Salem 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 Salem, Oregon
The Oregon state capital of Salem is located less than an hour south of Portland. Its historical involvement in the local cherry-growing industry has earned it the nickname “Cherry City.” But Salem isn’t just known for its cherries. If you’re looking for Salem jobs, there are plenty of attractions and amenities to cherry-pick from. Try taking a tour of the city to see for yourself. Along the way, walk through Schreiner’s Iris Garden or hop on the Riverfront Carousel. If you’re a wine connoisseur, get a bottle of Honeywood Winery’s specialty fruit-inspired wine or enjoy a glass of rare Viognier at Cristom Vineyards.
Downtown Salem is home to over 60 restaurants where you can find sleek American bistros, classic Mexican, Korean, and much more. You can also catch an arts performance, live band, or movie at the historic Elsinore Theatre. When you’re ready to unwind, check out any of Salem’s taprooms, breweries, cafes, and nightclubs.
There are many other benefits of living and working in Salem. The city has a healthy job market and its cost of living is lower than the state average. And if you haven’t found the job you’re looking for in Salem, there are plenty of opportunities in nearby Corvallis, Beaverton, and Portland.
Update Your Salem Drafting Resume
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How Much Do Drafting Jobs Pay in Salem, Oregon?
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 Salem, Oregon, 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 Salem is $20.39 per hour, which is 18% lower than the national average.
Find Your Next Salem 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 Salem, how to nail your job interview, and more.