How to become a Civil Engineering Draftsperson

Also called: Civil Designer

Prepares detailed drawings and plans for civil engineering work in support of Civil Engineering Professionals and Engineering Technologists.

Main tasks

• Prepares detailed drawings and plans for civil engineering projects
• Uses computer design software to convert civil engineering sketches into digital documents
• Creates topographical and relief maps of locations hosting new civil development projects
• Incorporates design changes and updates into existing drawings and plans based on feedback from engineers and architects

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Diploma of Civil Construction Design (RII50520); Advanced Diploma of Civil Construction Design (RII60520); Certificate III in Civil Foundations (RII31220); Certificate IV in Civil Construction (RII40720); Certificate IV in Civil Construction Design (RII40820); Certificate IV in Engineering Drafting (MEM40422); Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services (CPC40920)
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing may be required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $89,960 a year
• About 16,000 people work in this job group now, and about 17,800 are projected by 2035. (+11.3%)
• AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Related jobs

• Civil Engineering Technician
• Marine Pilot
• Electrical Engineering Draftsperson
• Electrical Engineering Technician
• Maintenance Planner
• Marine Engineer

Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz

Questions people ask

How do I become a Civil Engineering Draftsperson?

Ways in include: Diploma of Civil Construction Design; Advanced Diploma of Civil Construction Design.

How much does a Civil Engineering Draftsperson earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $89,960 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Civil Engineering Draftsperson a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 11% by 2035, from about 16,000 to about 17,800 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Civil Engineering Draftsperson?

Not always. 27% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Diploma of Civil Construction Design; Advanced Diploma of Civil Construction Design.

Will AI change the work of a Civil Engineering Draftsperson?

AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04