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Entry Level Cad Designer Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Stewart Mechanical

BIM/CAD/Design

Battle Ground, WA · On-site

$28.75 - $39.75/hr

Develop detailed designs for plumbing systems and controls * Provide details on plumbing system ... Use Computer Aided Design and Drafting systems to prepare drawings. * Create and store drawings ...

Stewart Mechanical, Inc.

BIM/CAD/Design

Battle Ground, WA

$28.75 - $39.75/hr

Develop detailed designs forplumbing systems and controls * Provide details on plumbing ... Use Computer Aided Design and Drafting systems to prepare drawings. * Create and store drawings ...

AZAD Technology Partners

CAD Technician 2

Vancouver, WA · Hybrid

Join AZAD Technology Partners as a CAD Technician an d provide quality design, layout, and production of engineering, civil, mechanical, electrical, and fiber optic drawings within the Communications ...

Azad, Inc

CAD Technician 2

Vancouver, WA · On-site

Join AZAD Technology Partners as a CAD Technician an d provide quality design, layout, and production of engineering, civil, mechanical, electrical, and fiber optic drawings within the Communications ...

Oregon Metal Fabrication

CAD Design / Detailer

Sandy, OR · On-site

$26 - $34/hr

... designs for clients. The ideal Candidate: The perfect person will manage their time well, stay ... General skills needed: * CAD Software experience * Blueprint reading / generation * General ...

Oregon Metal Fabrication

CAD Design / Detailer

Sandy, OR · On-site

$26 - $34/hr

... designs for clients. The ideal Candidate: The perfect person will manage their time well, stay ... General skills needed: * CAD Software experience * Blueprint reading / generation * General ...

TOTH AND ASSOCIATES INC

CAD Technician - 3D

Portland, OR · On-site

$18 - $28/hr

The CAD Technician - 3D at Toth and Associates, Inc. (TOTH) is crucial in supporting the engineering team by drafting and preparing detailed project design concepts, plans, and construction documents ...

Apple

FE RTL Infrastructure - CAD Engineer

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$172K/yr

Description As a Front-End (FE) RTL Infrastructure - CAD Engineer, you will play a major role in ... our Designer/DV engineers are well equipped to do their best job at Apple. The FE RTL ...

Apple

FE RTL Infrastructure - CAD Engineer

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$172K/yr

Description As a Front-End (FE) RTL Infrastructure - CAD Engineer, you will play a major role in ... our Designer/DV engineers are well equipped to do their best job at Apple. The FE RTL ...

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Entry Level Cad Designer information

See Portland, OR salary details

$17

$33

$45

How much do entry level cad designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level cad designer in Portland, OR is $33.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.55 and $37.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level CAD designer?

Entry Level CAD Designers are professionals who use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create technical drawings and plans for products, buildings, or structures. They typically work under the supervision of senior designers or engineers, translating concepts and specifications into detailed blueprints. This role is ideal for individuals who are new to the field and have recently completed relevant education or training. Entry Level CAD Designers often assist with revising designs, preparing documentation, and collaborating with other team members to ensure projects meet standards and deadlines.

What does an entry level CAD designer do?

As an entry-level CAD designer, you perform many of the same duties and responsibilities as CAD designers with more experience, but you learn some duties during on-the-job training. As an entry-level CAD designer, you apply computer-aided drafting skills while learning more about drafting tools like NX, Inventor, and Solidworks. You prepare figures and construction drawings and take blueprints from engineers to reformat them digitally using CAD software. You are also in charge of inspecting designs to make sure that they meet safety specifications. If you notice errors in the design that may compromise quality or safety, you need to make appropriate changes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level CAD designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level CAD Designer, you need a foundational understanding of drafting principles, spatial reasoning, and a relevant associate degree or technical certification. Proficiency with CAD software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Revit is typically expected, along with familiarity with industry-specific standards. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure accurate design work, efficient collaboration with engineering teams, and successful project outcomes.

What are some typical projects and collaborative tasks an entry level CAD designer can expect to work on?

As an Entry Level CAD Designer, you will likely be involved in creating and modifying technical drawings and blueprints under the guidance of senior designers or engineers. Your daily tasks might include updating existing designs, preparing layouts, and ensuring that drawings meet project specifications and industry standards. Collaboration is key—you'll often work closely with engineers, architects, and other CAD professionals to incorporate feedback and ensure accuracy. This team-based environment helps develop your technical skills while also building strong communication and problem-solving abilities.

What is the difference between Entry Level Cad Designer vs Junior CAD Technician?

AspectEntry Level Cad DesignerJunior CAD Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate degree or technical certification in CAD or draftingHigh school diploma; technical training often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, engineering firms, architecture firmsConstruction sites, engineering firms, architectural offices
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in architecture, engineering, product designUsed in construction, civil engineering, infrastructure projects

Both roles involve CAD software use, but Entry Level Cad Designers focus more on creating detailed designs and drawings, while Junior CAD Technicians often assist with drafting and technical support. The roles are similar in industry and credentials but differ slightly in responsibilities and work settings.

How to become an entry level CAD designer with no experience?

To become an entry-level CAD designer with no experience, focus on learning CAD software such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks through online tutorials or courses, and build a portfolio of simple projects to demonstrate your skills. Gaining foundational knowledge in drafting, engineering principles, and technical drawing can improve your employability, and obtaining relevant certifications can also enhance your prospects.

Is there a demand for entry level CAD designers?

There is steady demand for entry-level CAD designers across industries such as architecture, engineering, and manufacturing, especially as companies seek new talent familiar with CAD software like AutoCAD and SolidWorks. Employers often look for candidates with basic technical skills, a relevant portfolio, and the ability to learn quickly, making entry-level positions accessible for recent graduates or those with limited experience.
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Entry Level Cad Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Cad Designer job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,818 per year, or $33.1 per hour.

Residential Cad Drafter - Designer

DEZ Development LLC

Clackamas, OR • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Description
Our rapidly growing construction company is in need of a creative, full-time CAD designer to bring our dreams to life! You'll serve as our primary architectural drafter and produce original, computer-generated designs in 2D and 3D. Additional responsibilities include meeting with clients, integrating feedback, and revising designs as requested. Communication skills are a must in this role, as you'll be regularly communicating the design progress to the construction team. Applicants should be experienced design professionals who enjoy highly detailed work, are passionate about working on a project from start to finish, and want to grow their career in the construction industry. Sounds like a job you'd love? Please apply today!
Responsibilities
• Work closely with the Designer and staff on various project types
• Assist in creating AutoCAD drawings and presentation graphics
• Collaborate with local jurisdictions and building officials to secure permit approvals
• Utilize AutoCAD or Revit proficiency to ensure accurate and detailed designs
• Exhibit proficiency in MS Office applications such as Excel, Outlook, and Word
• Demonstrate the ability to comprehend and interpret construction documents
• Possess a good working knowledge of construction document preparation (preferred)
• Apply good drafting fundamentals to produce high-quality drawings
• Demonstrate self-direction and manage multiple ongoing projects concurrently
Qualifications
• Proficiency in AutoCAD is essential
• Experience with Revit is a plus
• Strong proficiency in MS Office applications (Excel, Outlook, and Word)
• Ability to read and understand construction documents
• Knowledge of construction document preparation is advantageous
• Familiarity with residential remodel projects is preferred
• Excellent drafting skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and handle multiple projects simultaneously

Apply