CAD Education for Design Career Paths
See how learning about CAD could benefit you
Are you interested in seeking a design career? Consider getting educationed about CAD software.
Also known as computer-aided design, CAD software helps you create and design products virtually on the computer.
CAD education could potentially be beneficial to designers because it allows them to see 2D or 3D images of designs on the computer screen - and make changes to any flaws - before creating the product.
Here are four exciting career possibilities that might require CAD knowledge and application.
#1 - CAD Preparation for Fashion Designers
Did you know that fashion designers use CAD too? It's true! In fact, fashion designers could use CAD to view virtual images of their designs in various colors, shapes, and sizes. While some still sketch by hand, CAD education could be important for fashion designers because it allows them to adjust their clothing designs on the computer, as opposed to on the actual products.
Education: An associate's or a bachelor's degree in fashion design could potentially prepare you to get started.
Growth: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, job competition will remain strong through 2018, in large part because of the creativity and glamour associated with fashion design careers.
Average Salary: Fashion designers had a median wage of $61,160 in May 2008.*
#2 - CAD for Interior Designers
Interior designers use CAD to see how colors, furniture, lighting, texture, and space all come together. Interior designers also use CAD to visually show their client how their space will look before carrying out any plans.
Education: An associate's or bachelor's degree in interior design is typically required to pursue this career, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Growth: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment of interior designers is expected to grow 19 percent from 2008-2018.
Average Salary: In 2008, the median annual wage for interior designers was $44,950.*
#3 - CAD for Architectural Drafters
Architectural drafters could use a computer drafting software called computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) to draw architectural and structural features of buildings electronically. While the software has helped improve productivity, it has also increased the complexity of drafting applications.
Education: Opportunities could potentially be best for those with at least two years of preparation in a drafting program, according to the U.S. Department of labor.
Growth: Demand for architectural and civil drafting is expected to increase 9 percent from 2008-2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Average Salary: Architectural and civil drafters had a median annual wage of $44,490 in May 2008. Pay will vary by specialty, location, and responsibilities.*
#4 - CAD for Landscape Architects
Landscape architects make outdoor places more beautiful and useful by deciding where to place the details like flowers, trees, walkways, and light fixtures. Most landscape architects draw their plans for an outdoor space using computers and CAD systems.
Education: Landscape architects must be able to draft and design using CAD software, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. A bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture is generally required to pursue this career. In many states, landscape architects will need to obtain a license or registration, according to the U.S. Department of labor.
Growth: The U.S. Department of Labor projects good job prospects for landscape architects due to a variety of factors, including the public's desire for beautiful spaces.
Average Salary: In 2008, the average annual salary for landscape architects was $58,960.*
*All average salary data is median salary as of 2008 from U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
