How To Become An Autocad Designer: What It Is and Career Path

What is an autocad designer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

AutoCAD designers specialize in creating computer-aided design (CAD) models using Autodesk's AutoCAD software. These highly trained craftsmen work with architects and engineers to design and create 2D and 3D computer models of buildings and machine parts from blueprints or scratch.

AutoCAD designers must have a bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or architectural studies alongside advanced knowledge of CAD and AutoCAD software. However, many employers prefer someone with previous work experience as an AutoCAD designer.

Salaries for AutoCAD designers and related positions vary with experience, specialty, industry, and AutoCAD certification. However, they can expect an average salary of $51,000 annually.

ScoreAutocad DesignerUS Average

Salary

4.4

Avg. Salary $55,786

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

4.3

Growth Rate -3%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.0

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.70%

Asian 7.02%

Black or African American 3.09%

Hispanic or Latino 11.66%

Unknown 5.20%

White 72.33%

Gender

female 21.87%

male 78.13%

Age - 45

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 - 45

Stress Level

4.3

Stress level is moderate

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

5.9

Complexity Level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

6.0

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become an autocad designer

Explore autocad designer education requirements

Most common autocad designer degrees

Bachelor's

45.0 %

Associate

39.5 %

Master's

5.4 %

Start to develop specific autocad designer skills

Skills	Percentages
Auto CAD	6.86%
Revit	6.01%
Civil Engineering	5.47%
HVAC	5.43%
Construction Drawings	4.98%

Complete relevant autocad designer training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 4-10 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New autocad designers 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 an autocad designer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real autocad designer resumes.

Research autocad designer duties and responsibilities

Establish and manage firm's account on NYC DOB website; fulfill office duties and manage office.
Revise HVAC, piping, fire protection and electrical drawings for package.
Perform site visits and create accurate AutoCAD and Revit plans reflecting existing conditions.
Create mechanical, electrical, HVAC, civil and 3D drawings using AutoCAD.

Prepare your autocad designer resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your autocad designer resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an autocad designer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose From 10+ Customizable Autocad Designer Resume templates

Build a professional Autocad Designer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Autocad Designer resume.

Apply for autocad designer jobs

Now it's time to start searching for an autocad designer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

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

How do autocad designers rate their job?

-/5

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

Autocad Designer reviews

A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2019

Pros

comfortable environment

Cons

stressful work. negative response is related in anyway to the job you'll be doing. So if the job is boring and a lot of repetitive tasks are involved and you say you don't like to do something daily they might weed you out. My answer would be, I really can't think of something I dislike doing every single day. Just because they ask the question doesn't mean you have to have a negative answer!