How to hire a cadd operator

How to hire a cadd operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step cadd operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a cadd operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new cadd operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

Post a cadd operator job for free, promote it for a fee

Post free

1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a cadd operator, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   Hiring the perfect cadd operator also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   This list shows salaries for various types of cadd operators.

   Type of Cadd Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Cadd Operator	Drafters use software to convert the designs of engineers and architects into technical drawings. Most workers specialize in architectural, civil, electrical, or mechanical drafting and use technical drawings to help design everything from microchips to skyscrapers.	$16-29
   Architectural Internship	The job of architectural interns is to assist an architect with all aspects of architectural work. Their duties and responsibilities may include maintaining project files, conducting research on construction sites such as zoning laws and regulations, and preparing presentations for clients... Show more	$19-33
   Architectural Draftsman	An Architectural Draftsman uses computers to model the shape and dimensions of proposed buildings and the systems within buildings. They generally work under the supervision of architects and engineers.	$19-32

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Construction Drawings
   • Civil Engineering
   • Revit
   • Cost Estimates
   • Plumbing
   • Survey Data
   • Auto Cadd
   • MTA
   • Design Concepts
   • Aided Design
   • Design Projects
   • Autodesk
   • Auto CAD
   • GIS

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage Autodesk accounts and train drafters and field crews as well.
   • Prepare 3-D HVAC drawings to aid in coordinating project responsibilities and tasks with other trades.
   • Create mechanical construction documents (HVAC) from engineer's sketches, including some design work.
   • Experience providing in-field assistance to survey crew with boundary, topographic, construction stakeout and GPS control survey.
   • Prepare presentations using PowerPoint for training purposes.
   • Purchase and coordinate specific project materials such as custom metal roofing and custom windows for over-seas contractors.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your cadd operator job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A cadd operator can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, cadd operators' average salary in alabama is 36% less than in district of columbia.
   • Seniority. Entry-level cadd operators 45% less than senior-level cadd operators.
   • Certifications. A cadd operator with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a cadd operator's salary.

   Average cadd operator salary

   $46,471yearly

   $22.34 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level cadd operator salary

   $34,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 14, 2025

4. Writing a cadd operator job description

   A job description for a cadd operator role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a cadd operator job description:

   Cadd operator job description example

   Colliers Engineering & Design is seeking a highly motivated, detailed-oriented individual that has Auto CADD and Civil 3D experience. The CADD Operator will perform various field and desk top design functions revolving around projects including, but not limited to, site surveys, field engineering, OSP design, encroachment permitting and CAD of aerial, underground, and buried telecommunication systems.
   Responsibilities • Ability to draft parcels, or subdivision boundaries from legal descriptions using CAD techniques (Civil 3D)
   • Maintains average skills in the use of AutoCad (Microstation a plus)
   • Ability and acknowledge of perform Topographic survey, ALTA survey, Boundary Survey, As built Survey etc…
   • Ability to read and plot Legal descriptions
   • Performs drafting of portions of routine projects under direction of project surveyor
   • Understands surveying terminology
   • Prepares a variety of survey products
   • Adheres to AutoCAD standards manual Qualifications • High School Diploma/Equivalent; Associates Degree or a Certificate from a technical school, preferably in AutoCAD. • 1+ years of related experience.
   • Proficient with AutoCAD.
   • Work within a team oriented environment to successfully complete a high volume of projects within established budgets and deadlines. What We Offer At Colliers Engineering & Design, our people are our most important resource. That's why we are committed to providing all our employees with a safe, comfortable work environment, potential for career advancement, and the ability to impact society through their projects as well as Company sponsored activities.
   
   This dedication begins with supporting a work life balance through a generous compensation package that includes: company paid medical, dental, and vision coverage; paid pregnancy disability leave; short- and long-term disability insurance; life insurance; a company-matched 401(k)/Roth; paid time off that includes parental and military leave; employee referral and professional license bonuses and a straight time policy that compensates exempt employees for billable hours worked in excess of 40 billable hours within a work week.
   
   We have also created an internal culture that provides the resources and technology needed to encourage personal and professional growth opportunities through reimbursement for education; a free in-house resource for hundreds of educational and self-enrichment courses; mentorship program; wellness program; Women's Organization and ongoing philanthropic opportunities.
   
   Apply today to learn how you can join our team of professionals, so we can help you Accelerate Your Success!

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right cadd operator for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with cadd operators they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit cadd operators who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your cadd operator job on Zippia to find and recruit cadd operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites such as dribbble, authentic jobs, working not working, coroflot.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit cadd operators, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new cadd operator

   Once you've decided on a perfect cadd operator candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new cadd operator first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

   Sign up to download full list

   Sign up

How much does it cost to hire a cadd operator?