2

Entry Level Structural Drafter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Our portfolio includes ABCO Construction Services, LLC, United Structural Consultants, and iPermit ... Overview: The Drafter 1 is an entry-level position focused on converting field data into basic ...

Our portfolio includes ABCO Construction Services, LLC, United Structural Consultants, and iPermit ... Overview: The Drafter 1 is an entry-level position focused on converting field data into basic ...

Our portfolio includes ABCO Construction Services, LLC, United Structural Consultants, and iPermit ... Overview: The Drafter 1 is an entry-level position focused on converting field data into basic ...

This role is ideal for an engineer who is past entry-level and ready to take ownership of defined ... Translate design intent into clear markups and coordinate updates with drafting/modeling resources.

Be Seen First

Draftsman/Detailer

Braselton, GA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Manufacturing Position: Entry Level Drafter/Detailer Reports To: MFG - Braselton Employee Type ... Comfortable with mechanical and structural drafting. * Managing engineering data in an Autodesk ...

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Structural Drafter information

See salary details

$16

$30

$47

How much do entry level structural drafter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level structural drafter in the United States is $30.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $34.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Structural Drafter vs Structural Designer?

AspectEntry Level Structural DrafterStructural Designer
CredentialsAssociate degree or technical certification in drafting or engineering technologyBachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering often preferred
Work EnvironmentDrafting offices, engineering firms, construction sitesDesign offices, consulting firms, construction projects
Job FocusCreating detailed drawings based on engineers' specificationsDeveloping structural concepts and design solutions
Experience LevelEntry-level, supervised workMid-level, with some project responsibility

While both roles involve working with structural plans, an Entry Level Structural Drafter primarily focuses on producing detailed drawings from engineers' designs, whereas a Structural Designer is more involved in developing structural concepts and design solutions. The drafter typically requires technical certifications and less experience, working under supervision, while the designer often holds a degree and takes on more responsibility in the design process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level structural drafter?

To thrive as an Entry Level Structural Drafter, you need a solid understanding of drafting fundamentals, basic knowledge of structural engineering concepts, and an associate degree or certification in drafting or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software (such as AutoCAD or Revit) and document management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to collaborate with engineers and architects are valuable soft skills. These abilities ensure accurate, efficient production of technical drawings that are essential for safe and successful construction projects.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level structural drafters during their first year on the job?

Entry-level structural drafters often encounter challenges such as learning to interpret complex engineering drawings, adapting to industry-standard drafting software, and understanding building codes or company-specific workflows. Balancing accuracy and speed while producing detailed construction documents can also be demanding. However, support from senior drafters and engineers, as well as on-the-job training, typically helps new hires overcome these hurdles and build confidence in their role.

What does an entry level structural drafter do?

An Entry Level Structural Drafter creates detailed drawings and plans for buildings and structures under the supervision of engineers or senior drafters. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software to convert sketches and specifications into technical drawings that guide construction projects. Their tasks often include revising plans, ensuring compliance with codes, and assisting in design modifications. This role is essential for translating engineering concepts into precise, buildable documents.
More about Entry Level Structural Drafter jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Structural Drafter jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Structural Drafter job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Structural Drafter jobs? The most popular types of Structural Drafter jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Structural Drafter jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Structural Drafter jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Structural Drafter job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 15% Full Time, 74% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,479 per year, or $30 per hour.

Entry-Level Structural Engineer - Energy & Industrial Group

Sargent & Lundy

Tampa, FL • Hybrid

$62K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Sargent & Lundy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

121st of 446 rated engineering


Job description

  • This position will offer you the ability to directly apply your knowledge of materials, structural analysis, structural steel design, and reinforced concrete design.
  • As a member of an engineering and design team, you will work on a wide range of power, energy and industrial related projects, creating calculations to develop structural document designs, and preparing technical specifications. Additionally, you will conduct structural analyses, which include complex loading conditions such as wind, seismic, and pressurization.
  • Using our state-of-the-art computer tools, you will perform the structural analysis and design of steel frames, connections, concrete members, equipment and piping supports, and foundations.
  • There is the potential for you to travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews, and to plant site locations for structural condition assessments, construction coordination and field verification of designs. 

This position is based on a hybrid work schedule and will require in-office work 3 days per week.


We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

Essential skills and experience:

  • This position requires a BS or MS of Civil Engineering and a strong academic background and interest in behavior of materials, structural analysis, structural steel design, and reinforced concrete design.
  • Knowledge of the practical application of structural engineering including loads analysis for structural supports, and design integrity.
  • Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in the production of technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
  • Proficiency with MS Office applications.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Valued but not required skills and experience:

  • Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, and designation as an Engineer in Training.
  • A Bachelor’s or Master’s of Science degree from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program.
  • Experience in writing and providing support documentation for Structural Engineering calculations.
  • Proficiency with any of the following programs: MathCad, STAAD PRO, SAP2000, SAFE, STRUDL, or ANSYS.
  • Familiarity with design codes and standards such as IBC, ASCE 7, AISC, and ACI 318.
  • Related engineering internship or co-op work experience.

In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to solve problems using modern tools:

  • You are expected to take engineering problems from issue to solution using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
  • Many engineers in these roles build or use automation to create calculations, summarize technical documents, or draft design documentation, including appropriate use of agentic AI tools, with strong engineering judgment and verification of results.
  • Programming or scripting (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate calculations, design checks, reporting, or data transformation is valued but not required.
  • We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other training in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that helps you apply automation or agentic AI to real engineering problems.

At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance
  • Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Life & Accident Insurance
  • Disability Coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Back-Up Daycare
  • FSA & HSA
  • 401(k)
  • Pre-Tax Commuter Account
  • Merit Scholarship Program
  • Employee Discount Program
  • Corporate Charitable Giving Program
  • Tuition Assistance
  • First Professional Licensure Bonus
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Bereavement Leave
  • Flexible Work Arrangements

$62,998 - $90,586
Sargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.

The Energy & Industrial Group (EIG) specializes in delivering advanced engineering solutions across various sectors, including power generation, environmental compliance, oil & gas, and industrial projects, from new plant design to plant betterment and upgrade services for operating facilities. We have designed nearly 900 conventional power plants, yielding over 100,000 megawatts (MW) of generation capacity. Our expertise includes numerous recent and ongoing combined cycle projects that leverage the latest advanced machinery, including combustion turbines, steam turbines, and heat recovery steam generators from all leading suppliers. EIG is recognized for its commitment to decarbonization through innovative technologies in renewable energy, carbon capture, and hydrogen power. We excel in detailed engineering services for photovoltaic (PV) solar projects and energy storage integration, and lead the industry in carbon capture technologies, managing projects from conceptual studies, pilot demonstrations and through commercial scale implementation for utilities and industrial plants.


Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.


What Sargent & Lundy employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Sargent & Lundy logo

About Sargent & Lundy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sargent & Lundy is one of the most experienced full-service architect-engineering firms in the world. Founded in 1891, the firm is a global leader in power and energy with expertise in grid modernization, renewable energy, energy storage, nuclear power, and fossil fuels. Sargent & Lundy delivers comprehensive project services--from consulting, design and implementation to construction management, commissioning and operations/maintenance--with an emphasis on quality and safety. The firm serves public and private sector clients in the power and energy, gas distribution, industrial, and government sectors.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1891

Social media