Norfolk 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 Norfolk, Virginia
When you’re looking for Norfolk jobs, the first thing you’ll undoubtedly hear about is its naval base. The Naval Station Norfolk is still referred to as the NOB (Naval Operations Base) by locals and sailors despite its official name change in 1953. As they say, old habits die hard. You’ll find historical significance all over Norfolk, from the USS Wisconsin battleship housed in the Norfolk harbor to the traditions of higher education at Old Dominion University, Norfolk State University, and Wesleyan College. Historic Williamsburg is less than an hour’s drive from the city.
You’ll see an intriguing part of history all over Norfolk in the form of mermaids. They adorn the city’s logo, and you’ll find at least 100 mermaid statue photo opportunities all around Norfolk. They are a nod to the city’s deep maritime history, filled with legends of mermaids serenading soldiers back to the Norfolk shore’s safety after gallant battles in the harsh seas.
If you’re intrigued by the history and lore of Norfolk and want to find a job there, you can also look at other historic towns like Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Hampton.
Update Your Norfolk Drafting Resume
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How Much Do Drafting Jobs Pay in Norfolk, Virginia?
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 Norfolk, Virginia, 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 Norfolk is $22.83 per hour, which is 6% lower than the national average.
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