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Drafter Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

ELITE ENGINEERING LLC

Civil CAD Drafter

Greenbelt, MD · On-site

$55K - $80K/yr

As a CAD Drafter you will be working closely with other drafters as well as design teams to draft drawings in AutoCAD to specifications that are detailed, accurate, and visually appealing. You will ...

Vets2PM

CAD/Revit Drafter - Level II

Arlington, VA

$42.50 - $52/hr

CAD/Revit Drafter - Level II (Hourly - $42.50 to $52.00) Position Title: CAD/Revit Drafter - Level II Reports To: BIM Manager Location: On-Site (Client Facility, National Capital Region) Security ...

Vets2PM

CAD/Revit Drafter - Level II

Arlington, VA · On-site

$42.50 - $52/hr

CAD/Revit Drafter - Level II (Hourly - $42.50 to $52.00) Position Title : CAD/Revit Drafter - Level II Reports To : BIM Manager Location : On-Site (Client Facility, National Capital Region) Security ...

USAM DC, LLC

Drafter/Submittal Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

The Drafter/Submittal Engineer will provide support of multiple projects and tasks as directed by the Engineering Manager and team. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: * Record and track the ...

USAM DC

Drafter/Submittal Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

The Drafter/Submittal Engineer will provide support of multiple projects and tasks as directed by the Engineering Manager and team. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: * Record and track the ...

exp

CAD Drafter

Washington, DC · On-site

$20 - $35/hr

Be our next CAD Drafter! Your work environment at EXP We seek a talented CAD Drafter to join our growing Mid Atlantic Sector. What a day at EXP has in store for you * Prepares site sketches, traffic ...

Reyes Beverage Group

Draft Technician

Washington, DC · On-site

$19.50/hr

As a Draft Technician, you will check temperature, pressure and expiration date of beer * Draft Technicians also diagnose and solve draft problems and report discrepancies to management * You ...

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All JobsDrafter JobsDrafter Jobs in Reston, VA

Drafter information

See Reston, VA salary details

$15

$27

$45

How much do drafter jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for drafter in Reston, VA is $27.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.02 and $31.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Drafter Do?

A drafter uses computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) software to create plans for manufacturing, construction, or engineering projects. Your duties in this career involve working to create computer-aided drawings that include all necessary details and technical specifications. You may use specifications from an architect if you are drafting for buildings, an industrial designer if you are creating plans for products, or an engineer if you are making plans for engineering projects or structures. Your responsibilities also include making changes or correcting existing drawings under the direction of the architect or engineer.

Are drafters still in demand?

Drafters are still in demand in industries such as architecture, engineering, and manufacturing, especially those skilled in CAD software like AutoCAD and Revit. Employment opportunities depend on industry growth and regional construction or manufacturing activity, with steady demand expected for skilled technical drafters.

What is the job of a drafter?

A drafter creates technical drawings and plans used in construction, manufacturing, and engineering projects. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software to develop detailed diagrams that communicate how structures or products should be built or assembled. Drafters must understand engineering principles and often work closely with architects, engineers, and project managers.

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

To thrive as a Drafter, you need strong spatial visualization, technical drawing abilities, and a background in engineering or architectural principles, often backed by an associate's degree or drafting certification. Proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software such as AutoCAD, Revit, or SolidWorks is typically required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help drafters collaborate with engineers and architects and ensure design accuracy. These skills are crucial for producing precise technical drawings that guide construction and manufacturing projects successfully.

How does a drafter typically collaborate with engineers and architects during a project's lifecycle?

Drafters work closely with engineers and architects by translating their concepts and sketches into detailed technical drawings and plans. Throughout a project's lifecycle, drafters often participate in meetings to clarify design intent, update drawings based on feedback, and ensure all specifications are accurately represented. Effective communication and attention to detail are essential, as drafters must coordinate revisions and address any design or structural issues that arise. This collaborative workflow helps ensure that the final construction documents align with both regulatory standards and client expectations.

