Graphic Design Salaries Wages
Online Animation Degree To Improve Your Education
There are those with their online degree who believe that of all the STEM fields, the one that a closest approach an art form is architecture. For proof, they point to some of the tremendous blue prints drafters produce, many of which can be found actually hanging on walls.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, architectural drafters are people who prepare technical drawings and plans, which are used by construction workers to build everything from highways to skyscrapers. Drafters’ drawings provide visual guidelines and show how to construct a product or structure. Drawings include technical details and specify dimensions, materials, and procedures. They fill in technical details using drawings, rough sketches, specifications, and calculations made by engineers, surveyors and architects.
Those thinking about becoming one must be a high school graduate with an artistic bend, but a solid knowledge of math. They not only have to be handy with drawing board, mechanical pencils, curve and t-square but also able to work in CAD software and computer work stations. Strong detail orientation is also a must.
Interestingly, it’s not uncommon for draftsmen to start out as construction workers, whether they were bricklayers, electrical, plumbing or something similar. They usually work at day and then take technology degree online courses where, interestingly enough, their work experience becomes an asset. A young draftsman can usually look for fulltime employment after getting a 2-year degree or vocational certificate.
Continued education can be at either an on campus or at an online college, although many who work blue collar jobs during the day prefer the latter. This way they can hold down their jobs and then schedule their courses around work. After obtaining a minimum vocational certificate or Associates degree, it’s time to find employment, generally as an apprentice. Again, online education plays here as the apprentice goes home and studies what’s needed to advance up the career ladder. While it’s not necessary, there are many drafters who have Bachelors degrees.
Even though the construction industry has taken its hits over the last several years thanks to current economic conditions, it doesn’t seem to be affecting draftsmen quite as hard. Part of this is due to initiatives by the current administration to upgrade the national infrastructure. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates growth to be about 9%, which is near national average.
Salary is fair for one in the profession. The average wage for an apprentice is currently calculated at about $34,000 annually. The average architectural drafter makes slightly under $45,000 while the top 10% will go over $50,000. Being a white collar job, the occupation usually comes with a comprehensive benefits package.
So as one can see, there is a lot towards becoming an architectural draftsman with the right online college. At the same time one can see the results of their labors whenever one sees a skyline. The profession’s combination of art and scientific precision insures there will be a need for them for some times to come.
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