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Computer Aided Design (CAD)
CAD is the use of computer software and hardware to create functioning models for the use in the design process and manufacturing. Individuals in this field will learn to take schematics and replicate them in a three-dimensional space in order to determine if the model will function upon manufacture or construction. CAD training use models that are often made for architecture, engineering, chip design or other similar areas where it is important to be able to view and test a schematic before production begins.
Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types
Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS
2025 Best CAD Training
Located in Rolla, Missouri, Rolla Technical Institute/Center offers technical-vocational skills education to high school and adults. It provides programs that are in high demand so that students can join the labor force after graduation.
Rolla’s Drafting/Design degree is offered under the high school programs. It is a two-year skills training program that imparts architectural, mechanical, and civil or surveys drafting knowledge. Students will have rigorous training in preparing detailed sketches from rough drawings, specifications, written instructions, and calculations made by architects, designers, and engineers. Coursework includes traditional board methods, AutoCAD and Inventor software drafting, mechanical drafting, and more.
Acceptance Rate
64
Tuition
$10,800 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
6:1
The Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Memphis functions under the leadership of the Tennessee Board of Regents. In fact, the college belongs to the 27 sister campuses of the TCAT educational system. TCAT’s Memphis main campus is located in Thomas Boulevard, Downtown, and the extension campus is located in Memphis International Airport. The college offers 23 programs, including Computer-Aided Design Technology.
To provide specialized classroom instruction and practical experience in preparation for employment is one of the many goals of the TCAT-CAD Technology program. Every student is trained to assist engineers and architects in preparing the design and drafting of electric circuits, maps, machines, and structures. Classes are held during daytime and full-time for a 16 month period.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$6,011 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
20:1
The Lorenzo Walker Institute of Technology offers an outstanding education. Job specific courses are offered as well as academic courses. The institute is located in sunny Naples, Florida. Tuition runs from $3,500 to $9,000 depending on the program of study, which is lower than most schools that offer technical training. The center was started in 1974 and originally offered 13 programs to over 300 students. The school’s name was changed in 1988 to the James Lorenzo Walker Vocational Technical Center. James Walker played a key role in establishing the school. Finally, the name of the school was altered to the Lorenzo Walker Institute of Technology. The institute is fully accredited. Individuals looking for career training have a lot of options at the Lorenzo Walker Institute of Technology. Courses are offered in Accounting Operations, Automotive Technology, Automotive Collision and Repairing and Refinishing, Aviation Maintenance Technology, Nursing, Child Care Center Operations, Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts, surgical technology, Cosmetology, nails specialty, Drafting, multimedia design, ELCATE, Facial Specialist, and Licensed Practical Nurse. Lorenzo Walker Institute of Technology offers many outstanding services. Child care is offered as well as help for students with disabilities. Career counseling, tutoring, test accommodations, and help with state exams is available for individuals with disabilities. Job placement is offered and helps employers and students connect with each other. The advisor works with instructors to offer employment opportunities that meet the needs of the students. The schools employment advisor helps with job placement, but job placement cannot be guaranteed.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$5,242 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
20:1
Manatee Technical College is a post-secondary, adult, career, and technical education center opened in 1963. MTC’s main purpose with its eight programs is career preparation, continuing education, adult education, or non-credit enrichment.
MTC's Drafting program will allow students to learn Manual Drafting and Computer-Aided Drafting Procedures integrating theory and practice. The program’s primary stress is to obtain proficiency and industry certification in advanced software programs. The MTC Drafting program approximately runs about 12 months, and it needs full time to complete the training. The program's estimated tuition fee runs around $4,700 with additional charges for the uniform, books, supplies, and various materials.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$4,332 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
9:1
Tennessee Technology Center, located in Shelbyville, Tennessee, began operation in 1964 through a bill passed by the Tennessee General Assembly the previous year. The school operated under the supervision of the Tennessee department of education, though this changed in 1983 when control was given to the Tennessee Board of Regents System, becoming one the 46 schools that comprise the system. The school is a public two year institution dedicated to providing quality career training for residents in the region.
