Topeka 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 Topeka, Kansas
Situated near the Missouri border, Topeka is Kansas's state capital. If you've never been to Topeka, it's worth taking a tour of the city's thriving downtown. You'll find not only many businesses supporting a variety of Topeka jobs but an array of amenities: Stop at a local coffee shop before starting work or get a burrito on your lunch break at 4 Guys Bistro. If you like to shop, browse downtown's boutiques, music shops, and artisanal offerings.
Want a break from downtown life? Delve into the life of a famous stuntman at the Evel Knievel Museum or go back in time at the Kansas Museum of History. You can also catch a live performance at Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy or enjoy a cold one at Happy Bassett Brewing Company. If you want to escape the city, check out the breathtaking beauty at Ward-Meade Park or Ted Ensley Gardens.
The city's low cost of living just adds to Topeka's appeal. But if you still want to expand your job search outside of Topeka, opportunities in Lawrence, Overland Park, and Olathe are only a stone's throw away.
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How Much Do Drafting Jobs Pay in Topeka, Kansas?
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 Topeka, Kansas, 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 Topeka is $22.05 per hour, which is 10% lower than the national average.
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