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Industrial Drafting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Minimum of 2 years of drafting experience in metal fabrication, industrial, or construction environments preferred * Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered Skills ...

Equivalent experience without AAS degree - high school graduate and 4 years of experience in electric utility and/or related industrial drafting and/or computer aided drafting work. Additional ...

AutoCAD Operator

Decatur, IL

$21.63 - $34.13/hr

Demonstrated knowledge and experience in industrial drafting * Proficient in various CAD platforms (i.e. AutoCAD, Plant3D, CadWorx, etc.) * Demonstrates working knowledge of relevant aspects of ...

The Substation Drafter supports the design team by preparing technical drawings and documentation ... The firm partners with utilities, commercial, industrial, data center, and government clients, and ...

Demonstrated knowledge and experience in industrial drafting * Proficient in various CAD platforms (i.e. AutoCAD, Plant3D, CadWorx, etc.) * Demonstrates working knowledge of relevant aspects of ...

AutoCAD Operator

Decatur, IL · On-site

$21.63 - $34.13/hr

Demonstrated knowledge and experience in industrial drafting * Proficient in various CAD platforms (i.e. AutoCAD, Plant3D, CadWorx, etc.) * Demonstrates working knowledge of relevant aspects of ...

The Substation Drafter supports the design team by preparing technical drawings and documentation ... The firm partners with utilities, commercial, industrial, data center, and government clients, and ...

Equivalent experience without AAS degree - high school graduate and 4 years of experience in electric utility and/or related industrial drafting and/or computer aided drafting work. Additional ...

Equivalent experience without AAS degree - high school graduate and 4 years of experience in electric utility and/or related industrial drafting and/or computer aided drafting work. Additional ...

AutoCAD Operator

Decatur, IL · On-site

$21.63 - $34.13/hr

Demonstrated knowledge and experience in industrial drafting * Proficient in various CAD platforms (i.e. AutoCAD, Plant3D, CadWorx, etc.) * Demonstrates working knowledge of relevant aspects of ...

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Industrial Drafting information

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$36K

$83.5K

$116K

How much do industrial drafting jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for industrial drafting in the United States is $83,498.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $94,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is industrial drafting?

Industrial drafting is the process of creating detailed technical drawings and plans used in the manufacturing and construction of machinery, equipment, and structures. Industrial drafters use specialized software and traditional drawing techniques to produce blueprints, schematics, and diagrams that communicate precise specifications to engineers, architects, and production teams. Their work ensures that complex designs are accurately translated into real-world products, supporting safety, efficiency, and quality in industrial projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Industrial Drafter, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Industrial Drafter, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, technical drawing, and design concepts, typically supported by an associate degree or certificate in drafting or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and knowledge of industry standards are essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help drafters collaborate with engineers and production teams. These skills ensure the creation of accurate, functional designs that meet project specifications and facilitate efficient manufacturing processes.

What is the highest paying drafting job?

Senior industrial drafters, especially those with expertise in CAD software and specialized industries like aerospace or oil and gas, tend to have the highest salaries in drafting. Advanced certifications, experience, and leadership roles such as project managers can also lead to higher compensation in the field.

Will drafters be replaced by AI?

Industrial drafters use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create detailed technical drawings, and AI tools are increasingly assisting with automating repetitive tasks. However, human expertise is still essential for complex design decisions, quality control, and understanding project requirements, so complete replacement is unlikely in the near future.

What does an industrial drafter do?

An industrial drafter creates detailed technical drawings and plans for manufacturing and engineering projects, often using CAD software. They interpret engineering specifications, produce precise diagrams, and collaborate with engineers and designers to ensure accurate production documentation.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

Industrial drafting typically does not offer salaries of $10,000 a month without specialized experience or certifications. High-paying roles in fields like sales, real estate, or entrepreneurship may reach that level without a degree, but they often require strong skills, networks, or business acumen. Most well-paying technical or professional jobs generally require relevant education or training.

How does an industrial drafter typically collaborate with engineers and manufacturing teams during a project?

Industrial drafters play a crucial role in bridging the gap between design concepts and actual production. They regularly meet with engineers to review technical requirements and ensure that all specifications are accurately reflected in the drawings. During the drafting process, they often communicate with manufacturing teams to clarify details, address feasibility concerns, and update plans based on feedback. This collaborative approach ensures that final designs are both practical and manufacturable, helping to minimize errors and streamline the production workflow.

What is the difference between Industrial Drafting vs Mechanical Drafting?

AspectIndustrial DraftingMechanical Drafting
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plants, industrial facilitiesEngineering firms, manufacturing, workshops
Industry UsageIndustrial equipment, process systems, plant layoutsMachinery, mechanical components, equipment design

Industrial Drafting focuses on designing layouts and schematics for industrial facilities and equipment, while Mechanical Drafting emphasizes creating detailed drawings of mechanical parts and machinery. Both roles require similar certifications and often share work environments, but their applications differ based on industry needs.