Academics
Students of Tennessee Technology Center will earn a diploma or certificate through one of the many career programs available at the school. These programs are for high demand fields, and provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully work in a professional environment immediately after graduation. The school is dedicated to providing students with a quality education to assist in their development and allow for career growth.
Programs offered include:
- Practical Nursing
- Welding
- Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
- Drafting and CAD
- Automotive Technology
Admissions and Financial Aid
Students wishing to enroll at Tennessee Technical Center must complete and admissions application, be a high school graduate or hold an equivalent GED, show proof of vaccination, and take a basic skills assessment test. Financial aid is available in the form of grants. Eligibility and awards are determined through a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which provides all the information necessary for the school to review.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$6,605 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
20:1
Le Tourneau University is a private and inter-denominated Christian institution established in 1946 with over 140 programs preparing students to flourish. The university is consistently ranking in the U.S. News and World Report as one of the Best Colleges in Regional West.
Le Tourneau University offers a degree in CAD with a dual emphasis on software and hardware, blending the Computer Science Department's strengths and an ABET-Accredited engineering program. Students will learn about operating systems, advanced circuits, microcomputer design, and software engineering in the Computer Science and Engineering program. Furthermore, the university offers courses on designing under the School of Engineering and Engineering Technology. Concentrations offered under Engineering Technology are Aeronautical-Electrical Engineering Technology; Aeronautical-Mechanical Engineering Technology; Electrical Engineering Technology; Materials Joining Engineering Technology; and Mechanical Engineering.
Acceptance Rate
44.51
Student to Faculty Ratio
11:1
The Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Murfreesboro is one of the 47 institutions that are governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents System. TTC-Murfreesboro is an AA/EEO school which means that it accepts students from different races, nationality, disability, age, sex and color. It is located near the airport and the Old Fork Pathway, the TTC-Murfreesboro is very accessible to everyone.
The school is affiliated with different organizations which include the Air Conditioning Contractors of America, American Technical Education Association, Council on Occupational Education, National Vocational-Technical Honor Society and SkillsUSA. This is the reason why TTC-Murfreesboro is dedicated in developing programs that will produce highly competitive graduates in different industries.
Currently, the school offers fulltime and part-time programs to those who wish to earn credits in automotive technology, business systems technology, computer information technology, cosmetology, dental assisting, CAD technology, web development, HVAC technology, industrial electrical maintenance, phlebotomy, practical nursing and surgical technology. Aside from the fulltime and part-time programs, the school also offers online courses and distance learning education to those who want to get certificates in a particular industrial process.
TTC-Murfreesboro is governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents which means that the tuition fee rates are the same for all technical centers. In fact, the flat rate per credit hour is $183 which was implemented during the academic year of 2012-2013. On the other hand, being governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents also has some advantages as students who wish to transfer to a local community college or state university can easily transfer their credential from TTC-Murfreesboro. To date, the TBR has six universities and 14 community colleges affiliated under the system.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$5,105 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
20:1
The Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Morristown is one of the 27 operating institutions of the TCAT educational system under the Tennessee Board of Regents' direction. TCAT Morristown aims to help students improve the quality of being of every individual and the society they live in.
Students will experience rigorous training for 16 months full-time or part-time. Training in the basics of material selection, strength, and manufacturing processes is just one of the program's features. Like in the other campuses of TCAT, learning areas in TCAT-Morristown’s CAD Technology program lies around Technical Illustration and Drawing Techniques, Use of Engineering Handbooks and Tables, Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD), Rapid Prototyping Systems and other Physical Sciences. Students may also specialize or fuse their knowledge in Mechanical Design and Architectural Design.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$4,236 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
20:1
The Ball State University (BSU) takes delight in its mission that engages its students in academic, research, and creative activities that empower them to fulfill their career goals. It is a comprehensive public institution located on a beautiful campus in Muncie, Indiana.
