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How to hire a detailer/designer

Detailer/designer hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring detailer/designers in the United States:

  • In the United States, the median cost per hire a detailer/designer is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • Human Resources use 15% of their expenses on recruitment on average.
  • On average, it takes around 12 weeks for a new detailer/designer to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.

How to hire a detailer/designer, step by step

To hire a detailer/designer, consider the skills and experience you are looking for in a candidate, allocate a budget for the position, and post and promote the job opening to reach potential candidates. Follow these steps to hire a detailer/designer:

Here's a step-by-step detailer/designer hiring guide:

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

What does a detailer/designer do?

A detailer/designer specializes in planning project concepts or models according to client specifications. Although their duties may depend upon their industry or place of employment, it usually involves identifying and understanding the project's requirements or the client's needs, conducting research and analyses, adhering to deadlines and budgets, developing drafts for client approval, and performing revisions as necessary. A detailer/designer usually works together with engineers or developers, which requires an active and transparent communication line for an efficient workflow.

Learn more about the specifics of what a detailer/designer does
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    Before you post your detailer/designer job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a detailer/designer for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    A detailer/designer's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, detailer/designers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

    Here's a comparison of detailer/designer salaries for various roles:

    Type of Detailer/DesignerDescriptionHourly rate
    Detailer/DesignerDrafters 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.$20-46
    Drafting EngineerA Drafting Engineer designs and draws the blueprints needed to bring new concepts and products to life. There are three major types of drafting positions: mechanical drafters, electrical and electronics drafters, and architectural and civil drafters.$17-34
    DraftsmanDraftsmen are professionals with expertise in computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) drawings. They perform similar tasks as architects, such as preparing CADD drawings... Show more$14-28
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Revit
    • Shop Drawings
    • BIM
    • Plumbing
    • HVAC
    • Commercial Buildings
    • Construction Drawings
    • Auto CAD
    • Design Drawings
    • Layout Drawings
    • Aided Design
    • Assembly Drawings
    • Design Software
    • GD
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Develop custom macros for SolidWorks to automate many redundant processes.
    • Design curve, surface, solid model with UG NX.
    • Require to follow standards set by entities such as ANSI, AWS, and ASTM.
    • Prepare BOM's for purchasing.
    • Programme jobs for the CNC wood cutting machinery.
    • Follow all ASME, ANSI standards and OSHA requirements.
    More detailer/designer duties
  3. Make a budget

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

    • Location. For example, detailer/designers' average salary in hawaii is 35% less than in california.
    • Seniority. Entry-level detailer/designers 56% less than senior-level detailer/designers.
    • Certifications. A detailer/designer 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 detailer/designer's salary.

    Average detailer/designer salary

    $64,845yearly

    $31.18 hourly rate

    Entry-level detailer/designer salary
    $43,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 28, 2025

    Average detailer/designer salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1California$73,874$36
    2Michigan$70,596$34
    3Oregon$68,982$33
    4Illinois$64,628$31
    5New York$64,002$31
    6Arizona$63,606$31
    7South Dakota$63,001$30
    8Texas$62,876$30
    9Maryland$60,635$29
    10North Carolina$60,474$29
    11Missouri$60,115$29
    12Georgia$57,815$28

    Average detailer/designer salary by company

    RankCompanyAverage salaryHourly rateJob openings
    1Point Loma Nazarene University$83,618$40.20
    2McNichols$82,106$39.47
    3Crown Castle International$76,657$36.85
    4Burns & McDonnell$74,273$35.7150
    5Fortune Brands Home & Security$71,721$34.484
    6Harder Mechanical Contractors$62,201$29.90
    7Randstad North America, Inc.$58,595$28.171
    8Kelly Services$58,369$28.063
    9MBS Solutions$55,558$26.71
  4. Writing a detailer/designer job description

    A detailer/designer job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a detailer/designer job description:

    Detailer/designer job description example

    JOB OVERVIEW: The IDEAL candidate will have 2-5 years of experience working with any of the following: Duct Work, HVAC Piping, ability to read 'specs' and drawings.

    In addition, the following characteristics are needed to be a good overall fit for this position:

    *Technical aptitude with a desire to learn more

    *Excellent computer skills

    *Above average communication skills (Both verbal and written)

    *Outstanding organizational and time management skills

    *Ability to multi-task and set priorities with consistent follow through

    *Keen attention to detail is needed

    *Craves challenges, a bit of a risk taker, quick learner

    *Shares the company core values: Work Ethic, Accountability, Sacrificial, Humility, and Pursuit of Excellence

    *Professional in demeanor and a true team player

    *Highly motivated, high energy and positive outlook

    ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

    *Produce HVAC sheet metal drawings and ductwork fabrication schedules

    *Produce a coordinated model from 2D construction documents and submittals

    *Produce 3D duct models for field coordination and prefabrication using the following (but not limited to) software: AutoCAD, East Coast CAD, Revit and Navisworks

    *Run clash detections and produce reports

    *Prepare layouts and dimension drawings

    *Work closely with Project Managers, Duct Fabricators and Field contacts

    *Attend and/or lead BIM Coordination meetings as necessary with other trade and General Contractors

    *Receive and respond to inbound calls regarding submitted proposals

    *Extensive usage of Email and Phone.

    *Produce rooftop equipment location drawings and wall sleeve location drawings

    WORK SCHEDULE/COMPENSATION/BENEFITS: HOURS: Monday-Friday (8-5) @ the present time. Overtime & Flexibility to work some evenings (with notice) is highly desirable. COMPENSATION: Competitive; based on experience. PTO= PAID TIME OFF PAID HOLIDAYS

    All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.

    GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.

  5. Post your job

    There are a few common ways to find detailer/designers for your business:

    • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
    • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
    • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your detailer/designer job on Zippia to find and recruit detailer/designer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    During your first interview to recruit detailer/designers, 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.

    It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

    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 detailer/designer

    Once you've selected the best detailer/designer candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

    It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

    After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new detailer/designer. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

  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.)
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How much does it cost to hire a detailer/designer?

Recruiting detailer/designers involves both the one-time costs of hiring and the ongoing costs of adding a new employee to your team. Your spending during the hiring process will mostly be on things like promoting the job on job boards, reviewing and interviewing candidates, and onboarding the new hire. Ongoing costs will obviously involve the employee's salary, but also may include things like benefits.

You can expect to pay around $64,845 per year for a detailer/designer, as this is the median yearly salary nationally. This can vary depending on what state or city you're hiring in. If you're hiring for contract work or on a per-project basis, hourly rates for detailer/designers in the US typically range between $20 and $46 an hour.

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