AutoCAD Classes Online

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Discover the Best Live Online AutoCAD Classes

Millions of professionals around the globe have been relying on AutoCAD since 1982, when the software company AutoDesk first released it. Widely known as the industry standard in computer-aided design (CAD), AutoCAD is used daily by Architects, Drafters, Interior Designers, and Electrical Engineers to complete their work. This powerful software is used to create precise 2D and 3D drawings and models and is popular due to its accuracy, high efficiency, and easy modification. 

AutoCAD skills are in high demand in many industries, so adding this knowledge to your resume can broaden your career prospects and help increase your salary. Live online AutoCAD courses are an excellent way to master this versatile software. Whether you are brand-new to AutoCAD or a seasoned professional who wants to boost your skills, several online courses are available to meet your needs.

Discover the Best Live Online AutoCAD Classes & Schools

Learning AutoCAD from the comfort of your home is easy with CourseHorse. Online classes are an excellent option if courses are unavailable in your area or don’t fit your busy schedule. And with virtual learning, you have many more class options, allowing you to interact and network with classmates from all over the U.S.——or across the globe! Explore CourseHorse to find live online AutoCAD classes that fit your needs. 

AutoCAD Bootcamp (Online)

Noble Desktop

This hands-on AutoCAD Bootcamp features the curriculum from Noble’s beginner and intermediate classes. First, you’ll learn the basic drawing and modifying techniques for drafting and technical drawing from industry experts and create plans for building mechanical and architectural objects. Next, you’ll use basic tools to create 2D drawings before moving on to more advanced AutoCAD techniques. This interactive training takes place in a small group setting and includes a free retake within a year.

Equipment requirements: Students will need a computer with a reliable internet connection. The class takes place via Zoom with a live remote instructor.

Prerequisites: This course is for beginners 18 and older and geared toward PC users. Mac users may attend online, but be aware the AutoCAD interface differs from the PC version the instructor will use in class.

Duration: 10, 7-hour sessions

Cost: $949

AutoCAD in a Day (Online)

NYC Career Centers

Do you like the idea of learning AutoCAD in a Day? Then, check out this intro course, where you’ll learn basic drawing and modifying techniques for drafting and technical drawing. You’ll use AutoCAD to create drawings for building mechanical and architectural objects and learn to insert blocks, make text, create dimensional drawings, and work with layers and templates.

Equipment requirements: Students will need access to an internet device with a microphone, a reliable internet connection, and a copy of any required software. You can download a free 30-day trial or purchase a subscription at Autodesk if you don’t have AutoCAD. The class takes place via Zoom with a live remote instructor.

Prerequisites: This course is for beginners 18 and older and is designed for PC users. Mac users may attend online, but be aware the AutoCAD interface differs from the PC version the instructor will use in class.

Duration: One 7-hour session

Cost: $325

AutoCAD Level 1(Online)

Technical Institute of America

This AutoCAD Level 1 course is for beginners or students with limited AutoCAD experience. You’ll learn fundamental commands and how to create drawings using a variety of shapes using many of the AutoCAD tools. In addition, you’ll learn from expert instructors how to make creating drawings fast and easy. 

Equipment requirements: Students will need a computer with a reliable internet connection. The class takes place via Zoom with a live remote instructor.

Prerequisites: This course is for beginners 18 and older. 

Duration: Three 7.5-hour sessions

Cost: $749

AutoCAD Fundamentals 2022 (Online)

Kelar Pacific

Explore AutoCAD Fundamentals 2022 to learn how to create a basic 2D drawing in AutoCAD. This course covers features and commands relating to both AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT. The class also covers advanced tools like creating reusable blocks and setting up layers, styles, and templates.

Equipment requirements: Students will need a computer with a reliable internet connection. The class takes place via Zoom with a live remote instructor.

Prerequisites: This course is for students 18 and over at all levels

Duration: Three, 5-hour and 15-minute sessions

Cost: $795

Intermediate AutoCAD (Online)

NYC Career Centers

Do you want to master positioning, annotation styles, and layout techniques? Check out Intermediate AutoCAD to learn tips on how to work more efficiently within the program, including creating a custom workspace. You’ll learn from industry experts how to work with blocks, parametric drawing, and productivity tools. Finally, you’ll end the class drawing projects like title blocks, office towers, and lubrication systems.

Equipment requirements: Students will need access to an internet device with a microphone, a reliable internet connection, and a copy of any required software. You can download a free 30-day trial or purchase a subscription at Autodesk if you don’t have AutoCAD. The class takes place via Zoom with a live remote instructor.