BSU offers a Minor in CAD Design Technology under the Department of Educational Studies. It is an 18-credit program that educates students in using computer-aided design hardware and software for entry-level jobs. Students are expected to prepare technical sketches and documentation needed in modern-day production, technical positions, and reports at the end of the course. Coursework includes CADD for the production sector, digital photography, 3D prototyping, technical design graphics, and other approved electives.
Acceptance Rate
76.71
Student to Faculty Ratio
16:1
Formerly the Washington Holmes Technical Center, now the Florida Panhandle Technical College offers technical-vocational education to Washington Holmes county and its neighboring counties. The program opened its doors in 1967 and has expanded from nine (9) degree programs to the current thirty plus (30+) programs.
The Drafting Certificate Program at Washington Holmes is a year-long program that prepares students for employment in the drafting industry. Drafting majors study the use of computer-aided design (CAD) programs, including Autodesk and Solid Works, to realize the concepts and specifications of architects, engineers, and other manufacturing designers into sketches and blueprints. Additionally, students do laboratory activities to hone their skills in the area of discipline. The department does not require an on-the-job-training.
Students who wish to take the program may download the curriculum framework.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$3,890 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
10:1
The Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Jackson is one of the 27 technical training schools in a state-run educational center in Tennessee. The college was originally named the Jackson State Area Vocational-Technical School. It later became the Tennessee Technology Center at Jackson in 1994, and then it was once again renamed to Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Jackson in 2013.
Translation of ideas, notes, rough sketches, specifications, and calculations into working drawings used by craftsmen are the main goals of the TCAT-Jackson’s Computer-Aided Design Technology program. Learning areas in this field revolve around Technical Illustration and Drawing Techniques, Use of Engineering Handbooks and Tables, Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD), Rapid Prototyping Systems, and other Physical Sciences. Students may specialize in Mechanical Design, Architectural Design, Structural Design or Civil, or gain experience across all disciplines. The program length is at 16 months, and this is a full-time program.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$4,236 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
15:1
The Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Newbern is governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents. It is a technical school that aims to produce excellent and competitive students that are adept in working at highly in-demand industries. The school is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education and ranks as the number one supplier of qualified workforce in the city of Newbern in Tennessee.
Contributing to the growth and development of the community, TTC-Newbern invests on exceptional faculty members and staffs as well as state-of-the-art facilities to make learning more conducive to the students. The school currently offers fulltime programs that can easily be completed within two years. Such programs include automotive technology, CAD technology, computer information technology, business systems, electronics technology, machine tools technology, practical nursing and welding.
Interested students who wish to apply in TTC-Newbern should know about the tuition fee rate. Since the school is governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents, the tuition fee remains the same across all technical schools under the system. Since the academic year of 2012 to 2013, the tuition fee rate remains at $183 for basic programs while programs such as practical nursing is $100 higher than the flat rate.
On the other hand, most graduates from TTC-Newbern seek to continue higher education in community colleges and state universities. Fortunately, the Tennessee Board of Regents also governs six state universities and 14 community colleges so students will find it easier to transfer their credits in the future. Examples of the accredited colleges and universities include the Tennessee University, Cleveland State Community College and Jackson State Community College.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$4,236 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
17:1
The University of Oklahoma (OU) Norman Campus is the main campus of the OU educational system. OU is a public research institution following a semester-based calendar. Moreover, the institution offers a wealth of programs for students to enjoy.
OU offers a degree in CAD and mechanical engineering which is structured to provide first-hand experience in a wide range of objectives, making them competent in the field. The program develops students by imparting them computer skills needed for engineering analysis and computation, visualization and modeling in design, and more. Mechanical Engineering majors will experience rigorous classwork in dynamics, statistics, vibration and strength of solids, capstone design course, and a lot. The Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET accredits this 123-semester credit-hour program.
Acceptance Rate
80.41
Student to Faculty Ratio
18:1
SUNY College of Technology is a public institution in Alfred, New York, founded in 1908. The school utilizes a semester-based calendar. SUNY College of Technology at Alfred is ranked 9th as Best Regional Colleges, North.
