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.

If you are interested in a job related to Structural Drafter, here are some popular related job searches with the most open positions on ZipRecruiter.

Top Types Of Structural Drafter Jobs

List of the top 10 highest paying Structural Drafter positions in 2026, with salary ranges, according to ZipRecruiter.

Drafting
Salary range: $40,000 - $54,000
Drafting is a popular job search query. Most salaries for Drafting jobs pay between $40,000 (25th percentile) and $54,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Drafting job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Architectural Drafter
Salary range: $47,500 - $67,500
An Architectural Drafter uses computer-aided design and drafting (CAD/CADD) software to create technical drawings of residential or commercial building designs. These drawings often include construction and structural information, so some Architectural Drafters specialize in specific materials. Other specializations include civil drafting, which is working with projects like bridges and highways, or electrical drafting.
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. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Residential Drafter job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Remote Structural Engineering
Salary range: $80,000 - $113,000
Remote Structural Engineering is a common job search query. Most salaries for Remote Structural Engineering jobs pay between $80,000 (25th percentile) and $113,000 (75th percentile) annually. There are lots of open positions nationwide for Remote Structural Engineering job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Remote Drafter
Salary range: $46,500 - $65,500
Remote Drafter is a popular job search query. Most salaries for Remote Drafter jobs pay between $46,500 (25th percentile) and $65,500 (75th percentile) annually. There are lots of open positions nationwide for Remote Drafter job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Work From Home Structural Drafter
Salary range: $50,000 - $72,000
Work From Home Structural Drafter is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Work From Home Structural Drafter jobs pay between $50,000 (25th percentile) and $72,000 (75th percentile) annually. You’ll find many open positions nationwide for Work From Home Structural Drafter job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Structural Drafting
Salary range: $50,000 - $72,000
Structural Drafting is a typical job search query Most salaries for Structural Drafting jobs pay between $50,000 (25th percentile) and $72,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Structural Drafting job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
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.
Cad Drafter
Salary range: $45,000 - $60,500
Cad Drafter is a popular job search query. Most salaries for Cad Drafter jobs pay between $45,000 (25th percentile) and $60,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Cad Drafter job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Entry Level Drafter
Salary range: $40,500 - $51,500
An entry-level drafter uses computer programs such as CAD and AutoCAD to create scale drawings for construction projects or product manufacturing. In this job, your duties include using engineering plans to create diagrams that builders and manufacturers will then apply to their construction or production projects. You may also work on very detailed designs, such as an electronic switchboard. Your responsibilities also include incorporating the designs of the architect, if applicable, and information about all necessary codes and regulations. An entry-level drafter may work on one aspect of the drawings under the direction of a manager.

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