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Drafter 1 Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ZAP Engineering

Drafter 1

Lakewood, CO

$26 - $33/hr

Mechanical Drafter 1-2 DEPARTMENT: Mechanical Design REPORTS TO: Mechanical Design Director FLSA: Non-Exempt WORK SCHEDULE: Full-Time TRAVEL REQUIRED: Up to 20% LOCATION: Lakewood, CO MANAGEMENT: No ...

PSG Global Solutions

AutoCAD Drafter 1

Kansas City, MO

$21.50 - $27.50/hr

Prefer 1 year recent experience in a Drafting/Design. * Prefer experience/knowledge in one or more of the following: * Drafting in OPTI or ARAMIS * Wireline (Fiber / OSP drafting) and/or Wireless.

Pike Corporation

Drafter 1 - Substation

Fort Mill, SC · On-site

EXPERIENCE: * 0-1 Year(s) Experience in AutoCAD, Microstation or other CAD tools * 0-1 Year(s) Experience in the production of engineering quality drawings CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: N ...

ARA

Senior Mechanical Drafter 1

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

Drafting assignments involve conceptual, preliminary, and detailed design under limited supervision ... 60-1.35(c) Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This ...

UGS

Drafter 1 - Substation

Fort Mill, SC · On-site

EXPERIENCE: * 0-1 Year(s) Experience in AutoCAD, Microstation or other CAD tools * 0-1 Year(s) Experience in the production of engineering quality drawings CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: N ...

Prestressed Concrete Construction

Drafter

Newton, KS · On-site

As a Drafter 1 at Prestressed Concrete, you will play a crucial role in the design and drafting process of precast/prestressed concrete structures. Working under the guidance of senior drafters and ...

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Drafter 1 information

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$14

$26

$43

How much do drafter 1 jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for drafter 1 in the United States is $26.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.15 and $30.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drafter 1?

A Drafter 1 is an entry-level drafting professional responsible for creating technical drawings and plans using CAD software. They typically follow detailed specifications and work under supervision to support engineering, architectural, or manufacturing projects.

What is the difference between Drafter 1 vs Drafter 2?

AspectDrafter 1Drafter 2
Experience LevelEntry-level or less than 2 yearsMid-level, 2-5 years
CertificationsBasic CAD training, no advanced certificationsAdditional certifications preferred
Work EnvironmentAssists senior drafters, follows established standardsIndependently handles complex projects
ResponsibilitiesCreates basic drawings under supervisionPrepares detailed drawings with minimal supervision

The main difference between a Drafter 1 and a Drafter 2 lies in experience, responsibility, and independence. Drafter 1 is typically an entry-level position focused on learning and supporting senior staff, while Drafter 2 handles more complex tasks with greater autonomy. Employers often seek Drafter 2 candidates with additional certifications and more project experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Drafter 1, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drafter 1, you need strong technical drawing skills, attention to detail, and a background in drafting or engineering principles, usually supported by an associate degree or relevant certification. Familiarity with computer-aided design (CAD) software such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks is typically required. Effective communication, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork are important soft skills for collaborating with engineers and architects. These skills and qualifications are vital for producing accurate technical drawings that support successful project planning and execution.

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

A Drafter 1 typically does not earn $10,000 a month without advanced experience or specialized skills. High-paying roles in drafting or related fields usually require technical training, certifications, or experience, and salaries vary based on industry, location, and complexity of projects. Generally, reaching such income levels without a degree is uncommon in entry-level drafting positions.

What are Drafter 1s?

A Drafter 1 is an entry-level professional who creates technical drawings and plans used in construction, manufacturing, and engineering projects. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software to turn ideas and specifications from engineers or architects into detailed blueprints and schematics. Drafter 1s typically work under the supervision of more experienced drafters or designers while learning industry standards and techniques. Their work ensures that projects are accurately visualized and built according to precise measurements and requirements.

What are some common challenges a Drafter 1 might face when transitioning from academic projects to real-world engineering teams?

As a Drafter 1, one common challenge is adapting to the fast-paced workflow and strict deadlines of professional engineering projects, which may differ from the timelines in academic settings. Additionally, you may need to quickly learn company-specific drafting standards and software preferences. Collaborating with engineers, architects, and other drafters also requires strong communication and the ability to accept and implement feedback efficiently. Over time, these experiences help develop technical skills and professional confidence.

Will drafters be replaced by AI?

Drafters play a key role in creating technical drawings and plans, and while AI tools can assist with tasks like drafting and editing, they are unlikely to fully replace human drafters soon. Skilled drafters who use CAD software and have strong technical knowledge will continue to be essential in the design process. AI may automate repetitive tasks, but human oversight remains important for accuracy and creativity.

