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Structural Drafter Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Lead and manage other structural engineers and drafters through all phases of project planning, execution, and construction. * Provide complete design solutions from concept to final design and ...

Lead and manage other structural engineers and drafters through all phases of project planning, execution, and construction. * Provide complete design solutions from concept to final design and ...

... drafting correspondence, tracking project costs and completing progress reports. * Review ... Working knowledge of structural systems, means and methods, materials, and industry standards

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Structural Drafter information

See Tennessee salary details

$14

$27

$43

How much do structural drafter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for structural drafter in Tennessee is $27.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.83 and $31.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To excel as a Structural Drafter, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, drafting techniques, and proficiency in reading and creating technical drawings, often supported by an associate degree or technical certification in drafting. Expertise in CAD software (such as AutoCAD, Revit, or MicroStation) and familiarity with building codes and standards are typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help ensure accuracy and facilitate teamwork with engineers and architects. These abilities are crucial for producing reliable construction documents that meet project specifications and safety requirements.

What is the difference between Structural Drafter vs Civil Drafter?

AspectStructural DrafterCivil Drafter
CertificationsTypically requires drafting certifications or associate degrees in drafting or engineering technologySimilar certifications, often with additional civil engineering coursework
Work EnvironmentWorks primarily on building frameworks, bridges, and structural componentsFocuses on infrastructure projects like roads, drainage, and site plans
Industry UsageCommon in construction, architecture, and structural engineering firmsPrevalent in civil engineering, municipal planning, and infrastructure companies
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for roles involving structural design and draftingCompared for civil engineering projects and site planning

While both Structural Drafters and Civil Drafters create technical drawings, Structural Drafters specialize in building frameworks and structural components, whereas Civil Drafters focus on infrastructure and site development. Their roles overlap in drafting skills and certifications, but they serve different project types within the construction and engineering industries.

What are some common challenges faced by structural drafters when collaborating with engineers and architects on complex projects?

Structural Drafters often encounter challenges in ensuring their drawings accurately reflect both the engineer’s technical requirements and the architect’s design intent. Effective communication is key, as changes in one discipline can impact structural details and necessitate quick revisions. Managing multiple revisions, integrating feedback, and coordinating with project teams require strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Staying updated on building codes and software standards also helps drafters produce compliant and high-quality drawings.

What is a structural drafter?

A structural drafter creates the final drawings, sketches, and designs for buildings and other structures. As a structural drafter, you use drafting programs to develop these plans. You usually have a specialization, such as drafting bridges, commercial buildings, or docks. Qualifications for this career include an associate or bachelor’s degree in drafting technology, architecture, or civil engineering, as well as a few years of related job experience. It is preferable to have drafting certification and CAD system knowledge. Essential skills and duties include the ability to work independently while executing other people’s ideas, background in math and statistics, familiarity with building codes, and the ability to conceptualize spaces.

More about Structural Drafter jobs
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Structural Drafter jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Structural Drafter job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Structural Drafter jobs in TN? For Structural Drafter jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Structural Drafter job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,707 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

Civil Structural Designer IV

Hargrove Engineers and Constructors

Johnson City, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

The Hargrove Recruiting Team is looking for talented Civil/Structural Designers to join our team in Kingsport, Tennessee. This position is a full-time, long-term opportunity as a part of a Hargrove's Technical Services team providing a "One Team" culture. This role offers a highly competitive compensation package, including paid time off, health insurance benefits, and matching retirement contributions

Location: Kingsport, TN (Onsite Required)This position is based onsite in Kingsport, TN and requires a regular onsite presence.

Relocation assistance in the form of a onetime relocation bonus of up to $5,000 less applicable taxes may be offered for eligible candidates. To qualify, the candidate's primary residence must be located more than 75 miles from the Kingsport, TN client site.

What You'll Be Doing

Job Summary: Generally responsible for performing all aspects for complete design of civil/structural assignments using theoretical knowledge and practical design methods. With experience in this level, you are expected to assist in the design of larger and more complex civil/structural assignments. This work will be performed under general supervision.

Primary responsibilities will include but not be limited to:

  • Familiarity with and utilization of department design and drafting standards.

  • Recognizing and communicating project scope, specifications and design criteria upon assignment to a project task team.

  • Reviewing and comprehending the latest information available regarding civil/structural calculations, equipment drawings and layouts or drawings from other disciplines before initiating design effort on specific drawings.

  • Drafting civil/structural plans under minimal supervision.

  • Being knowledgeable of basic civil material specifications to the extent that all information required for material purchase, fabrication and construction is reflected on the finished drawings.

  • Recognizing and communicating scope and design changes promptly.

  • Performing field related work collecting design information and verifying designs for tie-ins, function and clearances to existing facility.

  • On-site assistance during startup.

  • Performing field support activities, where assigned, for engineering support during construction.

  • Assisting engineers with cost and material estimates and preliminary design studies.

  • Checking the accuracy and quality of drawings developed by drafters, when assigned, based on information conveyed by engineering direction, equipment and discipline drawings.

  • Providing technical guidance to less experienced drafting personnel in the department.

  • Coordinating & delegating work activities with other teammates and the discipline leads.

  • Producing civil/structural construction scopes with engineering review and approval.

  • Ability to serve in role as a mentor for entry level and new teammates.

This position offers a highly competitive compensation package, including paid time off, health insurance benefits, and matching retirement contributions.

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 civil/structural drafting and design.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Knowledge and application of AISC and ACI standard details. Ability to produce drawings for concrete and structural steel, and/or civil disciplines.

  • Familiarity with specifications and installation details of construction bulk materials and equipment.

  • Knowledge and application of company engineering design and CAD drafting standards.

  • Ability to create accurate civil/structural construction 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 civil/structural deliverables.

  • Ability to accurately estimate completion of assigned tasks.

  • Ability to develop a construction cost estimate, a detailed engineering schedule and a man-hour budget for a small project or an area for a larger project with engineering review and approval.

  • Ability to lead a small team to deliver on commitments.

  • Ability to deliver good presentations of Hargrove Engineers + Constructors services.

  • Good communication skills, both verbal and written.

  • Good presentation skills.

  • Virtual team skills and cross divisional relationships are developed, and able to provide interoffice execution support under general supervision. Interoffice execution leadership skills are developing.

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.