Dallas Drafting Jobs Overview
Do you have a hard time choosing between a creative and technical career? Consider applying for drafting jobs, where you can combine your artistic abilities with your computer skills to help craft new buildings, machinery, and infrastructure. Drafters—also known as draftsmen, draftspeople, or drafting technicians—translate the ideas of architects and engineers into technical drawings that are easy for construction or manufacturing crews to read and build. In this career, you'll be following in the footsteps of Leonardo da Vinci, who many consider to be one of the first master drafters—his technical drawings of inventions were revolutionary.
Today, most drafters use computer-aided design (CAD) software or computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) software. Drafters can also draw by hand using a tilting table or a drafting machine, but this is mostly limited to the concept stage. Software is used for the final design.
Drafters usually specialize in one of the following areas:
- Mechanical drafters prepare diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices.
- Architectural drafters work with architects to produce designs for buildings and infrastructure.
- Civil drafters work with civil engineers to create maps, drawings, and diagrams of buildings and infrastructure.
- Electrical and electronic drafters work with electrical and electronic engineers to produce diagrams and drawings of equipment and parts.
You can expand your search for engineering jobs by checking out these similar positions:
About Working in Dallas, Texas
They say everything is bigger in Texas, and Dallas proves that to be true. The Galleria Dallas is home to the country's tallest indoor Christmas tree. The largest permanent model train display decorates the Dallas Children's Medical Center. And the 52-foot statue at the Texas State Fair held every year in Dallas called "Big Tex" is the tallest cowboy in Texas—and probably the entire U.S. Dallas has also set a big record for gaining new residents. In the last decade, more than 1 million people moved to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. It makes sense—it's a city with economic growth and a gain in Dallas jobs.
In addition to its larger-than-life reputation, Dallas is also known for its seven professional sports teams. Others see it as a nature center with more than 60 lakes and 50,000 acres of public parkland. Others know it as the capital of American wealth, with some of the wealthiest Americans calling it home. So if you're moving to the area and looking for jobs in Dallas, you might also want to check out neighboring cities as well, including McKinney, Frisco, and Plano.
Update Your Dallas Drafting Resume
Are your new resume and cover letter still in draft form? Transform them into completed documents and learn how to make them stand out with Monster's library of career resources. You can read our articles on resume writing tips and our sample cover letters for some ideas.
How Much Do Drafting Jobs Pay in Dallas, Texas?
Got money on your mind? You should! Make sure you’re getting paid what you’re worth. Our Salary Tools can help you understand what you can expect to make in drafting jobs in Dallas, Texas, as well as the skills that can boost your value and what the next steps in your career might be. Right now, the median drafter pay in Dallas is $25.75 per hour, which is 6% higher than the national average.
Find Your Next Dallas Drafting Job. Monster Can Help Get You Started
Are you prepared for a career in drafting? If so, set up your profile on Monster for free and begin clicking on those drafting jobs. When you sign up with us, you’ll receive custom job alerts and expert advice on how to negotiate your salary in Dallas, how to nail your job interview, and more.