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Entry Level Autocad Drafting Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Staff Engineer - Geotechnical

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$31.25 - $43.26/hr

... treatment. Entry level engineers support senior staff and plan, observe and document field ... Proficient with MS Office, AutoCAD, AutoCAD Civil 3D, and GeoStudio. GIS experience strongly ...

About The Role Rincon Consultants, Inc. is seeking an entry-level GIS Analyst to join our Data and ... Drafting using AutoCAD or other drafting software * Experience with Adobe products (Illustrator ...

New

Class Characteristics This is the entry-level classification in the professional Engineering series ... Assigns routine investigation, design, and drafting tasks to technical subordinates; reviews ...

Assistant Engineer

Chico, CA · On-site

$80K - $107K/yr

Class Characteristics This is the entry-level classification in the professional Engineering series ... Assigns routine investigation, design, and drafting tasks to technical subordinates; reviews ...

Showing results 41-46

Entry Level Autocad Drafting information

See California salary details

$15

$22

$28

How much do entry level autocad drafting jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level autocad drafting in California is $22.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $24.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Autocad Drafting vs Junior Civil Drafter?

AspectEntry Level Autocad DraftingJunior Civil Drafter
CredentialsBasic AutoCAD training, high school diploma or equivalentAutoCAD skills, some civil engineering coursework or diploma
Work EnvironmentDesign firms, architectural offices, construction companiesCivil engineering firms, construction sites, consulting agencies
Industry UsageCommonly used in architecture, interior design, and constructionPrimarily used in civil engineering, infrastructure projects
Job FocusCreating technical drawings, drafting plans under supervisionAssisting in civil design, drafting site plans, and infrastructure layouts

While both roles involve AutoCAD skills and drafting, Entry Level Autocad Drafters focus on general design drawings across various industries, whereas Junior Civil Drafters specialize in civil engineering projects like roads and utilities. The latter often requires some civil coursework and works specifically within civil engineering teams.

What are common challenges faced by entry level AutoCAD drafters and how can they overcome them?

Entry-level AutoCAD drafters often face challenges such as interpreting complex design specifications, adapting to varying drafting standards across projects, and managing revisions efficiently. To overcome these, it's helpful to communicate regularly with senior drafters and engineers, seek feedback on your drawings, and become familiar with company-specific CAD templates and layer conventions. Staying organized and proactive in learning new features of AutoCAD will also make it easier to handle revisions and meet project deadlines. Collaboration and continuous learning are key to building confidence and competence in this role.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an entry level AutoCAD drafter?

To thrive as an Entry Level AutoCAD Drafter, you need a basic understanding of drafting principles, strong spatial visualization, and proficiency in AutoCAD software, often supported by a certificate or associate degree in drafting or a related field. Familiarity with industry-specific standards, CAD file management systems, and sometimes other design tools like Revit or SolidWorks is important. Attention to detail, time management, and effective communication help you interpret project requirements and collaborate with engineers and architects. These skills ensure accurate technical drawings, efficient workflow, and successful integration of design intent into real-world projects.

What is an entry level AutoCAD drafter?

An entry level AutoCAD drafting job involves using AutoCAD software to create technical drawings and plans for various engineering, architectural, or manufacturing projects. Individuals in this role typically assist senior drafters or engineers by preparing detailed layouts, diagrams, and schematics based on rough sketches or specifications. Responsibilities may include updating existing drawings, making corrections, and ensuring drawings comply with industry standards. These roles are ideal for recent graduates or those new to the field looking to gain practical experience and develop their drafting skills.
What are the most commonly searched types of Autocad Drafting jobs in California? The most popular types of Autocad Drafting jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Autocad Drafting jobs in California? For Entry Level Autocad Drafting jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Autocad Drafting jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Autocad Drafting jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Autocad Drafting jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Autocad Drafting job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Autocad Drafting job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 72% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,140 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Staff Engineer - Geotechnical