The Associate Degree in CAD Technology at SUNY College of Technology at Alfred prepares students to become mechanical technologists or technicians for the industry in engineering-related fields. Students will outline, specify, examine, analyze, and install mechanical systems. One of the learning outcomes of this program is that students will be able to conduct standard measurements and tests and experiments and analyze and interpret results. Students interested in enrolling in the program must have at least taken Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra 2.
Acceptance Rate
66.74
Student to Faculty Ratio
18:1
East Carolina University or ECU is a public institution founded in 1907 in Greenville, North Carolina. The university envisions to be a national model for student success, public service, and regional transformation. ECU offers various undergraduate degree programs and graduate studies.
ECU's BS in CAD Design can be found within the department of Technology Systems in the school’s course catalog. The program highlights the application of software, digitalization, and product realization/development equipment. The program offers two focuses, the Mechanical and Architectural Design. Architectural Technology concentration trains graduates who can closely work with engineers and architects in mounting plans and correlated documentation and performing in architectural office services. On the other hand, Mechanical Technology concentration prepares graduates to employ essential engineering principles and technical skills in the plan and development stages of a wide range of projects involving mechanical systems.
Acceptance Rate
78.72
Student to Faculty Ratio
18:1
Mid-Florida Tech, located in Orlando, Florida, was founded in 1963 to provide residents of Orange County vocational and technical training opportunities. The school maintains relationships with area employers to provide work opportunities to graduates and internships for current students. The school occupies 106 acres in southwest Orange County, and its facilities are among the most modern and advances in the state of Florida.
Academics
Mid-Florida Tech offers career training through technical and vocational educational programs. Students are asked to think critically and apply developing skills in a practical setting. The goal of the programs is to prepare students to work in professional environments within their area of study immediately after graduation. The school assists in placement where it can through established relationships with community based employers. Additionally, the school is home to the Central Florida Fire Academy, which trains individuals in firefighting and emergency service.
Programs offered include:
- Culinary Arts
- Emergency Medical Technician
- Air Conditioning Technology
- Automotive Service technology
- Applied Welding Technology
Admissions and Financial Aid
Individuals interested in enrolling at Mid-Florida Tech must be sixteen years of age and no longer in high school, must demonstrate proof of residency, and must complete a basic skill test. Applicants to the firefighting, medical technician or emergency vehicle driving programs may have to fulfill additional requirements. Students seeking financial aid must visit the financial aid office and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Orange County Public Schools Career and Technical Education Financial Aid Checklist. Financial ais is available in the form of private scholarships and federal PELL grants.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$2,240 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
15:1
The D G Erwin Technical center is an educational facility located in Tampa, FL that is dedicated to preparing students for entry into the work force. Erwin has programs that are designed to train you in a number of different career types including: industrial, health, business, and design. The D G Erwin Technical Center strives to make sure you are qualified for any certifications or employments that may be ahead of you.
There are a number of courses on offer at D G Erwin Technical Center including: drafting, culinary arts, welding, and many more. Full time classes are designed to give the student everything needed for an entry level position in their chosen career field
There are a number of special programs available for non native English speakers to help with transition. There is a GED assistance program available for both English and Non-English speakers who attend the center. D G Erwin also offers career planning services in order to help you ensure your success after completing their courses. These services include planning out realistic career goals as well as information on job markets, career fairs, and a recommendation.
The annual tuition for D G Erwin Technical Center is just under $2800. All admissions testing must be taken on site at the technical center and functions on a first come first served basis.
If you would like to look further in to what the D G Erwin Technical Center has to offer and how to apply then you can visit their official website.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$3,818 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
20:1
Founded in 1903, Western Michigan University (WMU) is a public research and coeducational institution in Kalamazoo, Michigan. It is the fourth most prominent higher education institution in Michigan that offers over 140 bachelor’s degree programs and more than 65 master’s degree programs. WMU also offers 29 doctoral degree programs and a specialist program.
