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Drafting Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

CAD Drafter

Arlington, VA

$26 - $34.75/hr

Applies standard drafting/design principles and theories to complete assignments. * Update project drawings based on conducted site surveys of office space within the National Capital Region (NCR)

Engineer Drafter

Reston, VA · On-site

$92.30 - $166.85/hr

In addition to drafting and modeling responsibilities, this role requires the development of technical solutions through collaboration with subject matter experts and stakeholders. The successful ...

Participate in quality control checks and correct any drafting errors or compliance issues. Coordinate with team members and government stakeholders to ensure the accuracy and usability of all ...

Participate in quality control checks and correct any drafting errors or compliance issues. Coordinate with team members and government stakeholders to ensure the accuracy and usability of all ...

Participate in quality control checks and correct any drafting errors or compliance issues. Coordinate with team members and government stakeholders to ensure the accuracy and usability of all ...

Participate in quality control checks and correct any drafting errors or compliance issues. * Coordinate with team members and government stakeholders to ensure the accuracy and usability of all ...

Bachelor's Degree in technical Drafting, Computer-Aided Design, or equivalent work experience 5+ years of related work experience TS/SCI w/ poly is required Proficiency in CAD software and technical ...

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Civil Engineer & CAD Draftsman Manassas Park, VA * Full‐time * On‐site We're hiring a Civil Engineer and an AutoCAD/Civil 3D Draftsman to support land development projects with Northern Virginia ...

Be Seen First

Civil Engineer & CAD Draftsman Manassas Park, VA * Full‐time * On‐site We're hiring a Civil Engineer and an AutoCAD/Civil 3D Draftsman to support land development projects with Northern Virginia ...

CAD Drafter - MD

Elkridge, MD · Remote

$23 - $31/hr

Knowledge of drafting practices and procedures * Ability to work on a team and on multiple projects * Ability to visualize and design work in 2D and 3D * Ability to understand and incorporate ...

Showing results 21-40

Drafting information

See Washington salary details

$16

$27

$42

How much do drafting jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for drafting in Washington is $27.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.78 and $29.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is drafting?

Drafting is the process of creating detailed technical drawings and plans used in construction, manufacturing, architecture, and engineering. Drafters use specialized software or manual techniques to produce precise representations of structures, machinery, or systems. These drawings serve as blueprints for builders, engineers, and manufacturers, ensuring projects are constructed accurately and safely. Drafting is essential for communicating complex design ideas and specifications.

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 technical drawing skills, attention to detail, and a background in drafting or engineering technology, often supported by an associate degree or certification. Proficiency in CAD software such as AutoCAD, Revit, or SolidWorks is typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving skills, and the ability to collaborate with architects and engineers help drafters excel. These skills ensure accurate technical plans, effective teamwork, and the successful translation of concepts into precise construction or manufacturing documents.

What are some typical challenges drafters face when working on multidisciplinary project teams?

Drafters often collaborate with architects, engineers, and construction professionals, which can present challenges such as coordinating design changes, managing conflicting feedback, and adhering to tight deadlines. Effective communication and attention to detail are crucial, as errors can lead to costly revisions. Staying up-to-date with the latest CAD software and industry standards also helps drafters integrate seamlessly with diverse teams and deliver accurate technical drawings.

What is the difference between Drafting vs CAD Technician?

AspectDraftingCAD Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical trainingHigh school diploma; technical certification or associate degree often preferred
Work EnvironmentArchitectural, engineering, or manufacturing offices; on-siteDesign studios, engineering firms, manufacturing companies; computer-based work
Industry UsageUsed across architecture, engineering, manufacturingPrimarily in engineering, architecture, and product design
Work FocusCreating technical drawings manually or with basic softwareDeveloping detailed 3D models and drawings using CAD software

While both Drafting and CAD Technicians create technical drawings, Drafting typically involves manual or basic digital drawing skills, whereas CAD Technicians focus on advanced 3D modeling and detailed digital designs using specialized software. The roles often overlap, but CAD Technicians usually require more technical training in CAD tools.

Is there a demand for drafting?

Drafting is a skilled profession with steady demand in industries such as architecture, engineering, and construction. Proficiency in CAD software and certifications can enhance job prospects, especially in regions with active development projects.

What is a career in drafting?

A career in drafting involves creating technical drawings and plans used in construction, manufacturing, and engineering projects. Draftspeople use computer-aided design (CAD) software and must have strong attention to detail, technical knowledge, and understanding of building codes and standards. The role often requires a post-secondary education or certification in drafting or engineering technology.

What kind of drafting makes the most money?

In drafting, specialized fields such as electrical, mechanical, and civil drafting tend to offer higher salaries due to their technical complexity and demand. Drafters with advanced skills in 3D modeling, CAD software, and industry certifications typically earn more, especially in high-demand sectors like aerospace, engineering, and construction. Experience and working in larger firms or on complex projects also contribute to higher earnings.

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

The most popular types of Drafting jobs in Washington are:

What are popular job titles related to Drafting jobs in Washington?

For Drafting jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Drafting jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Drafting job openings:

Infographic showing various Drafting job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,658 per year, or $27.7 per hour.

$26 - $34.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

CAD Drafter
About the Organization
Now is a great time to join Redhorse Corporation. Redhorse specializes in developing and implementing creative strategies and solutions with private, state, and federal customers in the areas of cultural and environmental resources services, climate and energy change, information technology, and intelligence services. We are hiring creative, motivated, and talented people with a passion for doing what's right, what's smart, and what works.
Position Description
In support of prime contractor IBM and the Air Force Directorate of Civil Engineers (AF/A4C), the Environmental Program Management Support Consultant will work at A4C offices in the Pentagon; Arlington, Virginia. The ideal candidate will live in the DC/Virginia/Maryland area and already hold an active secret clearance.
Drafter to support multiple office renovations (large furniture relocation/arrangement) projects for the Pentagon. Drafters will need to take information from project manager notes and rough sketches and formalize them into working drawings. Drafters will develop moderately complex 2-D working drawings from engineering notes, sketches, and/or detailed drawings, to provide to the customer and project team to document office space reconfiguration. Drafters will be required to conduct site visits to validate office space and annotate updates within the drawing files. Person must be located in the NCR and be available to work in the Pentagon. This is a fast paced environment and will require the drafter to conduct walking site visits of multiple office spaces.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Utilizes ACAD2000 software to prepare plans from rough sketches and/or from general engineering and design information according to established standards and procedures.
  • Works closely with project managers and customers to ensure a coordinated design.
  • Applies standard drafting/design principles and theories to complete assignments.
  • Update project drawings based on conducted site surveys of office space within the National Capital Region (NCR)
  • Compiles data and performs dimensional and routine calculations required for the preparation of drawings.
  • Makes required changes, additions, and/or revisions, as directed by project managers.
Minimum Experience, Education and Credentials include:
  • Associate's or equivalent technical degree or certificate of completion from an accredited designer/drafter course (or equivalent) is preferred
  • 5 years or more of relevant experience is required
  • Prior federal project experience with related codes and specifications is preferred.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain federal government project site and systems accesses.
  • Secret Security Clearance
Executive Order Requirement:
In accordance with Executive Order 14042 as a Federal Contractor Redhorse requires all U.S. new hires to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 by December 8, 2021 or prior to the first date of employment, whichever is later. As required by the Executive Order, Redhorse will work in coordination with applicable contract agencies to consider requests for Reasonable Accommodations.
Redhorse Corporation shall, in its discretion, modify or adjust the position to meet Redhorse’s changing needs.
This job description is not a contract and may be adjusted as deemed appropriate in Redhorse’s sole discretion.
EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled