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) Project Manager
Average Salary: $44,319 – $125,136
Annual Provincial Median Salary (BC): $79, 211
Education: An AutoCAD related diploma or degree is required.
Job Description: A project manager plans, directs, and oversees projects that include dispatching workers to meet labour requirements, reviewing building codes and regulations and negotiating contracts with clients.
2) Project Engineer
Average Salary: $54,000 – $109,000
Annual Provincial Median Salary (BC): Data not available
Education: A bachelor’s degree in engineering is requried.
Job Description: A Project Engineer plans, directs, organizes, controls and evaluates the activities of the engineering department, project or firm. They are also responsible for developing project objectives by reviewing project proposals and plans; conferring with management.
3) Mechanical Engineer
Average Salary: $55,351 – $119,963
Annual Provincial Median Salary (BC): $78,210
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.
4) Electrical Engineer
Average Salary: $56,311 – $143,739
Annual Provincial Median Salary (BC): $92,559
Education: A bachelor’s degree in electrical or electronics engineering or a related field is required.
Job Description: An Electrical Engineer evaluates electrical systems, products, components, and applications by designing and conducting research programs. In addition to assuring product quality by designing electrical testing methods.
5) Urban Planner
Average Salary: $60.962 – $100,275
Annual Provincial Median Salary (BC): $82,506
Education: A bachelor’s degree in urban planning or a related field is required.
Job Description: Urban Planners take into consideration a project’s purpose, size, and geographic data in their design recommendations. Working with private companies or public agencies, urban planners may be responsible for surveying land for a new housing complex, expanding city infrastructure or developing highways.
6) Project Architect
Average Salary: $52,143 – $125,136
Annual Provincial Median Salary (BC): $75,207
Education: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited school of architecture.
Job Description: The project architect is the senior team member responsible for the overall development and implementation of a specific architectural project. As the team leader, they are in charge of overseeing timely and profitable completion of a project.
7) Architectural Technologist
Average Salary: $41,712 – $85,801
Annual Provincial Median Salary (BC): $62,714
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.
8) Interior Designer
Average Salary: $39,626 – $83,424
Annual Provincial Median Salary (BC): $54,226
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.
9) Computer Aided Design (CAD) Drafter
Average Salary: $43,547 – $81,338
Annual Provincial Median Salary (BC): $64,654
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.
10) Computer Aided Design (CAD) Technician
Average Salary: $43,547 – $81,338
Annual Provincial Median Salary (BC): $64,654
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.
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.
Learn more about our AutoCAD Programs
*Data taken from Payscale and WorkBC
