Structural Drafter Jobs in California
Structural Drafter jobs in California represent one of the most active markets in the country, with steady demand across commercial construction, civil infrastructure, and seismic retrofit engineering from entry-level CAD technicians through senior structural design drafters. The heaviest hiring concentrates in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sacramento, where firms like AECOM, Jacobs Engineering, and Thornton Tomasetti maintain significant California operations. The most in-demand specialties include seismic and lateral-force-resisting systems, precast concrete detailing, and BIM-integrated structural documentation. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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This Opportunity
WSP is initiating a search for an Intermediate Structural Drafter to join our Property & Buildings team in Los Angeles, CA.
Provides technical support, under the supervision of a Lead Technician, relating to the modeling and detailing of new and existing structures. Additional tasks may include coordinating with architects, contractors, and clients, and managing projects independently. Ensures high-quality deliverables are produced and distributed on time and in compliance with WSP drafting standards. Demonstrates leadership qualities and a passion for growing within the structural engineering profession.
Your Impact
- Construct comprehensive structural Revit models related to the design and construction of concrete, concrete masonry (CMU), steel, metal stud, light-frame wood, and mass timber structures for residential, institutional, and commercial projects.
- Generate structural drawings from engineering markups and architectural backgrounds.
- Incorporate advanced modeling techniques, concept development, design requirements, and operating strategies to account for the safety and functionality of end-users, while also utilizing future-ready solutions with structural engineering design standards.
- Maintain cloud-based BIM models throughout the duration of a project.
- Contribute to project coordination through direct collaboration with structural engineers, remote/in-person meetings, and structural narratives.
- Maintain quality control standards and procedures for accurate and precise measurements, statistical analysis, and reporting.
- Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
- Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
Who You Are
Required Qualifications
- High School Diploma
- 5+ years of relevant experience in engineering drafting.
- Experience with Revit and AutoCAD.
- Experience with cloud-based BIM platforms including, but not limited to, BIM360 and Autodesk Construction Cloud/Forma.
- Ability to read and interpret architectural, structural, and mechanical drawings.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to convey technical concepts effectively and professionally to engineering and non-engineering audiences.
- Effective self-leadership with attention to detail, results orientation, and managing multiple priorities in a dynamic work environment.
- Ability to learn new techniques, perform multiple tasks simultaneously, follow instruction, work independently, and comply with company policies.
- Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
- Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
Preferred Qualifications
- Associate Degree in Drafting or a related technical discipline.
- Prior drafting experience in a structural engineering firm.
WSP Benefits:
WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.
Compensation:
Expected Salary (all locations): $37.00-45.00/Hourly
WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.
WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
See All 19 Structural Drafter Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Structural Drafter JobsStructural Drafter Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Structural Drafter Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- BKF Engineers12

- GEI Consultants2

- WSP2

- ENTRUST Solutions1

- Kleinfelder1

Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services7
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in structural drafter jobs across California.
- Associate or bachelor's degree in drafting technology, civil engineering technology, or a related field
- Proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit Structure for construction document production
- Working knowledge of California Building Code and IBC seismic design requirements
- Experience producing structural drawings for wood-frame, steel, or concrete construction projects
- Familiarity with BIM coordination workflows and clash detection tools such as Navisworks
- Strong ability to read and interpret structural engineering calculations and specifications
Structural Drafter Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a structural drafter in California?
The most direct path is completing an associate or bachelor's degree in drafting technology, civil engineering technology, or architectural engineering from a California community college or CSU campus. California does not require a state license specifically for structural drafters, but employers strongly prefer candidates who hold or are pursuing NICET certification or an ADDA-recognized credential. Building a portfolio of seismic-compliant structural drawings and gaining proficiency in Revit Structure and AutoCAD significantly strengthens your candidacy with California engineering firms.
How much do structural drafters make in California?
Structural drafters in California earn a median of about $76,520 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $49,850 for the lowest 10% to over $114,600 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire structural drafters in California?
Employers hiring structural drafters in California right now include BKF Engineers, GEI Consultants, and WSP, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's large infrastructure pipeline and active commercial development market mean that both large multidisciplinary engineering firms and specialized structural engineering consultancies post openings on a consistent basis throughout the year.
Which California cities have the most structural drafter jobs?
Brentwood, Clayton, and Los Angeles account for the largest concentration of structural drafter openings in California. Los Angeles drives volume through its scale of commercial, hospitality, and mixed-use construction, San Francisco and the Bay Area generate demand from tech campus buildouts and seismic retrofit mandates, and Sacramento sees consistent openings tied to state infrastructure projects and regional public works programs.
Are there remote structural drafter jobs in California?
Yes, but they are less common than in purely analytical fields because structural drafting often requires coordination with on-site engineers and project teams reviewing physical drawings. About 11% of structural drafter openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting firms that have adapted their documentation workflows to cloud-based BIM platforms. Tasks such as detailing, drafting, and BIM modeling are the most likely to be performed remotely.
How can I get hired as a structural drafter in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point is applying for a CAD technician or junior drafter position at a California structural or civil engineering firm while completing or having recently finished a drafting technology program at a community college such as Los Angeles Trade-Technical College or Sacramento City College. Large California-based engineering firms including AECOM and Jacobs regularly bring on entry-level drafters through internship pipelines tied to California State University programs. Building a portfolio of seismic detailing samples and obtaining Autodesk Revit certification gives candidates without job history a concrete edge.
Where can I find and apply to structural drafter jobs in California?
You can find and apply to structural drafter jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated on an ongoing basis. Find the roles that fit your experience and specialization and apply directly to each one.
See All 19 Structural Drafter Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Structural Drafter Jobs