Clothing CAD technician

About this occupation

Clothing CAD technicians use software to create design plans for clothing products. They work in 2D design which is known as surface modelling, or 3D design which is called solid modelling. They use surface modelling to draw a flat representation of the clothing product. In solid modelling, they create a 3D display of a structure or component in order to take a virtual look of the clothing product.

• Sketch rough and detailed drawings of apparel or accessories, and write specifications such as color schemes, construction, material types, and accessory requirements.
• Examine sample garments on and off models, modifying designs to achieve desired effects.
• Confer with sales and management executives or with clients to discuss design ideas.
• Select materials and production techniques to be used for products.
• Provide sample garments to agents and sales representatives, and arrange for showings of sample garments at sales meetings or fashion shows.
• Direct and coordinate workers involved in drawing and cutting patterns and constructing samples or finished garments.

Typical education (US)

Bachelor's Degree

Preparation

Job Zone 3 of 5

Interests

Artistic, Realistic, Enterprising

Top skills: Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Active Learning, Social Perceptiveness, Coordination

US median pay: US$80,960 a year (2025), 21,450 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Subjects this work relies on

How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).

• Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignVery important (4.4)
• Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.4)
• English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageImportant (3.1)
• Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyImportant (3.1)

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.

Preparation needed

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Most common education (US)

Bachelor's Degree

Education

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.