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Piping Drafting Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

RimePro Inc

Mechanical Detailer/Drafter

Santa Ana, CA

$85K - $120K/yr

Familiarity with sheet metal fabrication, HVAC piping, plumbing systems, and prefabrication processes. * Associate's degree, technical certification, or related drafting/design education preferred.

RimePro Inc

Mechanical Detailer/Drafter

San Jose, CA

$85K - $120K/yr

Familiarity with sheet metal fabrication, HVAC piping, plumbing systems, and prefabrication processes. * Associate's degree, technical certification, or related drafting/design education preferred.

RimePro Inc

Mechanical Detailer/Drafter

Los Angeles, CA

$85K - $120K/yr

Familiarity with sheet metal fabrication, HVAC piping, plumbing systems, and prefabrication processes. * Associate's degree, technical certification, or related drafting/design education preferred.

Phoenix Industrial Inc

Field Engineer, Piping

San Jose, CA · On-site

$75K - $110K/yr

The Piping Field Engineer will oversee and execute the project controls and management of the ... Perform basic engineering calculations and technical drafting to support field operations. * Assist ...

CivicMinds, Inc.

CAD Drafter / Designer

Corona, CA · On-site

$23.25 - $31.25/hr

The ideal candidate has a strong mechanical drafting background, experience with process piping and fabrication, and the ability to convert engineering concepts into clear, accurate drawings that ...

Parsons

SmartPlant P&ID Designer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$49.76 - $87.07/hr

Provide support to process, mechanical, piping, and I&C engineering teams. * Assist with ... Associate Degree in Engineering, Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) or Computer-Aided Drafting and ...

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All JobsPiping Drafting JobsPiping Drafting Jobs in California

Piping Drafting information

See California salary details

$16

$32

$49

How much do piping drafting jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for piping drafting in California is $32.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.87 and $38.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become a piping drafting?

To become a piping drafter, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and should complete a technical or drafting program focused on piping or mechanical drafting. Proficiency in CAD software, such as AutoCAD or MicroStation, and understanding of piping systems and industry standards are essential for this role.

What is piping drafting?

Piping drafting is the process of creating detailed technical drawings and plans that show the layout, design, and specifications of piping systems used in various industries such as oil and gas, chemical plants, and water treatment facilities. These drawings help engineers, fabricators, and construction teams understand how pipes, valves, fittings, and other components are arranged and installed. Piping drafters use specialized software like AutoCAD or Plant 3D to produce accurate and standardized drawings, ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance with industry codes. Their work is essential for both new construction projects and maintenance or upgrades of existing systems.

What are some common challenges faced by piping drafters in coordinating with other engineering disciplines?

Piping drafters often work closely with civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers, and a key challenge is ensuring that piping layouts do not conflict with structural elements or existing utilities. Effective communication and regular coordination meetings are essential to resolve clashes and integrate design changes efficiently. Familiarity with interdisciplinary design software and the ability to interpret various technical drawings can make this process smoother and help avoid costly errors during construction.

What is the difference between Piping Drafting vs Mechanical Drafting?

AspectPiping DraftingMechanical Drafting
CredentialsDrafting certifications, CAD skillsDrafting certifications, CAD skills
Work EnvironmentOil & gas, chemical plants, industrial facilitiesManufacturing, machinery, product design
Industry UsageHeavy industry, piping systemsMechanical systems, equipment design
Search & ComparisonOften compared for technical drafting roles in industrial sectors

While both Piping Drafting and Mechanical Drafting involve CAD skills and drafting certifications, Piping Drafting focuses on designing piping systems in industrial environments like oil and gas plants. Mechanical Drafting covers a broader range of mechanical components and machinery. The key difference lies in the specialization: Piping Drafting is industry-specific to piping systems, whereas Mechanical Drafting encompasses various mechanical designs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a piping drafter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Piping Drafter, you need a solid understanding of engineering drawings, piping systems, and drafting principles, usually supported by a technical diploma or associate degree in drafting or engineering technology. Proficiency in CAD software such as AutoCAD Plant 3D or MicroStation, and familiarity with industry codes and standards, is typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication set standout professionals apart in this field. These skills ensure accurate, efficient, and safe piping designs that meet project specifications and industry regulations.
What are popular job titles related to Piping Drafting jobs in California? For Piping Drafting jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Piping Drafting jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Piping Drafting jobs in California are:
Piping Drafting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Piping 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 $67,795 per year, or $32.6 per hour.

