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Job outlook for architectural draftsmen in the United States
Architectural draftsman job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected architectural draftsman job growth rate is -3% from 2018-2028.
About -6,700 new jobs for architectural draftsmen are projected over the next decade.
Architectural draftsman salaries have increased 11% for architectural draftsmen in the last 5 years.
There are over 10,962 architectural draftsmen currently employed in the United States.
There are 5,528 active architectural draftsman job openings in the US.
The average architectural draftsman salary is $52,382.
Are architectural draftsman jobs in demand?
Architectural draftsman job and salary trends over time
Architectural draftsman jobs over time
Architectural draftsman job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 10,962 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 10,732 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 10,691 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 10,562 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 10,383 | 0.00% |
Average architectural draftsman salary over time
Architectural draftsman salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $52,382 | $25.18 | +2.1% |
| 2024 | $51,325 | $24.68 | +2.6% |
| 2023 | $50,031 | $24.05 | +3.9% |
| 2022 | $48,164 | $23.16 | +2.4% |
| 2021 | $47,043 | $22.62 | +1.8% |
Architectural draftsman jobs by state
Most common states for architectural draftsmen
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 22 | 3% |
| 2 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 241 | 2% |
| 3 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 91 | 2% |
| 4 | Alaska | 739,795 | 12 | 2% |
| 5 | California | 39,536,653 | 254 | 1% |
| 6 | Texas | 28,304,596 | 171 | 1% |
| 7 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 127 | 1% |
| 8 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 79 | 1% |
| 9 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 77 | 1% |
| 10 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 69 | 1% |
| 11 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 69 | 1% |
| 12 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 67 | 1% |
| 13 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 65 | 1% |
| 14 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 63 | 1% |
| 15 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 54 | 1% |
| 16 | Tennessee | 6,715,984 | 47 | 1% |
| 17 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 44 | 1% |
| 18 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 8 | 1% |
| 19 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 6 | 1% |
| 20 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 6 | 1% |
Architectural Draftsman job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of architectural draftsman experts
University of Oregon
University Of Nevada, Las Vegas
Dunwoody College of Technology
Syracuse University
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
What general advice would you give to an Architectural Draftsman?
Dr. Alison Kwok PhD, RA, FAIA, LEED BD+C, CPHC: Diversify your experiences (and expectations); gain knowledge in a variety of different areas and certifications. Curate your portfolio to show a range of the kinds of work that you're able to offer. Get out of the comfort zone of doing only what you know "how to do" and challenge with incremental bits of knowledge.
What Architectural Draftsman skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Alison Kwok PhD, RA, FAIA, LEED BD+C, CPHC: Because of the urgent need to address climate challenges in energy, materials, water, ecosystems, fire and so on, one person cannot do it all. Gone are the days of the "starchitect". What's most important is learning ways of collaboration, communicating, and team building; energy modeling at small and large holistic scales; life cycle accounting for materials.
Dak Kopec Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Coordinator, BA Interior Architecture and Design and Master of Design ProgramUniversity Of Nevada, Las Vegas
School of Architecture
What experience really stands out on Architectural Draftsman resumes?
Dak Kopec Ph.D.: Experience in the areas where one intends to practice. If someone wants to work in hospitality design, an employer will see what kind of experience they have. This is why selecting one's internship location is so important.
Many employers are also looking to see how well the Interior Designer can think outside the box and develop innovative design ideas.
An area of specialized knowledge that will complement the existing design team. Most firms are looking for future leaders.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Architectural Draftsmen?
Paul Strother: We are hopeful that we will not see any long-term impact on our graduates due to the pandemic. That being said, we know that some students have struggled with the added stress of COVID-19, and others with managing online education, leading them to withdraw from school. And we know that students who choose not to finish their degree carry the long-term effects of a disrupted education.
What type of skills will young Architectural Draftsmen need?
Paul Strother: For students earning their A.A.S. in Architectural Drafting & Design, the skills they are currently learning will be critical to their future success. Not only should students master Revit, but they also need the ability to quickly learn other software. They need an understanding of the principles of construction and building systems, and they need to know the role of the architect and its companion players, such as contractors, consultants and owners. Understanding regulatory elements will also continue to be key skill sets. At the core, when they leave Dunwoody, they must be ready to continue learning new systems, software and regulations, and possess the fundamental skill of good communication. This past year has also taught students to be flexible, and exposed them to new ways of communicating and doing business, which are critical skills as they enter today's workforce.
What experience really stands out on Architectural Draftsman resumes?
Paul Strother: Dunwoody focuses on ensuring our students are learning the skills employers need. Because of that, students are ready for a part-time office job even before they graduate. Dunwoody structures the program and its class schedule in a way that allows for part-time positions, and provides students with the right software and a grasp of the building systems they're working with. We know that a recent graduate with the right skills, along with some experience on their resume, will be hired first after graduation.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Architectural Draftsmen?
Kristen DeWolf: The class of 2021 will be in a highly competitive hiring situation. Not only will they have their peers to compete against for jobs, but also those who were laid-off or furloughed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. It will be imperative for the graduates to prove they are the 'right' candidate. At the same time, this class has had to jump into flexibility mode to be successful as classes, club meetings, and even internships went virtual. They have already proven they are quick to adapt to the changing nature of work.
What's a good job out of college for Architectural Draftsmen?
Kristen DeWolf: We are encouraging students to keep their options open. Any position that will add soft and/or hard skills to your resume is a great job to consider after college. Showing the value they provide will only help them as they continue to build their careers.
What technical skills for an Architectural Draftsman stand out to employers?
Kristen DeWolf: This is certainly highly dependent upon the industry the employer is in/type of work being done; however, MSExcel is one of the key skills that I hear over and over again from employers across many industries. Researching the employer/industry and understanding the technologies most used (and learning those programs if you don't already) is a great way for a candidate to stand out. There are plenty of opportunities to learn technical skills on sites such as LinkedIn Learning. When a candidate can show they're paying attention and have learned the skills to hit the ground running, the more valuable they will be as a candidate.
Michael Brazley Ph.D.
Associate Professor of ArchitectureSouthern Illinois University Carbondale
School of Architecture
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Architectural Draftsman job market given the pandemic?
Michael Brazley Ph.D.: Yes, there will be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates. The first issue that comes to mind is lack of work for graduates because of lack of architectural commissions. The second point that comes to mind is that design itself will have changed because of covid-19. And third, more people will be working from home.
What Architectural Draftsman skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Michael Brazley Ph.D.: Architectural Graduates will have to have very strong computer skills; not just in drawing but in writing also. Graduates will need to know the latest software, and in many cases, help to introduce the latest software to their new companies. Students are learning to make 3D digital videos and virtual reality models.
What general advice would you give to an Architectural Draftsman?
Michael Brazley Ph.D.: Work experience in an architect's office is best.