💻 Technology
↑ 2% growth · Slower than average
CAD Technician / Drafting Technician
CAD technicians use computer-aided design software to create technical drawings and plans for engineers and architects. From mechanical parts to building layouts, CAD techs translate engineering concepts into precise digital blueprints that guide manufacturing and construction.
$57,960
Median Salary
165K
US Jobs
2 years
Training
$4,000–$18,000
Typical Cost
💰 Salary & Earning Potential
Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Figures represent national averages — local wages vary by state, city, and employer.
Want your state's salary? Select a state below to see local wage data, demand, and training programs.
📈 Job Outlook
2%
Projected Growth (10yr)
Slower than average
165K
Total US Jobs
Active positions nationwide
Autodesk Certified Professional or ADDA Certification
Required Credential
Autodesk Certified Professional or ADDA Certification
🎓 Training & Education
Typical Program
AAS in CAD/Drafting Technology
Program Length
2 years
Typical Tuition
$4,000–$18,000
Work Setting
Engineering firms, architecture firms, manufacturing, construction
🏆 Credential Required: Autodesk Certified Professional or ADDA Certification
☀️ Day in the Life
A typical day as a CAD Technician / Drafting Technician involves working closely with clients and colleagues in a Engineering firms environment. You'll apply your training daily while building expertise and advancing your career.
⚖️ Pros & Cons
Advantages
- ✅ Strong job security
- ✅ Rewarding work
- ✅ Clear career progression
- ✅ Growing demand
Challenges
- ⚠️ Can be physically demanding
- ⚠️ May require ongoing certification
- ⚠️ Entry-level wages vary by region
🗺️ CAD Technician / Drafting Technician by State
See local salary data, licensing requirements, and schools in your state:
FL FloridaGA GeorgiaTX TexasCA CaliforniaNY New YorkNC North CarolinaIL IllinoisOH OhioPA PennsylvaniaAZ ArizonaAL AlabamaAR ArkansasLA LouisianaMS MississippiSC South CarolinaTN TennesseeVA VirginiaWV West VirginiaKY KentuckyMD MarylandDE DelawareNJ New JerseyCT ConnecticutMA MassachusettsRI Rhode IslandNH New HampshireVT VermontME MaineMI MichiganIN IndianaWI WisconsinMN MinnesotaIA IowaMO MissouriND North DakotaSD South DakotaNE NebraskaKS KansasOK OklahomaCO ColoradoMT MontanaWY WyomingID IdahoUT UtahNV NevadaNM New MexicoWA WashingtonOR OregonAK AlaskaHI HawaiiDC Washington DC