Salary Guide for Drafters

Most people will choose a profession based on what they love to do on a daily basis.  However, earning a high paid salary while you are doing what you love is not a bad trade either.  The number of architectural drafters these days is rising and many are seeking great job and salary benefits once again!  Those who are pondering the drafting world as an everyday career will need to check out this salary guide for drafters.  This is a great inside look into what you could be earning if you decided to become a drafter.

The world of outsourcing and freelance services has grown rapidly.  This is largely due to the fact that outsourcing is an international service that involves people from all over the world.  If you are looking for steady work or for a simple project to tide you over, an online outsourcing firm can easily help you out.  However, working with an actual company as a permanent fixture will greatly increase and secure your salary for years to come.

When working with an outsourcing firm, you will work strictly for that company and complete all assignments that are passed down to you.  These firms will usually have a fixed rate that they pay their drafters.  This is a great way to get started when you are learning about freelancing, but it should not be a permanent means to an end.  In fact, you are actually earning a fraction of what you could earn per hour when you go out on your own.  You can take private clients under your wing and charge your own set hourly rate.  Most professionals will charge anywhere from $20 to $40 an hour.  This type of work will easily enable you to work whenever you feel you have the time and need the extra cash.

If you are not looking to work on your own and find your own job security just yet, there are still excellent positions to be filled all over the country.  On average, through government reports we have found that the average yearly salary for an architectural drafter is close to $45K.  Of course if you can get yourself into a drafting specialty you can earn a lot more.  Drafters working in the electronic field often make close to $55K.  When you begin your drafting career you can expect to make the low amount of $30K per year.  This of course is entry level and will quickly increase if you can give the right performance.  This job includes paying attention to detail and making sure that every detail is precise.  When you miss a step or you leave out a calculation on your design, the building process can come to a complete halt.

The amount of money that you will make as a drafter will all depend on you.  Drafters might only do this job on a temporary basis and move onto something else.  However, those who have a love for architecture and the art of it all will stick it through. When you have some extra time and you need the extra cash, you will have the opportunity to take work on the side.  Try to keep from burning yourself out so that you do have the ability to grow throughout your drafting career.