Post job

What is a section plotter operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a section plotter operator. For example, did you know that they make an average of $23.87 an hour? That's $49,656 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 7% and produce 1,100 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreSection Plotter OperatorUS Average
Salary
3.9

Avg. Salary $49,656

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.5

Growth rate 7%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.9
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.06%

Asian 10.09%

Black or African American 9.52%

Hispanic or Latino 16.83%

Unknown 6.12%

White 56.38%

Gender

female 14.06%

male 85.94%

Age - 35
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 35
Stress level
6.5

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.6

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.3

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a section plotter operator

  1. Explore section plotter operator education requirements

    Most common section plotter operator degrees

    Bachelor's

    40.0 %

    Associate

    31.4 %

    High School Diploma

    17.1 %
  2. Complete relevant section plotter operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New section plotter operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a section plotter operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real section plotter operator resumes.
  3. Research section plotter operator duties and responsibilities

    • Manage Autodesk accounts and train drafters and field crews as well.
    • Operate tree farmer C4 and C5 skidder.
    • Determine scales, line sizes, or colors to be used for hard copies of computerize maps, using plotters.
    • Assign to develop complete working drawings, including architectural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing documents for countrywide restaurants.
  4. Apply for section plotter operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a section plotter operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first section plotter operator job

Zippi

Are you a section plotter operator?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average section plotter operator salary

The average section plotter operator salary in the United States is $49,656 per year or $24 per hour. Section plotter operator salaries range between $32,000 and $75,000 per year.

Average section plotter operator salary
$49,656 Yearly
$23.87 hourly

What am I worth?

salary-calculator

How do section plotter operators rate their job?

Working as a section plotter operator? Share your experience anonymously.
Overall rating*
Career growth
Work/Life balance
Pay/Salary

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Browse life, physical, and social science jobs