San Diego 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 San Diego, California
Known for its comfortable climate and beach life, San Diego has earned its nickname: "America's Finest City." Its world-class attractions include Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, the Gaslamp Quarter, and Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum. Not only is San Diego one of the most diverse cities in the United States, but it's also the U.S.'s eighth largest city. If you're looking for a great place to live and work, you can search for San Diego jobs on Monster.
San Diego welcomes workers from many different sectors, and they're well compensated for the move: The average annual salary in San Diego is higher than the national average. Additionally, San Diego's job market index score is 7.6 out of 10, meaning it has less unemployment and higher salaries than many other U.S. metro areas. If you want to expand your job search throughout the greater San Diego area, consider applying to jobs in Chula Vista, National City, and El Cajon.
Update Your San Diego Drafting Resume
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How Much Do Drafting Jobs Pay in San Diego, California?
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 San Diego, California, 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 San Diego is $24.57 per hour, which is 1% higher than the national average.
Find Your Next San Diego 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 San Diego, how to nail your job interview, and more.