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Cad Drafting Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

CAD Drafter

Fresno, CA

$22.25 - $30/hr

CAD Drafter Aeronot Design is an architecture firm specializing in imaginative, custom buildings ... Associate's or bachelor's degree in drafting, architecture, engineering technology, or a related ...

CAD Designer / Drafter Location: Greater Los Angeles Area Pay: $35.00 to $45.00 per hour (DOE ... Ensure drawings comply with company drafting standards. * Maintain drawing revisions and document ...

CAD Designer / Drafter Location: Greater Los Angeles Area Pay: $35.00 to $45.00 per hour (DOE ... Ensure drawings comply with company drafting standards. * Maintain drawing revisions and document ...

CAD Designer / Drafter Location: Greater Los Angeles Area Pay: $35.00 to $45.00 per hour (DOE ... Ensure drawings comply with company drafting standards. * Maintain drawing revisions and document ...

CAD Designer / Drafter Location: Greater Los Angeles Area Pay: $35.00 to $45.00 per hour (DOE ... Ensure drawings comply with company drafting standards. * Maintain drawing revisions and document ...

CAD Drafter

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$24.25 - $32.50/hr

Continuously seek opportunities to improve drafting processes and workflows. What We're Looking For: * Proficiency in AutoCAD and other CAD software. * Strong attention to detail and ability to ...

CAD Designer

Fresno, CA

$26.75 - $37/hr

Purpose The CAD Designer role creates accurate erection drawings that visually represent EFCO ... Draft layouts, sections, and details based on engineer-directed designs and predefined ...

CAD Drafter

Ontario, CA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Drafting precise technical drawings, plans, and diagrams using CAD software based on specifications provided by engineers, architects, or designers. * Detailing and Annotations: Ensuring that ...

CAD Drafter / Designer

Corona, CA · On-site

$23.25 - $31.25/hr

The ideal candidate has a strong mechanical drafting background, experience with process piping and ... CAD drafting experience using SolidWorks and AutoCAD . * Experience creating drawings related to:

CAD Drafter

San Diego, CA · On-site

$22.75 - $30.75/hr

... Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to support Department of Defense (DoD), Commander Navy ... OR High school diploma or equivalent with minimum two years of professional drafting experience ...

CAD Drafter

San Diego, CA · On-site

$22.75 - $30.75/hr

... Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to support Department of Defense (DoD), Commander Navy ... OR High school diploma or equivalent with minimum two years of professional drafting experience ...

CAD Manager Santa Fe Springs, CA · Hybrid or On-Site · Full-Time We're working with a national ... Prior experience supervising or leading a design/drafting team * Working knowledge of NEC and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Cad Drafting information

See California salary details

$13

$26

$37

How much do cad drafting jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for cad drafting in California is $26.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.35 and $28.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a CAD drafter?

CAD drafters are professionals who use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create detailed technical drawings and plans used in construction, manufacturing, and engineering projects. They translate the ideas and specifications of engineers, architects, or designers into precise digital blueprints and schematics. CAD drafters may specialize in fields such as architectural, mechanical, electrical, or civil drafting. Their work ensures that projects are accurately planned and can be constructed or manufactured to exact specifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a CAD drafter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a CAD Drafter, you need strong technical drawing skills, spatial reasoning, and a relevant educational background such as a diploma or degree in drafting or engineering. Proficiency with CAD software like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Revit, and familiarity with industry standards and file management systems, are typically required. Attention to detail, communication, and problem-solving abilities help you collaborate effectively and ensure accuracy in designs. These skills are crucial for delivering precise, high-quality drawings that support engineers, architects, and construction teams throughout project lifecycles.

What are some common challenges faced by CAD drafters, and how can they be managed effectively?

CAD drafters often encounter challenges such as tight project deadlines, frequent design revisions, and the need to adapt to evolving software standards. Managing these challenges involves strong time management, clear communication with engineers and architects, and a willingness to continually update technical skills. Being proactive in asking questions and seeking clarification can help reduce errors and ensure the final drawings meet client and regulatory requirements. Many teams use collaborative platforms to streamline workflow and keep everyone on the same page.

What is the difference between Cad Drafting vs CAD Technician?

AspectCad DraftingCAD Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, technical trainingHigh school diploma, technical training
Work EnvironmentArchitectural, engineering, manufacturing firmsArchitectural, engineering, manufacturing firms
Job FocusCreating detailed technical drawings based on specificationsPreparing, modifying, and managing CAD drawings
Tools UsedAutoCAD, MicroStation, other CAD softwareAutoCAD, Revit, other CAD software

Cad Drafting and CAD Technician roles often overlap in skills and work environments, with both creating technical drawings using CAD software. However, Cad Drafting typically emphasizes detailed drawing creation based on specifications, while CAD Technicians may also handle drawing management and modifications. Both roles are essential in architecture, engineering, and manufacturing industries.