The Department of Engineering Design, Manufacturing and Management Systems at WMU offers a BS in CAD Engineering Design. The program utilizes computer-aided design, computer-aided engineering, computer-aided manufacturing in analyzing the overall worth of a potential product, and assisting in the manufacture of a product by graphically documenting its components. Students enrolled in the program learn about the process of cutting-edge CAD systems, and they will also study testing design for the application using a variety of analysis methods. Moreover, the program requires a maintaining grade before the students to successfully acquire the bachelor’s degree title.
For additional details about the program, students may visit the department’s web page or send them an information request.
Acceptance Rate
79.86
Student to Faculty Ratio
16:1
McFatter Technical Center, located in Davie, Fl, provides vocational and transfer programs for students. MTC is part of the Broward County Public School District, and operates a magnet high school on its campus. The McFatter Technical Center offers technical programs that prepare students for careers in technically demanding fields, and provides a quality education on order to ensure their success.
Academics
McFatter Technical Center offers many programs in a number of fields and has a teaching staff dedicated to ensuring that students have the skills necessary to succeed in their chosen career.
Some of the programs offered include:
- Culinary Arts
- Pharmacy Technician
- Medical Assistant
- Automotive Technology
- Architecture & Engineering
Admissions and Financial Aid
All applicants must be 18 years of age or older, have a high school diploma or GED, and must meet the basic education requirement (which can be fulfilled prior to program completion). Financial aid is available to students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and it is recommended that students meet with a financial aid counselor once their FAFSA is processed.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$4,455 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
13:1
Atlantic Technical Center, located in Coconut Creek, Florida, was founded in 1973 and was originally known as the Atlantic Vocational Center. The school was established to provide career training options for individuals residing in Broward County. Originally the school served 450 students across 11 programs, but has seen enrollment grow to over 8000 during the day classes alone. The school has over the years kept pace with its growth by adding additional facilities and programs. The school also maintains a magnet high school to provide additional education options in the area.
Academics
Atlantic Technical Center provides individuals with education and training in high demand fields for the purposes of long term employment upon completion. Programs take between one and two years to complete, and are taught through traditional classroom and practical courses. Practical courses are controlled environments that recreate real world settings and allow students to practice skills under the supervision of trained professionals. Upon completion students will be able to enter the workforce as qualified specialists in their area of study.
Programs offered include:
Admissions and Financial Aid
ATC will admit any individuals over the age of eighteen that wish to pursue education and training in a technical high demand field. Individuals should supply transcripts and test scores if available, and may be required to complete a placement exam for certain programs. Students should also meet with a counselor to determine program choice and enrollment. Financial aid is available in the form of loan and grants which are awarded based on need and applied for by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$4,482 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
18:1
Penn Commercial Business/Technical School is located in Washington, Pennsylvania, opened its doors in 1929. The school offers hands-on training for a diploma program or an associate degree. Graduates from the institution are said to be in high demand in industries.
Penn Commercial Business/Technical School's Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) degree program provides intensive training by imparting Computer-Aided Design knowledge. The program runs around 18 months, training students to work for civil, mechanical, or electrical drafting. Learning areas include the following: Technical Math, Architectural Drafting, Pipe Drafting, Machine Drafting, Structural Drafting, Technical Drafting, Computer-Aided Drafting, Ethics, and Communication.
Acceptance Rate
75.46
Student to Faculty Ratio
14:1
Sam Houston State University is a public university in Huntsville, Texas. The university is the state's third-oldest public university. SHSU offers over 90 bachelor's degree programs, more than 60 master's degree programs, andten0 doctoral programs.
The BS in CAD Design focuses on designing sketches and drawings of products. The degree is an interdisciplinary program with courses in marketing, management, production, and quality control analysis. Classwork in this program highlights designed to assist in implementing technology innovation, aesthetic values, and materials. Students enrolled in the program acquire computer and presentation skills, comprehension of blueprints and product design specifications, and more.
