Interested in a career that combines creativity with technical precision? Find out about the Top 10 Highest Paying AutoCAD careers and what they do.
1) Civil Engineer
Average Salary: $57,228.86 – $183,533
Annual Provincial Median Salary (BC): $110,224
Education: A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering is required. Some positions may require a master’s degree or higher. Licensing by a provincial or territorial association is also required.
Job Description: Civil engineers are responsible for designing, planning, and supervising infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, buildings, and water supply systems. They ensure that projects are safe, sustainable, and compliant with regulations. Civil engineers conduct site investigations, develop designs and blueprints, estimate costs, and oversee construction.
Market Outlook: There is a projected employment rate increase of 3.1% by 2032. British Columbia forecasts 4,010 job openings between 2023-2033 mostly due to replacement of retiring workers.
2) Architect
Average Salary: $52,640 – $149,725
Annual Provincial Median Salary (BC): $90,244
Education: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited school of architecture. In addition, completion of a three-year internship under the supervision of a registered architect and successful completion of the architect registration examination is required. Provincial association of architects in the province of work is also required.
Job Description: Architects design and plan the construction of buildings and structures, considering both aesthetic and functional aspects. They collaborate with clients to understand their needs, create architectural drawings and blueprints, and oversee the construction process to ensure designs are implemented accurately. Architects must consider safety regulations, environmental impact, and building codes while striving to achieve creative and innovative designs. They work closely with engineers, builders, and other professionals to bring architectural visions to life while managing budgets and timelines.
Market Outlook: There is a projected employment rate increase of 3.7% by 2033. 1,530 job openings are expected in B.C., with the majority being new jobs due to economic growth.
3) Electrical and Electronics Engineer
Average Salary: $60,169.56 – $150,413.47
Annual Provincial Median Salary (BC): $101,610
Education: A bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field is required. Some positions may require a master’s degree or higher.
Job Description: Electrical engineers design, develop, and maintain electrical systems, devices, and components. They create schematics, oversee projects, and ensure compliance with safety and industry standards. Responsibilities may include testing and troubleshooting, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and focusing on energy efficiency and sustainability. Electrical engineers work across various industries, from power generation and electronics to telecommunications and automation, to drive technological advancements and ensure the safe and efficient operation of electrical systems and equipment.
Market Outlook: There is a projected employment rate increase of 3.1% by 2033. 2,890 job openings are expected in B.C., with the majority due to the replacement of retired workers.
4) Mechanical Engineer
Average Salary: $50,137.82 – $155,418.91
Annual Provincial Median Salary (BC): $80,212
Education: A bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or in a related engineering discipline is required.
Job Description: Mechanical engineers apply knowledge in manufacturing and mechanical systems to develop, improve, and test new designs. They also communicate proposals and assembly procedures with vendors, clients, and other professionals on the design team.
Market Outlook: There is a projected employment rate increase of 2.8% by 2033. 2,150 job openings are expected within British Columbia, due to both economic growth and replacement of retired workers.
5) Civil Engineering Technologist
Average Salary: $43,380.48 – $102,194.40
Annual Provincial Median Salary (BC): $72,203
Education: A Civil Engineering Technology Diploma that is nationally accredited by the Canadian Council of Engineering Technicians and Technologists (CTAB) and the Applied Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC)
Job Description: Transform initial concepts and rough sketches into detailed engineering designs and drawings. Also oversees or carries out field surveys, inspections, and technical investigations related to various project elements, including topography, soil, drainage, water supply systems, roads, buildings, and structures, to collect vital data for engineering endeavors.
Market Outlook: There is a projected employment rate increase of 3.0% by 2033. 1,090 job openings are expected in B.C., with the majority due to the replacement of retired workers.
6) Civil Engineering Technician
Average Salary:
Annual Provincial Median Salary (BC): $77,167
Education: A Civil Engineering Technology Diploma that is nationally accredited by the Canadian Council of Engineering Technicians and Technologists (CTAB) and the Applied Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC)
Job Description: Contribute to the creation of engineering specifications and drawings by providing support in their development. Also actively engages on-site surveys, inspections, and technical investigations related to topography, soil conditions, drainage, water supply systems, roads, buildings, and structures to gather essential data for engineering projects.
Market Outlook: There is a projected employment rate increase of 3.0% by 2033.
7) Computer Aided Design (CAD) Drafter
Average Salary: $43,797.60 – $90,911.30
Annual Provincial Median Salary (BC): $66,739
Education: Completion of a college program in design and drafting technology or a related field is usually required.
Job Description: CAD drafters create detailed schematics that are utilized in the manufacturing of products and the construction of buildings. These detailed technical drawings incorporate the input of engineers, architects, and surveyors and specify dimensions, codes, materials, and production methods.
Market Outlook: There is a projected employment rate increase of 1.5% by 2033. 1,710 job openings are expected in B.C. with the majority being new jobs due to economic growth.
8) Computer Aided Design (CAD) Technician
Average Salary: $45,883 – $90,911.30
Annual Provincial Median Salary (BC): $66,739
Education: Completion of a college program in design and drafting technology or a related field is usually required.
Job Description: A computer-aided design or CAD technician uses CAD systems to create design plans for buildings and machinery. Technicians work with both 3D and 2D design and create 3D displays of a component or structure which engineers are able to utilize.
Market Outlook: There is a projected employment rate increase of 2.7% by 2033. 1,640 job openings are expected in B.C. with the majority due to replacement of retiring workers.
9) Architectural Technologist
Average Salary: $43,797.60 – $102,715.8
Annual Provincial Median Salary (BC): $65,175
Education: Completion of a college program in architectural technology or a related subject is required.
Job Description: Architectural technologists provide technical assistance to professional architects and civil design engineers in conducting research, preparing drawings, architectural models, specifications and contracts and in supervising construction projects.
Market Outlook: There is a projected employment rate increase of 3.5% by 2033. 740 job openings are expected in B.C.
10) Interior Designer
Average Salary: $41,712 – $106,282.18
Annual Provincial Median Salary (BC): $62,568
Education: A university degree or college diploma in interior design is usually required.
Job Description: Interior designers work on everything from shopping malls to corporate offices by combining aesthetics with practical considerations. Designers also consult with clients to perform feasibility tests and create detailed plans addressing colour schemes, furnishing styles, materials and placement of specific items.
Market Outlook: There is a projected employment rate increase of 1.8% by 2033. 1,730 job openings are expected in B.C with the majority due to the replacement of retiring workers.
Get AutoCAD Training
If you’re interested in pursuing a creative and detail-oriented career, Brighton College offers AutoCAD programs that include drafting, building code regulation and design training. Enquire online about our AutoCAD programs or give us a call at 604-430-5608 for more details on how to get started.
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*Data taken from WorkBC
