Structural Draftsman Job Description

Structural draftsman work in the construction industry, assisting other members of their field by preparing drawings of structures, buildings or mechanical equipment. These drawings are then used as a blueprint to construct or renovate the structures.

Duties

The main duty of a structural draftsman is to draft drawings. This can be done by hand, but computer-assisted design and drafting (CADD) has become the industry standard. Structural draftsmen also work with building specifications and compute calculations to prepare plans.

Location

Structural draftsmen often work in the office of architectural or engineering firms. These companies can offer many areas of specialization, such as government, medical, residential or commercial construction. Occasionally a draftsman may need to visit a construction site for research.

Skills

Knowledge of CADD software is a requirement for most structural draftsmen today. Strong math skills, problem-solving skills and artistic ability are also ingredients for success in the field. They should also be flexible when revisions are necessary, and be able to meet ever-changing deadlines.

Requirements

Depending on the employer, a draftsman may require a certification from the American Design Drafting Association. Training from an accredited drafting school or university is also necessary.

Salary

The average salary for a structural draftsman working in the United States was $40,000 annually as of January 2010. Additional experience and training could result in higher income.

References

• ULinks: Job Description and Responsibilities of a Draftsman
• Simply Hired: Average Structural Draftsman Salaries