Acceptance Rate
83.4
Student to Faculty Ratio
N.A
The South Dakota State University is a state-run, land-grant research institution in Brookings, SD. It is the state’s largest and most comprehensive institution and the oldest university. SD provides several programs for students to select from upon pursuing their goals.
The College of Engineering at SDSU offers a program in CAD and General Engineering. The program provides service courses to the Engineering students at SDSU, such as Computer-Aided Drawing, Engineering Design Graphics, Applied Mechanics, and more. Moreover, these courses provide a firm grounding in engineering and applied technical management to advance their chosen engineering program. The program also assists students who wish to pursue engineering but have not yet decided which plan to choose.
For more information, please send the department an information request or visit their website.
Acceptance Rate
90.04
Student to Faculty Ratio
17:1
Siena Heights University offers a small class size with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio. It is a private, coeducational, and Catholic institution in Adrian, Michigan. Siena Heights University provides a variety of programs, where more than 2,400 enrollees can select from.
Siena Heights offers a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) program, a career-oriented degree for professionals with technical/industrial, allied health, public safety, and/or specialized occupational backgrounds. The Technical/Trade & Industrial Professions track offers several majors, including Drafting and Design Technology. The BAS Degree students can customize their degree plan appropriate for the students’ learning and goals.
For further details about the program, students may check the department website and send an information request.
Acceptance Rate
73.4
Student to Faculty Ratio
12:1
The University of Akron, also known as UA, is a public research institution in Akron, Ohio, renowned for its focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). UA is part of the University System of Ohio.
UA offers a Bachelor of Science or an Associate of Applied Science in Automated Manufacturing and Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Technology. Moreover, the program prepares students in the area of computer-based manufacturing. Students experience extensive coursework in the design and analysis of modern-day manufacturing facilities, resources, and processes. Interested students may check the program’s website to get additional details.
Acceptance Rate
73.04
Student to Faculty Ratio
18:1
What is Computer Aided Design (CAD)?
Computer-aided design (CAD) or computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) is an area of study utilizing computer technology and applications for design and design documentation. CAD has effectively replaced manual drafting by digitizing and automating the process for designers. A variety of trades and associated disciplines work with CAD programs and designers including: architects, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, plumbers, structural engineers, data management, and civil engineers.
What is CAD Used For?
Computer-aided design is used to help design and create photorealistic renderings of a building, concept, or structure. Architects and MEP professionals across a variety of industries use 2D and 3D CAD programs to visualize concepts and back-test its applicability in the real world through myriad data simulations. The 2D programs provide designers and drafters vector-based graphics of a structure or concept while the 3D programs provide modeling of solid surfaces. The 3D application will also provide designers the ability to rotate objects, render from multiple angles, and illuminate with multiple light sources.
What is AutoCAD? AutoDesk and AutoCAD Training
AutoCAD is the original computer-aided design program and still the most widely used application in the field. It is the software application used to help drafters and designers bring a concept to life. The AutoCAD application can be used to create blueprints for such things as wafer boards, bridges, high-rise buildings, computer chips, and museums. Professionals from constructing superintendents to structural engineers use these blueprints to bring inanimate concepts to fruition.
Learning CADTools
CADTools (ToolBox) is a surface utility and 3D application add-on to the AutoCAD program. The CADTools program was designed for civil engineers to help break down the design process of railways, roads, and bridges into separate data commands. With the ability to create surface models and import triangles from other software applications, CADTools is a widely used application used in conjunction with AutoCAD.
What is a CAD file?
A CAD file is simply an image file format for users of the AutoCAD program. The images, triangles, renderings, concepts, and structures created with the AutoCAD software application can be saved as an image file in a .CAD format. These files can be imported, exported, transferred, and modified by authorized users within the projects ecosystem.
Learning Why is CAD Important
Since Autodesk invented and released the AutoCAD program in 1999, the ability to automate the design and drafting process was nothing short of an engineering revolution. The online AutoDesk training will help new and experienced users get up to speed on the newest version of AutoCAD quickly. Automating engineering and design of products is a substantive leap in efficiency, sharing, and integration. Drafters and designers using CAD software applications can quickly create and iterate data in a fraction of the time compared to a paced manual process.