What jobs pay $2000 a day?

Drafters typically do not earn $2000 a day; such high daily rates are usually associated with specialized freelance or consulting roles in fields like architecture, engineering, or project management. These positions often require advanced skills, certifications, and extensive experience, and they may involve contract work or consulting projects with high hourly or project-based pay.
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Drafter 1 jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drafter 1 job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 21% Locum Tenens, 4% Internship, 55% As Needed, 3% Full Time, 16% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,861 per year, or $26.9 per hour.
Drafter 1

Drafter 1

ZAP Engineering & Construction Services, Inc.

Lakewood, CO • On-site

$26 - $33/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

POSITION DESCRIPTION
TITLE:
Mechanical Drafter 1-2
DEPARTMENT:
Mechanical Design
REPORTS TO:
Mechanical Design Director
FLSA:
Non-Exempt
WORK SCHEDULE:
Full-Time
TRAVEL REQUIRED:
Up to 20%
LOCATION:
Lakewood, CO
MANAGEMENT:
No
EEO:
Professionals
JOB FAMILY:
Professionals
A Little About Us: ZAP is a full-service engineering, design, and construction management firm servicing the oil & gas, heavy industrial, mining, and manufacturing sectors. From our Lakewood, Colorado office, we execute projects across North America spanning from California to Florida and Canada down to Mexico. Our projects range in size from simple engineering studies or maintenance repairs to full-scale design of large facilities. ZAP operates at a fast pace while providing a team-centric approach to our work.
About your role:
This is a professional, hands-on, full-time position where you will create Process Flow Diagrams, Piping, and Instrumentation Diagrams and work with database systems and 3D model equipment.
Essential Duties and Major Responsibilities
  • Creates and maintains Process Flow Diagram (PFD) and Piping & Instrumentation Diagram (P&ID) drawings.
  • Reviews engineering drawings and designs to ensure adherence to established specifications and standards.
  • Coordinate with all other disciplines to create an accurate and complete model.
  • Assist with other duties as assigned

Work Hours:
Company Hours
This position works from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Hours vary and are dependent on business needs.
40-Hour Work Week
Monday through Friday, Hours may vary with the workload.
Evenings/Weekends/OT
As needed to satisfy the requirements of the position.
Benefits:
  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Accrued PTO
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
  • Basic Life / AD&D
  • Voluntary Life / AD&D
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Aflac

Position
Relevant Experience
Education
Skills
Mechanical Drafter 1
Previous experience drafting and modeling utilizing AutoDesk products required.
Associate's Degree preferred in Mechanical Design or a similar field of study.
All essential duties listed above.
Specialized Skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Basic problem-solving skills to resolve simple problems quickly and effectively.
  • Organization and effective time management.
  • Must have a valid, active driver's license and the ability to maintain a good driving record.
  • Proficient user of technology and software required to execute daily tasks, including Microsoft Office Suite, Word, Outlook, and Excel.

Supervisory Expectations:
  • The position has no regular responsibility for overseeing or supervising the work of other team members.

Independence of Action
  • Work is closely monitored by supervisor/manager/leader; detailed instructions and procedures are generally provided.

Physical Demands and Work Environment: (The phrases "occasionally," "regularly," and "frequently" correspond to the following definitions: "occasionally" means up to 1/3 of working time, "regularly" means between 1/3 and 2/3 of working time, and "frequently" means 2/3 and more of working time.)
  • The work environment is the typical office environment. The employee must complete their work satisfactorily in an environment with significant distractions, including staff, clients, and vendors walking through and conversing, telephones ringing, conversations carrying over, loud noises, and interruptions to answer questions from others. On sites, you run into the possibility of distractions from OSHA hazards, industrial materials, machinery & equipment, dangerous chemical substances, and interruptions requiring the employee to answer questions from others. Must be able to drive to sites or meetings with clients.
  • The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. In many cases, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee frequently is required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
  • The employee must regularly lift and move up to 25 pounds and should do so in a sound and safe manner. This job's specific vision abilities include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Core Competencies:
  • Communications - Expresses ideas and thoughts verbally; expresses opinions and views in written form; exhibits good listening and comprehension; keeps others adequately informed; selects and uses appropriate communication methods.
  • Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; puts team success above own interests; Builds morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed. Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting.
  • Ethics - Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and principles; upholds organizational values.
  • Initiative - Volunteers readily; undertakes self-development activities; seeks increased responsibilities; take independent actions and calculated risks; looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; and offer help when needed.
  • Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality; applies feedback to improve performance; monitors own work to ensure quality.

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