10 of the Most Popular Types of Drafting Engineer Jobs in 2026

See what kind of roles similar to Drafting Engineer jobs are hiring now

Top Types Of Drafting Engineer Jobs

• Drafter

  Salary range: $44,000 - $63,500

  A drafter uses computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) software to create plans for manufacturing, construction, or engineering projects. Your duties in this career involve working to create computer-aided drawings that include all necessary details and technical specifications. You may use specifications from an architect if you are drafting for buildings, an industrial designer if you are creating plans for products, or an engineer if you are making plans for engineering projects or structures. Your responsibilities also include making changes or correcting existing drawings under the direction of the architect or engineer.

• Technical Drafting

  Salary range: $116,000 - $205,000

  Technical Drafting is a typical job search query Most salaries for Technical Drafting jobs pay between $116,000 (25th percentile) and $205,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Technical Drafting job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Residential Drafter

  Salary range: $44,000 - $63,500

  Residential Drafter is a common job search query. Most salaries for Residential Drafter jobs pay between $44,000 (25th percentile) and $63,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Residential Drafter job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Autocad Draftsman

  Salary range: $44,000 - $56,500

  As an AutoCAD draftsman, you are responsible for generating technical drawings for a wide range of uses using CAD (computer-aided design). You may use your skills to develop blueprints for an architect or manufacturing specs and technical drawings for a factory. Draftsmen may specialize in a certain area or have a broad set of skills and qualifications. AutoCAD drafters may work as freelancers or as part of a firm. The daily responsibilities and duties vary significantly, based on the job.

• Engineering Drafter

  Salary range: $44,500 - $58,000

  Engineering Drafter is a typical job search query Most salaries for Engineering Drafter jobs pay between $44,500 (25th percentile) and $58,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Engineering Drafter job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Structural Drafter

  Salary range: $50,000 - $72,000

  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.

• Entry Level Cad

  Salary range: $44,000 - $64,500

  Entry Level Cad is a common job search query. Most salaries for Entry Level Cad jobs pay between $44,000 (25th percentile) and $64,500 (75th percentile) annually. There are plenty of open positions nationwide for Entry Level Cad job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• Draftsman

  Salary range: $44,000 - $63,500

  A draftsman, or drafter, is a professional who is skilled in generating computer-aided design and drafting (CAD) drawings. A draftsman may specialize in various areas such as architecture, mechanical system, or civil engineering or in working with certain materials, like electrical circuits, concrete, or steel. They may produce technical drawings for manufacturing as well. The role and responsibilities of a draftsman vary significantly from one job to the next.

• Survey Drafter

  Salary range: $44,000 - $63,500

  Survey Drafter is a typical job search query Most salaries for Survey Drafter jobs pay between $44,000 (25th percentile) and $63,500 (75th percentile) annually. You’ll find many open positions nationwide for Survey Drafter job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• Remote Cad Drafter

  Salary range: $45,000 - $60,500

  Remote CAD drafters use computer-aided design software such as AutoCAD to create drawings and blueprints for construction, engineering, mechanical, or manufacturing projects. Instead of working in the office, remote CAD drafters work from home or another location outside of the office. As a remote CAD drafter, you collaborate with an architect or engineer to determine the scope of the project. You then create a detailed blueprint and 3D model to specifications based on their sketches and images. Your plans also include specific measurements and information about materials. While this is a remote position, you may occasionally be asked to go into the office for team meetings.