Draft Position

[Smalley]

I was curious as to which field of engineering/architecture/misc. that a CAD drafter might make the most money or obtain a higher stature. Is it mechanical, architecture, electrical, landscape, GIS/GPS?

I am new to this work field and am currently working for an electrical engineering company as a CAD technician. If their are any articles written or message posted where I could get some info, it would be appreciated if they were passed along. Thanks.

[Mike.Perry]

Hi

Please note I have *moved* this thread from the Job Seekers (http://forums.augi.com/forumdisplay.php?f=213) Forum to this one...

Why? - Your post is not seeking employment, therefore does not fall within the Career Corner Guidelines (http://forums.augi.com/faq.php?faq=vb_augi#faq_new_faq_item6).

Thanks, Mike

Forum Moderator

[Brian Myers]

I was curious as to which field of engineering/architecture/misc. that a CAD drafter might make the most money or obtain a higher stature. Is it mechanical, architecture, electrical, landscape, GIS/GPS?

I am new to this work field and am currently working for an electrical engineering company as a CAD technician. If their are any articles written or message posted where I could get some info, it would be appreciated if they were passed along. Thanks.

That's a difficult question as it partially depends on your skills, qualifications and industry. You can make a decent living in any of these professions. A sure fire bet is Civil as a good Civil drafter is usually in demand... but obviously you'll need to start at the bottom and get a few years under your belt before making the "big bucks".

But a good living can be made in any of these fields depending on your ultimate goals. Also the software a particular firm uses might be a difference maker. Examples: In Architecture, a firm that uses ADT likely wouldn't go after a Revit user as much as they would an experienced ADT user... the reverse applies as well for a firm that uses Revit an ADT user would be less in demand. In Civil a user that can do both Microstation and Land Development would likely be more in demand than an employee that can use just one of these programs.

Ultimately it's your skills, knowledge, education, and wiliness to go after the higher paying jobs that makes the difference. Currently I've found Civil pays pretty well for those with some experience, but they all pay well depending on your skills and abilities. Finally... employees will pay you for your Experience and the ability to get the job done correctly. Prove this and it won't matter which field you choose, you'll be in demand.

[Brian Myers]

Also you can see this:
http://www.augi.com/surveys/archive/JanFeb2005.lowres.pdf

Also check out www.salary.com to get a feel for some of the "upper level" posts. Ultimately it's the postion you want to get in the future that should drive the direction of your career.

[Robert.Hall]

The sky is the limit. An engineer needs to pick a field they are passionate about and then exploit it to full potential. Take any role at any company, the choice is up to the Engineer.
Engineers can often be found in an array of jobs (thru promotion) at any company.
Some engineers are salesmen, program managers, and/or quality assurance reps.

[LanceMcHatton]

I was curious as to which field of engineering/architecture/misc. that a CAD drafter might make the most money or obtain a higher stature. Is it mechanical, architecture, electrical, landscape, GIS/GPS?
I can only answer based on my own experience... I worked in architecture for 11 years. Let's say my top pay was X dollars per hour. I moved over to civil engineering (land development) and my first hourly rate was X-2 dollars per hour. Not bad for not knowing anything about civil. Three years later, I am now making X+6 dollars per hour.

My pay is moving faster and higher with civil. Also, no offense to any land dev. guys out there, land dev. is a lot EASIER than architecture and a lot less responsibility. I am less stressed and make more money. That's gold in my book! :)

[bbapties]

Also, no offense to any land dev. guys out there, land dev. is a lot EASIER than architecture and a lot less responsibility. I am less stressed and make more money. That's gold in my book! :)
All you need to know is "water runs downhill" right??? j/k ;)

[Wanderer]

My pay is moving faster and higher with civil. Also, no offense to any land dev. guys out there, land dev. is a lot EASIER than architecture and a lot less responsibility. I am less stressed and make more money. That's gold in my book! :)
[actuary mode = on] can't wait to tabulate the results of next year's salary survey to see if this startling revelation causes a discipline shift within the membership [actuary mode = off]

[Wanderer]

All you need to know is "water runs downhill" right??? j/k ;)
that's plumbing.... oh, and, don't chew your fingernails...

[johnivan]

I wouldn't base that decision on money alone. I don't think the difference in pay is that vast anyway. You're going to have to see which of the disciplines you are most interested in. AutoCAD is so involved now in the design (for land-dev stuff anyway) that it takes a few years before you can really be proficient and an asset to the company and by that time you're pretty invested. You will take a pay cut if you decide to change disciplines a few years down the road. I wish I would've stayed with Architecture, now I make sure poop and pee flows downhill, very fulfilling.

[Maverick91]

All you need to know is "water runs downhill" right??? j/k ;)
I was taught it was something more besides just water....

[LanceMcHatton]

I wish I would've stayed with Architecture, now I make sure poop and pee flows downhill, very fulfilling.
Don't get me wrong, I love architecture. I have since I was a wee little pooper. And the work was good when I was by myself. Now I'm married with a 2-year-old pooper (see avatar). So, yes, all I have to worry about is that poop and pee flow downhill, but now I can apply those engineering skills to my daughter's diaper. It makes me a better dad, right? :D

BTW - Never change a really icky diaper on more than a 6% grade. It compares to the California landslides. :shock: All the swooshing and screaming. Horrible...

[Smalley]

Thanks for the advice friends, it was really helpful.

[Wanderer]

Thanks for the advice friends, it was really helpful.You should be able to find some useful information here (http://augi.com/surveys/default.asp?page=1053)now. Thanks. :)