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Drafter Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Drafting experience in Surveying (LiDAR, GPS, Total Stations) (Surveying equipment: Trimble, Carlson). • Experience using 3D laser scanner (Leica RTC 360) and scan rendering software (Register 360 ...

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Electrical CAD Drafter/Designer

Tustin, CA · On-site

$40K - $75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

2+ years of applicable experience In-office position at our Tustin, CA location Salary range: $40k+ (depending upon relevant design/drafting experience) This position requires a demonstrated ...

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Electrical CAD Drafter/Designer

Tustin, CA · On-site

$40K - $75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

2+ years of applicable experience In-office position at our Tustin, CA location Salary range: $40k+ (depending upon relevant design/drafting experience) This position requires a demonstrated ...

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Preferably 5+ years in Drafting commercial millwork projects. Must be capable of reading and understanding Architectural Plans. Position will be two parts. One part will be reading through ...

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Entry Level Draftsman

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Entry level Draftsmen: Duties will be assisting the engineering team by preparing the necessary files for design, redlines, as-built, minor corrections, creating details, submitting to local building ...

EIC Design Manager

CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Work with Drafting Leads, Project Managers, Engineers and other internal stakeholders to prioritize Drafting group work. * Develop complex electrical layouts, 3D modeling, cable tray designs, and ...

Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$50 - $56/hr

Review drawings from Drafters/Designers and provide feedback. * Support engineers on simple-medium complexity projects; may provide guidance to Drafters/Designers. * Prepare technical reports ...

Junior Engineer/ Detailer

Irvine, CA

$24 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are currently seeking a Draftsperson / Surveyor to join our rapidly growing company. This is primarily a drafting and field survey role, with a secondary but meaningful focus on creating and ...

Showing results 41-60

Drafter information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$15

$28

$45

How much do drafter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for drafter in Riverside, CA is $28.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.07 and $31.83 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.

What is a drafter?

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.

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.

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.

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 salary for drafters is around $55,000, with some specialized roles or those with advanced skills earning higher wages. Certification in CAD software can also influence earning potential.

Is a CAD drafter a good job?

A CAD drafter is a skilled professional who creates technical drawings and plans using computer-aided design software, often working in engineering, architecture, or manufacturing fields. The job offers steady employment opportunities, requires attention to detail, and benefits from proficiency in CAD tools like AutoCAD or SolidWorks. It can be a good career choice for those interested in technical design and precision work.

What are the most commonly searched types of Drafter jobs in Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Drafter jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Drafter jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Drafter jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Drafter jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Drafter jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Drafter jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Drafter job openings:

Infographic showing various Drafter job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,278 per year, or $28 per hour.

Draftsman-Surveyor

SA Recycling

Orange, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


SA Recycling rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 91 rated recycling and waste


Job description

Qualifications
An ideal candidate would possess the following qualifications:
• *Must be willing to travel. 80%
• *Must be able to work in a collaborative fast-paced environment.
• *Knowledge in the use of Total Station robotic instrument used to collect topographic data, produce drawings, and perform site layouts.
• *Drafting experience in Surveying (LiDAR, GPS, Total Stations) (Surveying equipment: Trimble, Carlson).
• Experience using 3D laser scanner (Leica RTC 360) and scan rendering software (Register 360).
• *Produce 2D drawings using AutoCAD and/or Civil 3D software.
• Drone operating experience.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish
*= Requirements for position.
NOTE: Items without a "*" are not required, but they are preferred. Candidate can be trained in
those sections if they are hired.
Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities of the employee include:
  • Assist engineering department in retrieving field data, measurements, and other information to produce 2D drawings for structures, assemblies, site plans, and utilities in AutoCAD or Civil 3D format.

  • Perform site and building surveys.
  • Produce drawings from field recovered data and surveys under the direction of the engineering department.

  • Generate diagrams demonstrating the order of process equipment.
  • Superimpose 2D drawings from engineering team over surveys to identify potential conflicts with existing structures and equipment.

  • Generate shop drawings of designs made by engineering team.
  • Scan facilities using the 3D laser scanner and then processing the data using Register 360software.

  • Create scaled aerial photographs of facilities using a drone.

Physical Requirements• Work Environment: Scarp metal yard, outdoor.
• Equipment & Tools: Yard equipment, hand tools, and PPE.
• Physical demand level: Moderate to heavy.
• Work capacity: Laborer work capacity.
• Hand Movements: Repetitive motions.
$75,000 - $88,000 Depending on experience
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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