CAD Technician

Produces and updates computer drawings for construction projects.

A day in the life

You update plans with the latest changes, print drawing sets, and keep the file library organized.

Pay over a career

Starting
$38k
Typical
$50k
High
$66k

Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.

Training

Certificate, about 1 year after high school. Certificate or associate in CAD drafting.

Ways in: Certification, 2-year college, Trade school. Training cost: Under $15k.

Majors to look at: CAD Drafting (certificate), Drafting & Design Technology.

Outlook

Shrinking (about -2% over 10 years).

Will it last? Our AI estimate

High risk for 10 years. AI auto-drafts and updates drawing sets, so fewer CAD-only jobs; techs who add BIM or field skills keep work.

Start now, in high school

Classes: CAD or drafting CTE, Geometry, Computer applications.

Official data: O*NET occupation 17-3019.

More Building Design Technology & Digital Construction careers

Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.