Will CAD drafters be replaced by AI?

CAD drafters perform detailed technical drawing and design work that currently requires human judgment and creativity. While AI tools can assist with automating repetitive tasks and generating basic drafts, they are unlikely to fully replace skilled drafters in complex or customized projects in the near future. Proficiency in CAD software and understanding of engineering or architectural principles remain essential for the role.

Do drafters make a lot of money?

Drafters typically earn a moderate income that varies by industry, experience, and location. According to industry data, the median annual wage for drafters is around $55,000, with some specialized roles or experienced professionals earning higher salaries. Skills in CAD software and certifications can influence earning potential.

What is the difference between Drafter vs CAD Technician?

AspectDrafterCAD Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical trainingHigh school diploma; technical training or certification in CAD software
Work EnvironmentArchitectural, engineering, manufacturing settingsDesign firms, engineering companies, manufacturing industries
Job FocusCreating technical drawings based on specificationsDeveloping, editing, and managing CAD models and drawings
Tools UsedManual drafting tools, CAD softwarePrimarily CAD software like AutoCAD, Revit

Both Drafters and CAD Technicians create technical drawings, but Drafters focus more on manual and traditional drafting methods, while CAD Technicians specialize in digital CAD modeling and editing. The roles often overlap, but CAD Technicians tend to have more advanced skills in CAD software, making them more involved in digital design processes.

What are drafters?

Drafters are professionals who use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create technical drawings and plans used by engineers, architects, and construction workers. Their drawings detail the specifications, dimensions, and materials necessary for building everything from machinery to buildings. Drafters often specialize in fields such as architectural, civil, mechanical, or electrical drafting, depending on the industry. They play a crucial role in transforming design concepts into precise, workable diagrams for manufacturing or construction.
More about Drafter jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Drafter jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Drafter jobs in Reston, VA are:
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What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Drafter jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Drafter job openings:
Drafter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drafter job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,116 per year, or $27.9 per hour.
Civil CAD Drafter

Civil CAD Drafter

ELITE ENGINEERING LLC

Greenbelt, MD • On-site

$55K - $80K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Job Summary
Elite Engineering is seeking a CAD Drafter (Civil/ Land Development preferred) to join our team! As a CAD Drafter you will be working closely with other drafters as well as design teams to draft drawings in AutoCAD to specifications that are detailed, accurate, and visually appealing. You will follow company CAD guidelines for all processes, including naming conventions, data storage, and layout standards. The ideal candidate has experience with AutoCAD or engineering, excellent communication skills, and works well within a team environment.

Responsibilities 
  •  Proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D (required)
  • Associate’s or Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering Technology (preferred, not both required  
  • Understanding of civil/site design plans (grading, utilities, SWM, erosion control)
  • Develop plans for grading, stormwater management, utilities (water/sewer), and erosion & sediment control
  • Revise drawings based on engineer markups and project updates
  • Assist in the preparation of plan sets for permit submissions
  • Ensure drawings comply with company standards and local jurisdiction requirements
  • Maintain organized CAD files and project documentation
  • Coordinate with engineers and internal design team member
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
  • Ability to work in a team environment and meet deadlines
Qualifications
  • 2–5 years of experience in civil drafting (land development preferred
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D (required)
  • Associate’s degree in Civil Engineering Technology or related field (preferred)
  • Strong understanding of site development plans (grading, utilities, stormwater)
  • Attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines      
  • Ability to work in a team-oriented environment
  • Strong understanding of Civil Engineering principles and design standards        
  • Ability to communicate effectively with project team members and clients       
  •  Attention to detail and strong organizational skills     
  • Willingness to continuously learn and stay up-to-date with industry developments
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • The ability to work well within a team environment
  • This office is located in Greenbelt, Maryland. You must be able to commute 5 days a week. 
Benefits/Perks
  • PTO
  • Great Work Environment
  • Career Advancement Opportunities
  • Competitive Compensation