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Civil 3D Cad Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Our Boise, Idaho office is seeking a Civil 3D CAD Designer to support our engineering group. We are looking for a motivated candidate with 3+ years of experience, strong attention to detail, and a ...

Our Boise, Idaho office is seeking a Civil 3D CAD Designer to support our engineering group. We are looking for a motivated candidate with 3+ years of experience, strong attention to detail, and a ...

Hazen and Sawyer is seeking a Civil 3D CAD/BIM Designer to join our team in either Hollywood ... The ideal candidate will have knowledge and experience using AutoCAD to design Civil and Mechanical ...

Hazen and Sawyer is seeking a Civil 3D CAD/BIM Designer to join our team in either Hollywood ... The ideal candidate will have knowledge and experience using AutoCAD to design Civil and Mechanical ...

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Civil 3D Cad Designer information

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$38K

$77.2K

$101K

How much do civil 3d cad designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for civil 3d cad designer in the United States is $77,234.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,000.00 and $94,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is CAD designer a good career?

A Civil 3D CAD designer is a skilled professional who creates detailed technical drawings and models for civil engineering projects using CAD software. The role offers steady employment opportunities, especially with experience in design standards and certifications, and often involves working in engineering firms or construction environments. Career growth can include specialization in areas like transportation or land development and may require ongoing training in new software versions.

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

Thriving as a Civil 3D CAD Designer requires expertise in civil engineering principles, strong drafting skills, and proficiency in Autodesk Civil 3D software, often supported by an associate degree or relevant certification. Familiarity with technical tools such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and GIS systems is typically essential, along with knowledge of local and federal design standards. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication with engineers and clients are standout soft skills. These competencies ensure accurate, efficient, and compliant design solutions for infrastructure and land development projects.

What is a Civil 3D CAD Designer?

A Civil 3D CAD Designer is a professional who uses Autodesk Civil 3D software to create detailed engineering drawings and models for civil engineering projects such as roads, highways, land development, and utilities. They are responsible for translating engineers' concepts into precise technical plans, ensuring compliance with industry standards and project specifications. Their work helps facilitate the design, analysis, and documentation of infrastructure projects, allowing for efficient construction and maintenance.

Is AI replacing CAD designers?

AI is increasingly used to assist Civil 3D CAD designers by automating repetitive tasks and optimizing design processes, but it does not fully replace the need for skilled designers. CAD designers still require expertise in interpreting project requirements, making judgment calls, and ensuring accuracy, which AI tools currently support rather than replace. Proficiency in software like Civil 3D and understanding of engineering principles remain essential for the role.

What are some common challenges Civil 3D CAD Designers face when collaborating with engineers and surveyors on large infrastructure projects?

Civil 3D CAD Designers often encounter challenges related to coordinating design changes and ensuring data consistency across different teams. Because multiple stakeholders—such as engineers, surveyors, and project managers—contribute to project files, maintaining up-to-date data and clear communication is crucial. Designers must be proactive in managing file versions, understanding engineering markups, and resolving conflicts in design intent. Using Civil 3D’s data management features and participating in regular coordination meetings can help streamline collaboration and minimize errors.

What is the difference between Civil 3D Cad Designer vs Civil 3D Technician?

AspectCivil 3D Cad DesignerCivil 3D Technician
CredentialsTypically holds an associate's or bachelor's degree in civil engineering or draftingOften has a diploma or certificate in civil drafting or CAD technology
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, engineering firms, construction companiesDrafting labs, engineering firms, field sites
ResponsibilitiesCreating detailed civil design drawings, modeling, and plan productionPreparing CAD drawings, drafting, and assisting in design tasks
Industry UsageUsed across civil engineering projects like roads, land development, and infrastructureSupports civil design teams with drafting and technical documentation

The Civil 3D Cad Designer focuses on creating detailed civil design models and drawings, often requiring a higher level of technical education. The Civil 3D Technician primarily assists with drafting and preparing CAD documents. Both roles are essential in civil engineering projects but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What CAD job pays the most?

Among CAD-related roles, senior Civil 3D CAD designers and CAD managers tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $80,000 to $100,000 annually depending on experience, location, and industry. Specialized skills in infrastructure design, project management, and proficiency with advanced CAD tools can further increase earning potential.

How much do Civil 3D designers make?

