FAQ’s

What industries/disciplines employ individuals with CAD skills?
Listed below is a partial list of industries that employ CAD literate individuals. Work or educational background in the specific discipline is always a bonus.

Architectural	Mechanical	Civil
Aerospace	Mapping	Jig & Fixture Design
Kitchen design	Product design	Multimedia
Garment design	Circuit board design	City planning
Patent design	Toy design	Crime scene creation
Automotive design	Gaming	Robotics

How much can I expect to earn at my first job?
The chart below illustrates annual salaries for CAD technicians with an AA degree for certificate obtained from a local college.

	No experience	Experience in discipline
Starting Salary Range	$20-$30 annually	$25-$35 annually
After one year	$25-$35 annually	$35-$40 annually
After five years	$45-55 annually	$45-$55 annually
B.A. degree + Certificate
Starting Salary Range	$45-$55 annually	$50-S55 annually

Does Southwestern College offer Certificates or AA degrees in CAD?
Yes, Southwestern College offers Basic, Advanced and AA degrees in CAD.

How long does it take to obtain a Certificate or AA degree?
A Basic certificate can be obtained in as little as one year. The Advanced Certificate or AA degree require anywhere from 1 ½  to two years.

Do I need a four- year degree to become employed in an engineering discipline?
No! There is no doubt you will make more money if you have a four-year degree. However, companies are well aware of the fact that employees with an AA degree or certificate cost the company less and after some on the job training are capable of completing many of the engineer’s tasks.