with software like AutoCAD, Revit, or SolidWorks can also increase earning potential, often reaching six-figure salaries for top-tier professionals.

What are some common challenges Autocad Designers face when collaborating with engineers and architects on complex projects?

Autocad Designers often work closely with engineers and architects, and one common challenge is ensuring that design revisions and updates are accurately incorporated across all project documents. Miscommunication or delays in sharing updated drawings can lead to inconsistencies and rework. Successful designers are proactive in coordinating with team members, using clear file-naming conventions, and staying organized to manage multiple project versions. Additionally, understanding technical requirements and design intent from different stakeholders helps minimize errors and streamlines the workflow.

What is the difference between Autocad Designer vs Civil Drafter?

AspectAutocad DesignerCivil Drafter
CredentialsAutocad certification, drafting experienceDrafting certifications, often with civil engineering background
Work EnvironmentArchitectural, engineering, or design firmsConstruction, civil engineering, infrastructure projects
Industry UsageDesign and drafting of various projects including architecture and engineeringPreparation of civil engineering plans and maps

Autocad Designers and Civil Drafters both use AutoCAD software and often work in similar environments. However, Autocad Designers typically focus on creating detailed designs across multiple industries, while Civil Drafters specialize in civil engineering plans for infrastructure projects. Understanding these differences helps employers and job seekers find the right fit for their skills and career goals.

Will CAD drafters be replaced by AI?

CAD drafters, including AutoCAD designers, perform detailed technical drawings that require creativity and understanding of complex design concepts. While AI tools can assist with automating repetitive tasks and generating basic drafts, they are unlikely to fully replace skilled drafters who provide critical analysis, customization, and quality control in design projects.
What cities are hiring for Autocad Designer jobs? Cities with the most Autocad Designer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Autocad Designer jobs? The most popular types of Autocad Designer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Autocad Designer jobs? The top employers for Autocad Designer jobs are:
What states have the most Autocad Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Autocad Designer jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Autocad Designer jobs? For Autocad Designer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Autocad Designer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,647 per year, or $33 per hour.
Civil AutoCAD Designer

Civil AutoCAD Designer

KPFF Consulting Engineers

Lacey, WA โ€ข On-site

$38 - $60/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Company Description
At KPFF Consulting Engineers, we are more than just an engineering design firm. For over 60 years, we have dedicated ourselves to innovative, sustainable engineering that shapes the built environment and tackles complex infrastructure challenges. Our team culture emphasizes balance, growth, and well-being, supporting each member's professional journey with flexibility, generous benefits, and a collaborative approach to work-life integration.
With over 1,400 professionals across 27 offices nationwide, KPFF's decentralized structure allows each office the flexibility to pursue projects aligned with their regional strengths. Learn more at www.kpff.com.
Job Description
Join the KPFF Lacey team in a fun, dynamic office setting as a motivated, energetic and skilled civil designer with at least 6 years of experience who is eager to expand your Civil3D proficiency and advance your civil engineering design skills. This position will provide the opportunity for you to design a diverse array of projects in a collaborative team environment. This position is full time and based on-site in our Lacey office.
Our AutoCAD designers work in collaborative teams with open communication and strong support from senior-level mentors. We encourage decision-making at the closest level to the issue to most efficiently and effectively serve our clients and promote professional growth for our staff. This position provides opportunities to work on a variety of projects for both public agencies and private developers which include:
  • Commercial Site Development
  • Parks and Recreation Facilities
  • Multi-family / Residential Development
  • Water Systems
  • Sewer Lift Stations
  • Roadway Infrastructure
  • Municipal Institutions

We provide the opportunity for our designers to grow and gain valuable engineering knowledge to advance their career as a designer. We look for candidates who want to be challenged and stretch outside their comfort zone. General project tasks that our designers perform are as follows:
  • Support design engineers and project managers with drafting and design needs.
  • Produce high quality plans and exhibits.
  • Work with other engineers to develop and revise drawings.
  • Ensure project documents are complete, current, and meet our office standards.

Qualifications
  • Associate's degree or certificate in Civil Design Technology, Computer-Aided Drafting, or similar field (preferred)
  • Civil design experience
  • 6-20 years' experience in Civil Design, AutoCAD and Civil 3D experience.
  • Excellent communication, teamwork, and collaborative skills are essential
  • Competency, accountability, and personal commitment to deliver quality work to our clients

Physical Demands and Work Environment
  • Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working on a computer, reviewing plans, or conducting site visits.
  • Occasionally, it may be required to lift objects weighing up to 15 lbs.

Additional Information
Compensation
This position is classified as non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FSLA) and is eligible to receive overtime compensation at 1.5 times the regular rate of pay for all hours worked beyond 40 hours in a standard work week. The hourly rate for this role is competitive with a range of $38.00 to $60.00 determined by experience, education, and skills. KPFF also offers performance-based bonuses to recognize outstanding contributions. Additional details about the full compensation package will be provided during the interview process.
KPFF Employee Benefits
  • Medical Plan Options: Choice of Traditional PPO or HDHP with HSA, covering preventive care and prescriptions.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Tax-advantaged accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
  • Dental & Vision: Full preventive care, plus coverage for major dental services and vision allowances.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Free, confidential support for personal, family, and work challenges.
  • Life & AD&D Insurance: Company-provided life insurance equal to one year's salary, plus AD&D.
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan: KPFF contributes 3% of salary, with no match needed.
  • Disability Insurance: Short-term and long-term coverage at 60% income, fully covered by KPFF.
  • Paid Time Off: Generous PTO, two floating holidays, and paid company holidays.
  • Paid Family Leave: Six weeks at 60% pay, with options to use PTO for full income.

Lacey Office Culture
KPFF Lacey's vision statement is to provide experiences that create a lasting positive impact on our people, clients, and community. We are passionate about providing a collaborative, engaging, and positive environment for our employees. We believe in encouraging personal and professional growth and work hard at providing a solid structure with minimal organizational restrictions. Our nearly 40-person office has the benefit of having the resources of a 1,400+ person company, with the closeness of a small office. We work in a fast-paced environment that will provide opportunities to work with our staff of civil engineers and surveyors on a variety of project types and sizes requiring the ability to think on your feet and communicate effectively.
Professional Development
KPFF is more than just the work we do, we are the relationships we build, both with our clients and with our co-workers. To foster those relationships and build up our employees, KPFF offers a number of growth opportunities and social events.
How to Apply
Please submit a resume and cover letter with your application. In your cover letter, we encourage you to highlight relevant experience, what draws you to KPFF, and how this role aligns with your professional goals.
KPFF Consulting Engineers participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
KPFF Consulting Engineers is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, religion, marital status, sex/gender (including sexual orientation or gender identity), pregnancy, veteran status, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, or any other protected basis.