GEI Consultants

Pasadena, CA • On-site

$31.25 - $43.26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


GEI Consultants rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

272nd of 441 rated engineering


Job description

Description
Your role at GEI.
GEI is seeking a motivated civil engineer with advanced education in geotechnical engineering (preferred) to assist with complex and challenging projects at locations in California and throughout the United States. GEI's California engineering practice provides services on a wide range of projects including levees, dams and dam appurtenances, instrumentation, excavation support systems, building and bridge foundations, floodwalls, tunnels, and ground treatment. Entry level engineers support senior staff and plan, observe and document field explorations and construction activities, perform and review analyses and design calculations, and assist in the preparation of technical correspondence, including reports, letters, and design memos.
Job Flexibility
GEI is instituting a hybrid workplace environment, which allows workers to choose from a range of options allowing a combination of work from home and in the office. This can range from a telecommuting option (work from home), work in the office a minimum of 2-days a week, or work in the office a minimum of 3-days a week. This allows for a forward-looking flexible work environment in our office of the future.
Essential Responsibilities & Duties
  • Support senior staff on a variety of engineering projects focused on geotechnical instrumentation, geotechnical investigations, design support for other heavy civil/geotechnical projects, reinforced concrete structure design, design implementation and document preparation.
  • Support the evaluation and design efforts as part of a team by performing geotechnical engineering modeling, analysis, and design calculations.
  • Prepare design and construction drawings and specifications using computer aided design and drafting equipment.
  • Prepare written documentation, including technical memos, reports, and construction specifications.
  • Prepare cost estimates, schedules, and construction documents, monitor construction activities in the field.
  • Work out of office on field assignments up to 50% of the time. Potential work on out of area temporary assignments is expected with project durations of up to 2-3 weeks at a time.
  • Assisting with proposals and business development activities.
Minimum Qualifications
  • B.S. in Civil Engineering. M.S. in Civil Engineering preferred but not required.
  • EIT Certification strongly preferred but not required.
  • Background in geotechnical engineering, including a fundamental knowledge of principles of geotechnical engineering and earthquake engineering.
  • Self-motivated with ability to work independently and collaboratively as a team member.
  • Proficient with MS Office, AutoCAD, AutoCAD Civil 3D, and GeoStudio. GIS experience strongly preferred.
  • Willing to perform field work as required.
  • Must have a valid driver's license and be willing to work in the field as needed.

We are GEI.
Some of the world's most pressing problems - from climate change to sustainable development, to critical infrastructure and the future of our energy supply - need our brightest and diverse minds working together to create safer, more resilient communities for tomorrow.
We are technical experts, collaborators, and entrepreneurs who draw from diverse backgrounds to solve our clients' most complex challenges.
With several offices across North America, we offer a range of engineering, science, and technical consulting services. Our range of expertise, project types, and culture make us the choice for top talent in the AEC industry. See all our office locations here.
Employee-owned. Employee-focused.
As an employee-owned company, our employees support our flat leadership structure, have a say in how our business operates and benefit from our financial success. We are committed to employee growth with career development opportunities, competitive total rewards, a well-being program, flexible work arrangements and more. Our company culture is driven by our 4 Cs - we are Client-Centered, Curious, Collaborative, and Community Minded - which support our focus on sustainability, safety, diversity, equity and inclusion. Get to know us better by visiting GEI's career site here.
GEI's Total Rewards Package Includes
  • Market-Competitive Compensation, including Eligibility for an Annual Performance Bonus
  • Pay Range For This Position: $31.25 - $43.26/hour
  • Comprehensive Benefits Program, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability and More
  • Well-Being Program and Paid Parental Leave
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Hybrid Work Schedules and Cell Phone Stipends
  • GEI University (GEIU) with Continuing Education Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement
  • Connecting Conversation Program with a Focus on Professional Development and Opportunities for Advancement
  • Support and Financial Rewards for Publication Awards, Professional Dues, and Professional Licenses
  • Paid Holidays and Generous Paid Time Off Program
  • Rewards and Recognition
  • GEI-Funded Profit Sharing and 401(k)
  • Opportunity to be an Owner and Shareholder (Learn more here)
  • A Vibrant Culture that is Focused on Partnership, Sustainability, Giving Back to Our Communities and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
  • And More...

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Functional Demands:
Sedentary
X
Light
Medium
Other
Activity Level Throughout Workday (check one per row)
Physical Activity Requirements
Occasional
(0-35% of day)
Frequent
(33-66% of day)
Continuous
(67-100% of day)
Not Applicable
Sitting
X
Standing
X
Walking
X
Climbing
X
Lifting (floor to waist level) (in pounds)
X
Lifting (waist level and above) (in pounds)
X
Carrying objects
X
Push/pull
X
Twisting
X
Bending
X
Reaching forward
X
Reaching overhead
X
Squat/kneel/crawl
X
Wrist position deviation
X
Pinching/fine motor skills
X
Keyboard use/repetitive motion
X
Taste or smell (taste=never)
X
Talk or hear
X
Accurate 20/40
Very Accurate 20/20
Not Applicable
Near Vision
X
Far Vision
X
Yes
No
Not Applicable
Color Discrimination
X
Sensory Requirements
Minimal
Moderate
Accurate
Not Applicable
Depth perception
X
Hearing
X
Environment Requirements
Occupational Exposure Risk Potential
Reasonably Anticipated
Not Anticipated
Blood borne pathogens
X
Chemical
X
Airborne communicable diseases
X
Extreme temperatures
X
Radiation
X
Uneven surfaces or elevations
X
Extreme noise levels
X
Dust/particulate matter
X
Other (exposure risks):
Weight around 50 lbs
Usual workday hours:
X
8
X
10
12
Other work hours
GEI is an AA/equal opportunity employer, including disabled and veterans.

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