How to hire a structural drafter

How to hire a structural drafter, step by step

Here's a step-by-step structural drafter hiring guide:

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

What does a structural drafter do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a structural drafter, 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

   A structural drafter's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, structural drafters 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 structural drafter salaries for various roles:

   Type of Structural Drafter	Description	Hourly rate
   Structural Drafter	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.	$17-30
   Truss Designer	A truss designer's major responsibility is to design layouts for floors and roofs. They work with architects and engineers to ensure the feasibility of new designs... Show more	$17-33
   Drafting Internship	Drafting interns perform jobs like designing engineering drawings and visual aids, forming the detailed layout execution of distinct mechanical parts, resolve design problems in BIM models and visual presentations. Also, the pattern of new products, alter existing products using SOLIDWORKS, estimate the shipboard pipe systems, and develop a superficial model of NIDA glider using CATIA V5... Show more	$14-27

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Revit
   • Shop Drawings
   • Structural Drawings
   • Elevations
   • BIM
   • Construction Drawings
   • Ladders
   • Sketch
   • Auto CAD
   • Structural Design
   • Structural Projects
   • Technical Drawings
   • Solidworks
   • Autodesk Autocad

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Create as-built AutoCAD and Revit structural drawings for existing conditions.
   • Create CNC nesting programs for wood, plastic, and graphics.
   • Create automated schedules, sections, views and plans from Revit database content.
   • Produce molding samples, analyze pressure & temperature control, CNC part programme adjustments.
   • Inspect electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, mold, insulation, damages, & conditions of the house.
   • Develop elevations with horizontal and vertical section detail drawings.

   More structural drafter duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in the structural drafter job description is a good way to get more applicants. A structural drafter salary can be affected by several factors, such as the location of the job, the level of experience, education, certifications, and the employer's prestige.

   For example, the average salary for a structural drafter in Idaho may be lower than in California, and an entry-level engineer typically earns less than a senior-level structural drafter. Additionally, a structural drafter with lots of experience in the field may command a higher salary as a result.

   Average structural drafter salary

   $48,536yearly

   $23.33 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level structural drafter salary

   $36,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 20, 2026

   Average structural drafter salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$54,823	$26
   2	Illinois	$52,181	$25
   3	Maryland	$51,209	$25
   4	Texas	$48,226	$23
   5	Washington	$47,600	$23
   6	Tennessee	$46,731	$22
   7	Arizona	$46,695	$22
   8	North Carolina	$46,560	$22
   9	Wyoming	$46,523	$22
   10	Colorado	$46,491	$22
   11	South Carolina	$46,374	$22
   12	Pennsylvania	$46,173	$22
   13	Missouri	$46,113	$22
   14	Wisconsin	$44,684	$21
   15	Florida	$44,076	$21
   16	Minnesota	$42,179	$20
   17	Georgia	$41,745	$20
   18	Nebraska	$41,557	$20
   19	Kansas	$40,772	$20
   20	Alabama	$37,428	$18

   Average structural drafter salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Jacobs Engineering Group	$56,010	$26.93	2
   2	Fluor Corporation	$53,547	$25.74	5
   3	CyberCoders	$50,394	$24.23
   4	PEAK Technical Staffing USA	$49,360	$23.73
   5	Jacobs Enterprises	$48,472	$23.30	140
   6	Ryan Homes	$48,030	$23.09
   7	POWER Engineers	$47,786	$22.97
   8	PUMA	$47,709	$22.94
   9	Randstad North America, Inc.	$47,510	$22.84
   10	Aerotek	$46,158	$22.19	37
   11	NVR	$44,854	$21.56
   12	R.M. Schulte & Associates	$44,463	$21.38

4. Writing a structural drafter job description

   A structural drafter 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. To help get you started, here's an example of a structural drafter job description:

   Structural drafter job description example

   The Structural CAD Technician will assist technical teams of detailers, designers and engineers to create world class detail on a variety of projects. This position will assist in developing computer-aided drafting design solutions.
   
   * Prepare new drawings and revise existing engineering drawings of basic components from specific sketches or layouts.
   * Responsible for adhering to company and client drafting standards and procedures.
   * Responsible for adhering to the drafting practices of selected discipline.
   * Assist in drafting design and documentation for various projects.
   * Assist with tasks utilizing standard drafting detail programs.
   * Assist in continuous drafting detail improvement efforts.
   * Research solutions to project concerns and present solutions to design problems.
   * Assist with ad hoc projects as assigned by managers.
   * All other duties as assigned. Requirements:
   * Structural/Civil design background is preferred.
   * High school diploma and course work in drafting technology or specialized CAD certification. Associate's degree in computer aided drafting and design desirable. Min. GPA 3.0
   * Basic knowledge of commands in at least one CAD program; ability to occasionally use higher-level commands, time saving programs and routines.
   * Basic knowledge and experience in multiple CAD systems preferred (including 3D).
   * Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
   * Strong problem solving and analytical skills.
   * Ability to work in collaborative team environment.
   * Basic knowledge and experience in Microsoft Office programs, including, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
   * Demonstrated leadership skills.
   * Self-motivated and eager learner, aptitude to grow and develop within the field.
   * Ability to meet deadlines and budget.
   ESPO Corporation
   Willowbrook, IL 60527
   
   View all open jobs at:
   
   Leaders in Technical Recruiting & Staffing since 1965
   We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and value the benefits of diversity in our work force . All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity and expression, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status or any other attribute or protected characteristic by law. If you need assistance applying please contact us at .
   #zr

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right structural drafter for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your structural drafter job on Zippia to find and recruit structural drafter 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 structural drafters, 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 structural drafter

   Once you have selected a candidate for the structural drafter position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the 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.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new structural drafter. 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 structural drafter?