About Drafting Jobs in McAllen, TX
McAllen 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 McAllen, Texas
Bordering Mexico, at the southern tip of the Rio Grande Valley—all the way south in the state of Texas—you’ll find the scenic city of McAllen. Ripe with palm trees, a subtropical climate, and serpentine canals, the area features choice cultural attractions, such as the Quinta Mazatlan—a historic Spanish Revival hacienda where birdwatching aficionados flock to the World Birding Center—and the International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS), which is known for its exhibitions showcasing Latin American art. Although McAllen jobs were traditionally centered on agriculture, the NAFTA ratification sprung open work opportunities in international trade, and new sectors began to form as well, including healthcare, education, retail, and tourism.
The local economy remains strong too, with a future job growth rate predicted to be at 36.1% over the next decade—higher than the national average of 33.5%. Young professionals live it up in the downtown entertainment district on weekends with fine-dining, nightlife, and shopping sprees. And, overall, the cost of living in McAllen is 21.4% cheaper than the rest of the U.S. Housing is even 41.7% lower. For extra job openings, scan through Mission, Edinburg, and Weslaco nearby.
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How Much Do Drafting Jobs Pay in McAllen, 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 McAllen, 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 McAllen is $18.02 per hour, which is 34% lower than the national average.
Find Your Next McAllen Drafting Job. Monster Can Help Get You Started
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