Architectural and civil drafters
SOC Code: 17-3011
Architectural and civil drafters carries a 55% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $64,280 and +4.1% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 110,500 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Architectural and civil drafters (SOC 17-3011) carries an AI exposure score of 55%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 110,500 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +4.1% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $64,280, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Associate's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Architectural and civil drafters. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Produce drawings, using computer-assisted drafting systems (CAD) or drafting machines, or by hand, using compasses, dividers, protractors, triangles, and other drafting devices.
- 2. Draft plans and detailed drawings for structures, installations, and construction projects, such as highways, sewage disposal systems, and dikes, working from sketches or notes.
- 3. Coordinate structural, electrical, and mechanical designs and determine a method of presentation to graphically represent building plans.
- 4. Analyze building codes, by-laws, space and site requirements, and other technical documents and reports to determine their effect on architectural designs.
- 5. Draw maps, diagrams, and profiles, using cross-sections and surveys, to represent elevations, topographical contours, subsurface formations, and structures.
- 6. Lay out and plan interior room arrangements for commercial buildings, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment and software.
- 7. Supervise and train other technologists, technicians, and drafters.
- 8. Determine the order of work and method of presentation, such as orthographic or isometric drawing.
- 9. Finish and duplicate drawings and documentation packages according to required mediums and specifications for reproduction, using blueprinting, photography, or other duplicating methods.
- 10. Draw rough and detailed scale plans for foundations, buildings, and structures, based on preliminary concepts, sketches, engineering calculations, specification sheets, and other data.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Complex Problem Solving
- Systems Analysis
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Active Listening
- Mathematics
- Monitoring
- Time Management
Knowledge Areas
- Design
- Building and Construction
- Engineering and Technology
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
- Public Safety and Security
- Administration and Management
- Customer and Personal Service
- Geography
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Architectural and civil drafters?
Architectural and civil drafters has an AI exposure score of 55%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Architectural and civil drafters?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Architectural and civil drafters is projected to grow by 4.1% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 110,500 workers.
What skills are needed for Architectural and civil drafters?
Key skills for Architectural and civil drafters include Reading Comprehension, Complex Problem Solving, Systems Analysis, and others. Typical entry-level education is Associate's degree.
How much do Architectural and civil drafters earn?
The median annual wage for Architectural and civil drafters is $64,280, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Architectural and civil drafters?
The typical entry-level education for Architectural and civil drafters is Associate's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Architectural and civil drafters?
Architectural and civil drafters roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).