Job Description of a CAD Operator
CAD operators are drafters who use computer-aided design (CAD) systems to prepare drawings and blueprints. These documents guide the creation of many products, including manufactured goods, buildings and structures. Mechanical ability and an aptitude for drawing and detail work are important attributes for this career.
CAD Operator Job Description
CAD operators, otherwise known as drafters, are usually employed by manufacturing firms and construction companies. They may work as aeronautical, architectural, civil, mechanical or electronics drafters. CAD operators often have a specialty in a specific field, much as engineers do. Although their work is mainly done on the computer, CAD operators still need to know how to prepare manual drawings for certain applications. Successful drafters have a solid understanding of mathematics and science.
Job Duties
CAD operators provide the guidelines and technical details of the product or structure that is being built. They may work with engineers, architects and other professionals in producing plans and drawings. These documents use specialized notations and symbols to convey instructions about materials, assembly procedures or tools.
An architectural drafter may draw plans for the foundations of structures as well as lay out the interior rooms of buildings. They are expected to study building codes, site requirements and other documentation to determine any impact on building plans. Visits to building sites to collect data and monitor compliance with design requirements may also be part of the job.
Civil drafters draw maps, diagrams or plans for construction projects and structures. They review data from engineers and technicians to ensure that they conform to design plans. Civil drafters may be involved in planning bridges, highways and wastewater treatment systems.
Mechanical drafters produce guidebooks and manuals for machinery and tools by making illustrations of mechanical systems. They employ mathematical formulas to develop specifications for machinery and design blueprints of specific items. These drafters may also assist in product testing, allowing them to revise documentation as the design changes.
Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wages of drafters depended upon specialty area. In May 2009, the BLS reported an average wage of $47,710 for architectural and civil drafters. Average wages for mechanical drafters were $49,790, and the average for electrical and electronics drafters was $54,800 (www.bls.gov).
Employment Outlook
Although the BLS predicted slower than average job growth for the drafting career overall for the period between 2008-2018, architectural and civil drafters experienced job growth that was about the same as all other industries. Postsecondary education in drafting and CAD systems will increase the likelihood of securing employment in this field.
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7 Popular Schools
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School locations:
- Online Learning
- Alabama (3 campuses)
- Arkansas (1)
- Arizona (3)
- California (14)
- Colorado (2)
- Florida (12)
- Georgia (3)
- Iowa (2)
- Idaho (1)
- Illinois (3)
- Indiana (5)
- Kansas (2)
- Kentucky (2)
- Louisiana (2)
- Massachusetts (2)
- Maryland (1)
- Michigan (6)
- Minnesota (2)
- Missouri (4)
- Mississippi (1)
- North Carolina (4)
- Nebraska (1)
- New Jersey (1)
- New Mexico (1)
- Nevada (2)
- New York (3)
- Ohio (9)
- Oklahoma (2)
- Oregon (2)
- Pennsylvania (7)
- South Carolina (4)
- Tennessee (5)
- Texas (8)
- Utah (1)
- Virginia (5)
- Washington (3)
- Wisconsin (4)
- West Virginia (1)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
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Bachelor
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- Bachelor in Construction
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- Bachelor in Construction Management
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Associate
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- Associate in Computer Drafting and Design
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
- California (1 campus)
- Florida (1)
- Michigan (1)
- Washington (1)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
- Bachelor
- Associate
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Distance Learning Programs
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Non-Degree
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- AS in Engineering Technology
- Career Diploma: Drafting with AutoCAD
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School locations:
- Nevada (1 campus)
Classroom-Based Programs
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Associate
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- Associate in Drafting Technology & Design
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 17 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Non-Degree
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- Career Diploma - AutoCAD
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Masters degree applicants must have a Bachelors degree
- Doctorate degree applicants must have a Masters degree
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
- Currently not accepting applicants from Minnesota or Tennessee
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Bachelor
Other Schools:
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School locations:
- Michigan (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Ferris State University include:
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- Graduate: First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Drafting and Design Engineering
- CAD Drafting and Design Technology
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Engineering - Architectural
- Environmental Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
- Plastics Engineering
- Surveying
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School locations:
- New York (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Rochester Institute of Technology include:
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- Graduate: Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Drafting and Design Engineering
- Architectural Drafting and Design
- CAD Drafting and Design Technology
- Mechanical Drafting and Design
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Environmental Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
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School locations:
- Michigan (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Eastern Michigan University include:
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- Graduate: Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Drafting and Design Engineering
- CAD Drafting and Design Technology
- Mechanical Drafting and Design
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Engineering Physics
- Industrial Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
- Plastics Engineering
