CAD Designer
Impact: Direct
Create detailed 2D and 3D models and technical drawings using specialized CAD software for complex projects across various industries, collaborating with engineers, architects, and project managers to ensure designs meet specifications, standards, and budgets.
What the day looks like
- People interaction
- Moderate
- Team vs solo
- Team-oriented
- Client facing
- Sometimes
- Impact visibility
- High
- Travel
- Minimal
- Schedule flexibility
- Structured
- Remote work
- Hybrid
- Typical work hours
- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Stress level
- Moderate
At a glance
- Median salary
- $57,960
- Entry-level
- $40,000 - $50,000
- Senior
- $70,000 - $90,000
- Growth by 2033
- Declining
- Demand
- Declining
- Freelance potential
- Moderate
- Salary growth potential
- Moderate
- Typical student debt
- $15,000 - $30,000
Skills you'll use
Hard skills
- CAD software proficiency (AutoCAD
- SolidWorks)
- 2D/3D modeling
- Technical drawing
- Engineering principles
- Mathematics
Soft skills
- Attention to detail
- Communication
- Analytical skills
Technical complexity: High
How to get there
- Minimum education
- Associate's Degree
- Licensing
- No
- Years to mid-career
- 5-8
- Years to senior
- 10-15
- Career switching
- Moderate
Where this career leads
How people arrive here
Where you can go from here
Typical progression
- Advance to Senior CAD Designer, CAD Engineer, Project Manager, or specialize in specific industries like aerospace or automotive.
Future outlook
- Automation probability
- 20%
- AI disruption risk
- Moderate
- Demand trend
- Declining
How people feel about it
- Overall satisfaction
- 3.5/10
- Meaning
- 3.5/10
- Work-life balance
- 3.5/10
- Prestige
- 6/10
- Social perception
- Moderate