Civil Drafting and Engineering CAD: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
This program equips students with the technical expertise needed to create precise digital drawings and simulation models that support civil and geological engineering projects. Graduates gain hands-on proficiency in translating complex design concepts into actionable technical documentation, serving as a critical link between engineering vision and construction execution.
- Basic Civil Engineering Principles: Foundational knowledge of structural systems, materials, and design standards essential for understanding infrastructure project requirements.
- Geological and Seismographic Mapping: Techniques for interpreting subsurface conditions and seismic activity to inform safe, site-appropriate engineering designs.
- Machine Drafting: Methods for producing detailed technical drawings of mechanical components and systems used in civil infrastructure and construction equipment.
- Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD): Advanced training in industry-standard software for creating, editing, and managing digital blueprints and 3D models with precision.
- Pipe Drafting: Specialized skills in designing and documenting piping systems for water, wastewater, and utility networks within civil projects.
- Survey Interpretation: Ability to analyze survey data and topographic maps to accurately represent land features and elevation changes in design plans.
- Blueprint Reading: Competency in decoding technical drawings, symbols, and specifications to ensure accurate project implementation and compliance.
Civil Drafting and Engineering CAD Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Civil Drafting and Engineering CAD Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Civil Drafting and Engineering CAD degrees, including Architectural and Civil Drafters. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 109,550 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural and Civil Drafters 17-3011 | $64,280 | $44,040 - $98,190 | 109,550 | $30.90 |
Civil Drafting and Engineering CAD Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $53,060 in South Dakota to $88,430 in District of Columbia—a 67% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Alaska, and Colorado. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 109,550 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Civil Drafting and Engineering CAD by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 15 institutions offering Civil Drafting and Engineering CAD programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Civil Drafting and Engineering CAD is found at Austin Community College District (ACC) (27 graduates), Southeast Technical College (STC) (19 graduates), Santa Ana College (SAC) (12 graduates), New Mexico State University, Dona Ana (12 graduates), and College of Lake County (CLC) (7 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 108 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austin Community College District (ACC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
27 | Austin, Texas | Public | austincc.edu |
| Southeast Technical College (STC) |
Associate's
|
19 | Sioux Falls, South Dakota | Public | southeasttech.edu |
| Santa Ana College (SAC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
12 | Santa Ana, California | Public | sac.edu |
| New Mexico State University |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
12 | Las Cruces, New Mexico | Public | dacc.nmsu.edu |
| College of Lake County (CLC) |
Other Award
|
7 | Grayslake, Illinois | Public | clcillinois.edu |
| Canadian Valley Technology Center (CV Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
7 | El Reno, Oklahoma | Public | cvtech.edu |
| Columbus State Community College (CSCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
5 | Columbus, Ohio | Public | cscc.edu |
| Stark State College |
Other Award
|
5 | North Canton, Ohio | Public | starkstate.edu |
| Trident Technical College (TTC) |
Other Award
|
4 | Charleston, South Carolina | Public | tridenttech.edu |
| Diablo Valley College (DVC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
2 | Pleasant Hill, California | Public | dvc.edu |
| Irvine Valley College (IVC) |
Other Award
|
2 | Irvine, California | Public | ivc.edu |
| Lewis-Clark State College (LC State) |
Associate's
|
2 | Lewiston, Idaho | Public | lcsc.edu |
| Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
2 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Public | ccac.edu |
| Rio Hondo College (RHC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Whittier, California | Public | riohondo.edu |
| Kaskaskia College (KC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Centralia, Illinois | Public | kaskaskia.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Civil Drafting and Engineering CAD programs
How much can I earn with a Civil Drafting and Engineering CAD degree?
Salaries for Civil Drafting and Engineering CAD graduates vary by role and location. Architectural and Civil Drafters earn a median of $64,280 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $88,430 compared to $53,060 in South Dakota. Approximately 109,550 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Civil Drafting and Engineering CAD programs?
Currently 15 accredited institutions offer Civil Drafting and Engineering CAD degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Austin Community College District (ACC) (27 graduates), Southeast Technical College (STC) (19 graduates), and Santa Ana College (SAC) (12 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Civil Drafting and Engineering CAD growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 137 in 2010 to 108 in 2023-24. This represents a 21% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Civil Drafting and Engineering CAD degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Architectural and Civil Drafters. Related occupations employ approximately 109,550 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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