Civil 3D CAD designers typically earn between $50,000 and $75,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Senior designers or those with specialized skills may earn higher salaries, especially in regions with high demand for civil engineering projects.
More about Civil 3D Cad Designer jobs
What cities are hiring for Civil 3D Cad Designer jobs? Cities with the most Civil 3D Cad Designer job openings:
What states have the most Civil 3D Cad Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Civil 3D Cad Designer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Civil 3D Cad Designer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $77,234 per year, or $37.1 per hour.
Civil 3D CAD Designer

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 hours ago


Job description

Schnabel Engineering is an employee-owned, professional consulting firm that focuses on solving problems related to the earth and environment through specialization in dam, geotechnical, geostructural, and tunnel engineering.  Schnabel’s high standards for quality, business ethics, and concern for the communities they live in, and support are a vital part of who we are and what we offer.  Founded in 1956, Schnabel has experienced tremendous success and growth through its dedication to excellence in client service, high quality, and value-added solutions.  Schnabel is an ENR Top 500 Design Firm and Top 10 Dams and Reservoirs Design Firm with over 700+ employees in 31 offices throughout the United States.

Recognized by CE News as one of the Best Engineering Firms to Work for, Schnabel provides employees with a competitive benefits package, including health, dental, life and disability. Engagement in Schnabel’s wellness program offers incentives for employees to pursue a healthy lifestyle, and the firm rewards employees through its Employee Stock Ownership Plan.

Benefit options include:

  • Medical insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Employee life & ADD insurance (100% company-paid)
  • Short-term disability (100% company-paid)
  • Long-term disability
  • Supplemental life insurance
  • 401(k) and profit-sharing plan
  • Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)
  • Bonus program
  • Paid time off
  • 9 Paid Holidays
  • Wellness program
  • Professional development and tuition reimbursement

Job Description:

Are you looking for interesting and meaningful work, a fun atmosphere, and opportunities to learn, grow, and excel? If so, then welcome to Schnabel! We approach problems with creativity and innovation. Our Boise, Idaho office is seeking a Civil 3D CAD Designer to support our engineering group. We are looking for a motivated candidate with 3+ years of experience, strong attention to detail, and a passion for developing as a professional within a collaborative team. This position offers the opportunity to work closely with engineers across civil, structural, and mechanical disciplines on a variety of exciting infrastructure projects.

The Boise office of Schnabel focuses on the design of structures and facilities within our dam engineering group. Projects include the design of dams, spillways, outlet works, surface water intakes, pump stations, fish hatcheries and passage, pipelines, and fabricated gates and valves for projects located across the United States.

Our drafting and design work spans several disciplines:

  • Civil Design – 3D site grading and earthwork, earthen dams, spillways, intakes, pipelines/penstocks, fish hatcheries, and hydroelectric facilities
  • Structural Design – Precast and cast-in-place concrete structures, fabricated steel structures, wood and metal frame buildings, and bridges
  • Mechanical Design – Pumps stations, large diameter pipe fittings and valves, and machine design

Job Responsibilities:

  • Develop 3D grading, terrain, and models to illustrate complex structures or systems using AutoCAD Civil 3D and other 3D modeling tools.
  • Prepare 2D CAD drawings (plans, profiles, sections and details) for contract documents based on input and guidance from design staff and in accordance with internal drafting standards.
  • Work closely with engineers from multiple disciplines to ensure coordinated and constructible designs.
  • Take initiative on design tasks – capable of working independently when needed and contributing design input beyond basic redlines.
  • Maintain drawing files, CAD standards, and other digital files in accordance with internal procedures.
  • Prepare graphics for engineering reports, presentations, and proposals.
  • Participate in professional development and training to expand technical skills and knowledge.

Required Skills/Experience:

  • Minimum of 3 years of CAD design experience supporting civil engineering projects, including site development, grading, drainage, and plan/profile production.
  • High school diploma (or equivalent) with additional degree or certification in Drafting and Design Technology, or equivalent practical experience.
  • Proficiency with the latest version of AutoCAD and AutoCAD Civil 3D.
  • General understanding of civil design principles; experience supporting multiple disciplines is preferred.
  • Ability to develop large, multifaceted drawing sets based on survey data, GIS, point clouds, and engineering sketches.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively within a team.
  • Self-motivated and proactive in solving problems and completing work with minimal supervision.
  • Experience in additional software such as MicroStation, OpenRoads, SolidWorks, ArcGIS, AutoCAD Plant 3D, Inventor, Bluebeam, or Excel is a plus.
  • Experience with Revit is preferred.

Other Requirements:

  • Ability to pass a background check which may include criminal history, motor vehicle record, credit check
  • Ability to pass a pre-employment screening

The compensation range for this role is between $25 to $32 per hour. Compensation for this position may vary based on geographic location and other factors. We remain committed to providing competitive and equitable compensation to all employees, regardless of their location.