Is CAD drafting a good career?

CAD drafting is a viable career that involves creating detailed technical drawings using computer-aided design software, such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks. It offers opportunities in industries like engineering, architecture, and manufacturing, often requiring technical skills and attention to detail. The profession can provide stable employment and potential for advancement with experience and certifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cad Drafting jobs in California?

The most popular types of Cad Drafting jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Cad Drafting jobs?

Cities in California with the most Cad Drafting job openings:

Infographic showing various Cad Drafting job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,466 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Geosyntec is seeking a CAD Drafting Technician (Civil 3D) to support project needs in the San Francisco Bay Branch’s Oakland, CA office. This is not a remote position. The selected candidate will perform computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) for a variety of civil, environmental, and geotechnical engineering design projects. We are seeking a motivated individual who can develop layouts, grading plans and details for civil engineering projects, including landfills, industrial sites and utilities. Projects also include mechanical drawing systems and opportunities to contribute from the conceptual design stage through construction.

Geosyntec is an innovative, international engineering and consulting firm serving private and public-sector clients to address new ventures and complex problems involving our environment, natural resources, and civil infrastructure. Our engineers, scientists, technical and project employees serve our clients from offices across the world. Ranked by ENR as one of the top environmental engineering design firms, Geosyntec is internationally known for its technical leadership, broad experience, and exceptional client service.

We invest in our people.  Each employee is unique, and your career at Geosyntec will be too.  We offer competitive pay and benefits, and well-being programs to support you and your family.

To Learn More Visit: http://www.geosyntec.com/careers/.

 


  • Draft, edit, & finalize technical drawings to be included in reports, proposals, presentations, and marketing materials;
  • Operate a CAD computer using appropriate hardware and software to develop final drawings;
  • Transfer information from an engineering drawing to a final CAD drawing using appropriate symbols and drafting standards;
  • Analyze sketches, notes and other input material to determine best approach to complete drawings;
  • Copy detailed plans and drawings and perform non-routine complex drafting assignments;
  • Operate plotter, printer, scanner, and other input/output devices; and
  • Proofread CAD drawings for accuracy, format, and grammar.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP AND LOCATION

  • Work will be performed under the direct supervision of a Senior Engineer and under the supervision of other engineers.
  • This position is in-person, in-office; it is not remote.

  • Associate degree in Drafting; or high school diploma and a minimum of one (1) year experience performing CAD drafting work in a professional setting; or equivalent combination of education, experience and training that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities. (required)

  • Experience using the latest releases of Autodesk AutoCAD, including but not limited to Annotation Styles, Multileaders, MTEXT, Dimensions, Sheet Sets, Paper Space / Model Space, XREFs, Layers, Dynamic Blocks, and Tool Palettes. (required)
  • Working knowledge of the latest releases of Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D. (required)
  • Experience developing and working with grading plans, cross-sections, alignments, profiles, three-dimensional surfaces, and earthwork volumes for landfills and other large civil design projects. (required)
  • Experience in land development projects. (preferred)
  • Experience developing and working with grading plans, cross-sections, alignments, profiles, three-dimensional surfaces, and earthwork volumes for landfills and other large civil design projects. (preferred)
  • Experience in piping and instrumentation diagrams. (preferred)
  • Knowledge of civil engineering basics including sheet organization, topographical data, scales, and coordinate systems. (preferred)
  • Experience using/incorporating land or aerial surveying/mapping data and files. (preferred)
  • Strong reasoning, mathematical, and geometrical skills. (required)
  • Practical knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Windows, Outlook, Word, and Excel. (required)
  • Autodesk Certified Professional in Civil 3D for Infrastructure Design. (preferred).
  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret red line drawings from engineers and scientists.(required)
  • Ability to understand complex verbal and written instruction and interact effectively to maintain a team environment. (required)
  • Capable of paying attention to detail, maintaining and managing project files with standard naming conventions and folder structures. (required)
  • Ability to perform basic math and geometry together with defining problems, establish facts, and deal with abstract concepts.(required)
  • Candidates must currently hold and maintain valid U.S. work authorization. H-1B visa and employment based green card sponsorships are not available for this position.

This opportunity will be posted for at least five days. Below are the potential compensation ranges that we in good faith believe are applicable for this role at the time of this posting and are only applicable for jobs to be performed in the specified location below. The typical pay range for this position is just one component of Geosyntec’s total compensation package for employees. Actual compensation will be determined based on education, experience, skill set and location.

  • Minimum Pay: $28.42/hour / Maximum Pay: $47.32/hour (Oakland, CA)

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including, paid holidays, vacation, sick, and personal paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, 401(k), and other benefits to eligible employees.

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