Prerequisites: Students should have a basic understanding of AutoCAD equivalent to the Beginner AutoCAD course at NYC Career Centers.

Duration: Four 3-hour sessions

Cost: $449

Industries That Use AutoCAD

Architecture

AutoCAD is used extensively in the world of architecture. Architects use AutoCAD to create comprehensive floor plans and 3D renderings of structures like office buildings, residential homes, and outdoor landscapes. In addition, the software can analyze a building’s many parts and calculate the load levels of support structures. It also has features for creating doors, piping, wiring spaces, renovations, and floor planning. AutoCAD’s versatility allows architects to collaborate easily with other professionals in the construction industry.

Engineering

Engineers use AutoCAD to produce designs and specifications for a wide range of items, such as car engines, elevators, bridges, highways, and even electrical grids in a city. In addition, AutoCAD enables engineers to run simulations to test how designs will perform in real-world situations. Engineering careers where AutoCAD skills are most needed include Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Civil, and Industrial Engineers.

Construction

AutoCAD plays a critical role in the construction industry by allowing professionals to create detailed drawings to help visualize structures. In addition, AutoCAD helps construction companies facilitate project planning, coordination, and communication between multiple Contractors.

Design 

Architects, Interior and Industrial Designers use AutoCAD to create 2D models and 3D renderings of their design plans, using its extensive libraries and templates. Interior Designers use AutoCAD to produce detailed images of interior spaces with design ideas for color schemes, furniture placement, and more. Industrial Designers use the software to create designs for manufactured products ranging from paper clips to trash cans to airplanes. The job of an Industrial Designer is to create products that are functional but also attractive to users. In addition, the recent expansion of additive manufacturing—or 3D printing—has dramatically increased the demand for AutoCAD skills. Since 3D printing relies on the development of CAD models to guide printers, it’s driving job growth across many manufacturing industries.

Urban Planning & Development

AutoCAD is used in urban planning departments to design city infrastructure, zoning maps, transportation plans, land use projects, and outdoor green spaces. AutoCAD’s powerful collaboration and documentation tools allow design and development teams to collaborate easily on complex projects.

AutoCAD Jobs & Salaries

Drafters use computer-aided design (CAD) software like AutoCAD to create drawings and technical models of building designs, blueprints, and plans. These designs can be either 2D or 3D and are used by Construction Workers, Architects, and Engineers to create real-life structures. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports about 105,000 people are working as

Architectural and Civil Drafters in the U.S. today. 

The U.S. states with the highest employment rates for Drafters are Texas, California, Florida, and New York. The median salary for this profession is $60,00 annually or $29 an hour, with wages varying state by state. Washington D.C., Louisiana, Alaska, and Maryland are the states with the highest-paying salaries in this field.

The cities in the U.S. with the most drafting opportunities are the New York-Newark-Jersey City area, Houston, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Chicago. New Orleans, Reno, Anchorage, San Francisco, and Baton Rouge are the U.S. cities with the highest-paying salaries for Drafters. Wages across the country can vary widely. New Orleans tops the chart at $82,000 annually, compared to a city like Lancaster, PA, which averages about $54,000 annually.

Entry-level Drafters typically earn an associate’s degree before entering the workforce. According to the U.S. Occupational Outlook Handbook, drafting jobs will decline by 3 percent from 2021 to 2031. Despite falling employment rates, about 18,900 job openings are projected each year over the decade, mostly to replace workers who change careers or retire. 

You can also use your AutoCAD skills to become an Interior Designer. These professionals use AutoCAD to plan and design the interior space of rooms or buildings. The mean annual salary for Interior Designers in the U.S. is $67,000 or $32 an hour. About 64,000 individuals nationwide are employed as Interior Designers, with the highest concentration in California, New York, and Florida. The top-paying states for this position are , Massachusetts, and California. In fact, Interior Designers in the nation’s capital make nearly $89,000 annually, in contrast to the $54,000 average salary earned in Sarasota, FL, for the same position. 

If you hope to pursue an Interior Design career in a metropolitan area, the most opportunities are available in New York-Newark-Jersey City, Los Angeles-Long Beach, and Chicago. Of those three areas, LA tops the list for the highest pay, with an average salary of nearly $77,000 annually.

Entry-level Interior Designers typically earn a bachelor’s degree before launching their careers. The U.S. Occupational Outlook Handbook reports that growth in interior design positions will remain the same from 2021 to 2031. Despite no significant increase in employment numbers, about 8,200 job openings are projected each year over the decade, mostly to replace workers who change careers or retire.