Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids, Michigan
Situated near the eastern side of Lake Michigan, Grand Rapids goes by many different nicknames, including "Furniture City," "River City," and "Beer City" for having more craft beer per square mile than anywhere else in the world. Grand Rapids also has tons of attractions to offer, including John Ball Zoo, the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts, and Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. It shouldn't come as a surprise that Livability ranked Grand Rapids among the top 100 best places to live in the U.S. Want to be a part of River City? You can start your search for Grand Rapids jobs on Monster today.
Among the many benefits of living in Grand Rapids are its low unemployment rate and a cost of living that is lower than the national average. There are also plenty of job opportunities outside the city, as well. Check out Monster's job listings in Muskegon, Wyoming, and Kentwood.
Update Your Grand Rapids Drafting Resume
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How Much Do Drafting Jobs Pay in Grand Rapids, Michigan?
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 Grand Rapids, Michigan, 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 Grand Rapids is $21.97 per hour, which is 11% lower than the national average.
Find Your Next Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids, how to nail your job interview, and more.