Field Piping Designer

Hargrove Engineers and Constructors

Concord, CA • On-site

$60/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

What You'll Be Doing
Hargrove is looking for a Field Piping Designer who is comfortable going to the sites several days a week. This position is based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Local candidates will receive preferred consideration as this position does not qualify for relocation or per diem.
Job Scope: Generally responsible for performing all aspects for complete designs of mechanical/piping assignments using theoretical knowledge and practical design methods. This level is expected to assist in the design of larger and more complex mechanical/piping assignments. This work will be performed under general supervision.
Primary responsibilities will include but not be limited to:
  • Familiarity with and utilizing department design and drafting standards.
  • Familiarity with project scope, specifications and design criteria upon assignment to a project task team.
  • Developing the design and drafting of moderately complex piping drawings given basic information such as P&ID's, GA's, piping specifications, equipment drawings, etc.
  • Performing field design work to ascertain current conditions, locate new systems, communicate with client personnel and assist in construction
  • Preparing material take-offs from piping drawings
  • Planning and managing your site design activities for optimum results.
  • Recognizing and communicating scope and design changes promptly.
  • On-site assistance during startup.

Below is the range that we in good faith believe is the potential compensation for this role at the time of this posting and is only applicable for jobs to be performed in California. The typical base salary range for this position is just one component of Hargrove's total compensation package for Teammates. Actual compensation will be based on education, experience, skill set and location.
Minimum Salary: $50 per hour
Maximum Salary: $60 per hour
Ideal Background
Education: Associate degree in Engineering Technology or Computer-Aided Drafting is required.
Certification: Certification is not required at this level.
Experience: This position requires 4+ years of relevant industrial experience in mechanical/piping drafting and design.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Knowledge and application of piping materials.
  • Design of less complex process and utility piping systems.
  • Knowledge and application of piping supports and restraints.
  • Flexibility analysis of piping system.
  • Knowledge of manual valve sizing, use and application
  • Drafting of P&ID's and GA's.
  • Design of piping limited specific equipment and inline instrumentation arrangements such as pump suctions and discharges, tanks, control valve stations, etc
  • Familiarity with specifications and installation details of construction bulk materials and equipment.
  • Ability to create accurate mechanical/piping installation documents from the information found on vendor equipment drawings.
  • Knowledge and understanding of work flow/information flow between disciplines.
  • Knowledge and understanding of schedule constraints and information requirements for the production of all mechanical/piping deliverables.
  • Ability to accurately estimate completion of assigned tasks.
  • Knowledge and application of company engineering design and CAD drafting standards.
  • Working knowledge of 2D AutoCAD and Microstation.
  • Proficient in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
  • Good communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Good presentation skills.
  • Virtual team skills and cross divisional relationships continue to develop, and providing interoffice execution support under general supervision.

Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to sit, stand, or walk for long periods of time.

Hargrove Culture
We work to create an environment founded on trust, personal integrity, and a "team mentality" so that each person understands the value of their contributions both on a project and company-wide level. We know that each person on our team contributes to the success of our company by pairing expertise and passion to meet and exceed the needs of the clients we serve across the globe.
Our safety culture protects and promotes the well-being of every person who works with us and every person touched by our work.
As a 100% Teammate owned company, we proudly offer a comprehensive benefits package including, paid holidays, personal paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, 401(k), and other benefits to eligible Teammates.
Equal Opportunity Employment Statement
Hargrove is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex (including gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, sexual identity, marital or family status), disability, military service or obligations, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Hargrove is a drug-free workplace.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.

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