Once these files are created, they can be shared among stakeholders to elicit feedback quickly and efficiently and even provides a platform for virtual networking through open libraries. The CAD revolution allows team members a common platform to dig into granular details of a project and flesh out problems in advance. As a result of these factors, CAD software has made the design process easier and safer using less resources to bring products to the market quickly. Online training modules help new users level-up and become proficient in short order.
How Do I Become a CAD Designer and Drafter?
In order to become a CAD Designer and Drafter you will need to invest time and energy into your education. CAD programs can be found at community colleges, trade schools, and vocation schools around the country as a certificate or associate degree program. Larger colleges and universities may roll CAD design into a degree track such as engineering, drafting, or construction management. A key feature of a quality degree or certificate program is the hands-on utilization of AutoCAD and associated programs to link classroom lectures with practical application. See the list of accredited schools below for your go-to resource for schools offering CAD certificate programs and degrees.
CAD Degrees and AutoCAD Classes
Individuals may pursue two-year courses for CAD training, typically offered by community colleges or technical institutions. Such educations tend to focus specifically on the training and use of software for the purposes of drafting and design. Such education provides an understanding of various engineering and artistic principles that allows for the completion of such work. Four-year degrees are generally unavailable, but CAD training is generally offered through engineering or related programs.
A curriculum may include:
- Engineering Design
- Technical Design
- Composition and Development
- Design in a Three-Dimensional Space
- Manufacturing and Production
Individuals seeking out a school for CAD training should make sure the school maintains a high standard, particularly for its computers and software. Such updates demonstrate competency, dedication, understanding and relevancy in regard to the training offered. Graduates from a CAD program will often move directly into the workforce or pursue computer science degrees or data science degrees. Online degrees designed to help students learn CAD efficiently to gain mastery with targeted training courses and CAD courses.
AutoDesk Employment and Online CAD Learning
Job growth is expected to remain steady over the next decade. Individuals pursuing this field should find no shortage of employment due to the demand for professionals who are up to date on the most recent improvements and techniques used in the field. Individuals will seek employment in any of the fields where the use of three-dimensional models are necessary in order to realize projects and move to production. Individuals will generally work alongside engineers, mechanical designers or architects in order to properly implement design schematics within the software, creating a working model for examination and review.
How Much Does a CAD Designer Make a Year?
The annual median wage for a CAD drafter is $53,480 which equates to $25.71 per hour with the highest ten percent making in excess of $83,000 per year and the lowest ten percent making $33,910 per year.
States with the Most CAD Drafters
- California 14,570
- Texas 11,700
- New York 6,210
- Florida 6,160
- Pennsylvania 4,910
Highest Paying States for CAD Drafters
- Connecticut $61,400
- Alaska $61,250
- Maryland $60,080
- California $59,610
- Louisiana $59,000
Common Career Paths for CAD Designers and Drafters
The career path for a computer-aided designer, mechanical drafter, AutoCAD designer, computer-aided drafter provides a variety of options to consider. While there is no straight-line path for upward mobility, the profession provides a number of tracks. With the right industry, timing, focus, and training, a CAD professional can put themselves in situations to upskill and grow in their careers. Common career paths for a computer-aided drafter can include any of the following jobs after proficiency has been attained in their current position:
- Computer-Aided Design Manager
- Senior Drafter
- Project Engineer
- Design Architect
- Property Engineer
- Mechanical Designer
- Building Information Modeling Manager
- Mechanical Engineer
- Architect
- Electrical Engineer
- Senior Computer-Aided Designer
- Project Manager
- Drafting Supervisor
Online University Learning Tools
Organizations such as ACADIA and ADDA may provide students important tools and resources after graduation. Associations bring together like-minded professionals and provide education, resources, and networking that may prove to be beneficial to new and seasoned designers.