More about Industrial Drafting jobs
What states have the most Industrial Drafting jobs? States with the most job openings for Industrial Drafting jobs include:
Infographic showing various Industrial Drafting job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,498 per year, or $40.1 per hour.
Intermediate Technician, Drafting Support

Intermediate Technician, Drafting Support

WSP

Cottonwood Heights, UT • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


WSP rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 67 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 57 rated business consultants


Job description

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for an Intermediate Technician - Drafting support (Renewables) to join our Power & Energy team in Cottonwood Heights, UT. The following location will also be considered: Houston, TX, Boise, ID, Lakewood, CO and Boulder, CO. The candidate will be involved in projects with our Power & Energy Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our client's objectives and solves their challenges.

As one of the world's leading professional services firms, WSP now brings world-class expertise in power delivery, power generation, and project management with the recent acquisition of POWER Engineers, Inc. Our vision is to be the preeminent pure-play global consulting firm for the world's energy transition. And we need your help.

Provides support to technical staff, engineers, and project managers for the due diligence, investigation, remediation, impact assessment, permitting, design, development, and construction of utility, industrial, and commercial scale projects in the public and private sector.  Tasks may include assistance with the research, design, concept development, and construction of transmission and distribution substations, power distribution, power regulation, renewable energy, as well as protection and control systems in a wide variety of contexts (utilities, transportation, building, and Federal, State, and local government projects).  Generates accurate and concise reports and documentation regarding assigned material, installations, and construction specifications.  Ensures that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards for design, safety, and functionality.

Takes part in providing local technical design and CADD support on projects to produce designs and specifications to be used for planning, transportation, infrastructure, and technical services business lines.  Tasks may include generating CADD designs on various assigned aspects of projects of basic to moderate scale and/or complexity.  Generates accurate and concise design phase deliverables including reports, technical memoranda, design manuals, plans and profiles, models, sections, details, specifications, and material lists.  Ensures that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards for design, accuracy, and functionality.

Your Impact
  • Supporting engineers, project managers, and technical staff with drafting and design activities related to utility, industrial, and commercialscale power and renewable energy projects.
     
  • Assisting with research, design development, and preparation of drawings for transmission and distribution substations, power distribution systems, renewable energy facilities, and protection and control systems.
     
  • Collecting, compiling, and organizing data from surveys, field notes, blueprints, schematics, specifications, and sketches to support drafting and design efforts.
     
  • Using 2D and 3D CADD software to prepare drawings of basic to moderate complexity with accuracy and attention to detail.
     
  • Working closely with engineers to resolve design questions, incorporate markups, and revise drawings through multiple review cycles.
     
  • Preparing design deliverables such as plans, profiles, sections, details, material lists, and supporting documentation.
     
  • Assisting with verifying calculations, interpreting contract plans, and identifying basic design or construction issues for escalation.
     
  • Ensuring drawings and designs adhere to applicable city, state, and federal codes, standards, and project specifications.
     
  • Collaborating with crossfunctional project teams to support project execution.
     
  • Participating in training and development to build technical knowledge, drafting standards, and design best practices.
     
  • Demonstrating responsible and ethical decisionmaking and adherence to WSP's Code of Conduct, safety policies, and quality standards.
     
  • Performing additional duties as needed to support business and project requirements.
Who You Are

Required Qualifications

  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
     
  • 2-4 years of relevant drafting or design support experience, preferably in power, energy, utilities, or related infrastructure fields.
     
  • Working knowledge of drafting and design support principles, processes, and techniques.
     
  • Familiarity with applicable codes, standards, and documentation practices.
     
  • Proficiency with CADD software and basic technical tools.
     
  • Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn and follow established drafting standards.
     
  • Ability to work collaboratively with engineers and technical professionals while also managing assigned tasks independently.
     
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills with technical and nontechnical audiences.
     
  • Ability to adapt to new tools, processes, and project requirements in a dynamic environment.
     
  • Commitment to workplace safety and compliance with WSP policies.
     
  • Willingness to work projectdriven schedules and travel occasionally as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Associate's degree in drafting, engineering technology, or a closely related discipline.
     
  • Entrylevel or developing professional certification related to drafting or design support.
     
  • Exposure to renewable energy or power delivery projects.

WSP Benefits:

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings. 
Compensation:
 

Expected Salary (all locations): $55,600 - $91,630
 

WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant's sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.

Expected Salary (Colorado only): $55,600 - $91,630

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About WSP

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.

www.wsp.com

WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career.

At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?

WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:

WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand.  Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation - no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service. 


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