About Drafting Jobs in Yakima, WA
Yakima 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 Yakima, Washington
Situated at the base of the Cascade Range in the state of Washington, Yakima is a scenic town full of picturesque mountain views. This fertile land is known for its many orchards, wine production, and general agricultural richness—more than 40 commercial crops are grown in the region. Residents appreciate the escape from the urban noise and clutter, and they go at it at a slower pace. Notably, the area features about 75% of the whole country's hop acreage, so it's an oasis for beer lovers, with a remarkable craft-brew heritage, yearly festivals, and touristic activations. It's also just 142 miles from Seattle, if you're ever having city yearnings.
Undoubtedly, popular Yakima jobs fall under the farming and cultivation categories, with opportunities throughout breweries and wineries (over 120 wine-making properties are spread throughout the Yakima Valley). In addition, job growth is projected at a very healthy 40.1% (a faster rate than the U.S. average of 33.5 %), and Yakima's cost of living is still 7% lower than the rest of the country. And if you hate rain, this is the place for you, as it's one the driest in the nation thanks to a rain-shadow effect. If necessary, broaden your job search by checking out Richland, Kennewick, and Seattle.
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How Much Do Drafting Jobs Pay in Yakima, Washington?
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 Yakima, Washington, 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 Yakima is $13.29 per hour, which is 83% lower than the national average.
Find Your Next Yakima Drafting Job. Monster Can Help Get You Started
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