Discover the Best AutoCAD Classes in NYC
AutoCAD is the most popular computer-aided design (CAD) software used by millions of professionals across the globe. Created by Autodesk in 1982, AutoCAD is widely used in many industries, including engineering, manufacturing, architecture, construction, and product design. With AutoCAD, you can create, edit, and share 2D and 3D designs and drawings.
This powerful software has comprehensive tools and features designed to meet needs across several sectors. In addition, AutoCAD allows for easy collaboration and communication between design teams and project leaders, making workflow more efficient and productive. Adding this valuable skill to your resume can increase career opportunities in various industries. You can also use your AutoCAD skills to start a furniture design side hustle or 3D printing hobby. Several AutoCAD courses are available in NYC, in-person and live online, to help you master this versatile software.
Best AutoCAD Classes & Schools in NYC
AutoCAD Bootcamp at Noble Desktop, 185 Madison Ave., 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10016
This hands-on AutoCAD Bootcamp includes the curriculum from Noble’s beginner and intermediate classes. First, you’ll learn basic drawing and modifying techniques for drafting and technical drawing and create drawings to build mechanical and architectural objects. Next, you’ll learn how to create a 2D drawing with basic tools and move on to more advanced AutoCAD techniques. This interactive training takes place in a small group setting and includes a free retake within a year.
Prerequisites: This course is for beginners 18 and older and is designed for PC users. Computers are provided for in-person attendees. Mac users may attend online, but be aware the interface differs from the PC version the instructor will use in class.
Duration: 10,7-hour sessions
Cost: $949
AutoCAD Workshop at e+i Studio, 2 E Broadway #906 at Catherine St., New York, NY 10038
The AutoCAD Workshop introduces you to AutoCAD, featuring a concise overview of the interface and essential drafting and editing commands. You’ll work with guides for precision, layers, model/paper space, and viewports.
Prerequisites: No prior knowledge is required for this beginner class, 18 years and over. You will need to bring a laptop with AutoCAD installed (preferably a PC) or have the option to use the school’s computers for a fee of $50.
Duration: One 4-hour session
Cost: $471.50
AutoCAD in a Day at NYC Career Centers, 185 Madison Ave., Suite 1104 at E 34th St., New York, NY 10016
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 also use AutoCAD to create drawings that can be used to build real mechanical and architectural objects.
Prerequisites: This course is for beginners 18 years and over and is designed for PC users. Computers are provided for in-person attendees. Mac users may attend online, but be aware the interface differs from the PC version the instructor will use in class.
Duration: One 7-hour session
Cost: $325
AutoCAD Level 1 at Technical Institute of America, 545 8th Ave, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016
This AutoCAD Level 1 course is for beginners or students with limited AutoCAD experience. You’ll learn the fundamental commands and how to create drawings using a variety of shapes using many of the AutoCAD tools. Topics covered also include basic copying commands, modifying objects, annotating your drawing, and more.
Prerequisites: This course is for beginners 18 and older. Computers are provided for in-person attendees.
Duration: Three 7.5-hour sessions
Cost: $749
AutoCAD Level 1 at Noble Desktop, 185 Madison Ave., 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10016
If you want to build a strong foundation of basic skills, explore AutoCAD Level 1. This course covers AutoCAD’s tools for drawing, editing, and printing. You’ll learn to make text, create dimensional drawings, insert blocks, and work with layers and templates.
Prerequisites: This course is for beginners 18 and over and PC users only. Computers are provided for in-person attendees. Mac users may attend online, but be aware the interface differs from the PC version the instructor will use in class.
Duration: Six 3-hour sessions
Cost: $599
2D Drafting with AutoCAD (Level 1) at New York School of Interior Design, 170 E 70th St., New York, NY 10021
Learn the fundamentals of AutoCAD in 2D Drafting with AutoCAD (Level 1). Specifically designed for Interior Designers using the Microsoft operating system, this course covers the basics of AutoCAD drawing software. Topics include drawing commands, drawing set-up and editing, layers, dimensioning, and text. Save, save-as, printing, and plotting functions are also covered.
Prerequisites: This course is for beginners 18 years and over. Knowledge of basic hand drafting and computer use is recommended. Computers are provided for students, and you must bring a flash drive to save your work throughout the course.
Duration: Eight 3-hour sessions
Cost: $690
NYC Industries That Use AutoCAD
You can put your AutoCAD skills to use in a variety of industries in NYC. Home to over 8 million people and 250,000 businesses, this bustling city has many exciting career opportunities. Read on to explore the many sectors in NYC where AutoCAD skills are in-demand.
Architecture
Architects use AutoCAD to design and draft floor plans, piping, and electrical grids and to create 3D renderings of structures like office buildings, residential homes, and outdoor landscapes. NYC is known as an epicenter of architecture in the U.S. and is home to many major firms, including OMA, Gensler, Bjarke Ingels Group, Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (SOM), HDR, and Steven Holl Architects.
Construction
You can’t visit NYC without noticing the mind-boggling construction that goes into creating the many enormous structures that dot the skyline. AutoCAD helps construction companies facilitate project planning, coordination, and communication between multiple contractors. Learn how AutoCAD played a major role in development plans to build the tallest modular hotel in NYC.
Interior Design
With its thriving business community, luxury real estate market, and affluent clientele, NYC is the perfect place for an Interior Designer to launch a career. Interior Designers use AutoCAD to help plan and visualize the layout of a space. With AutoCAD, you can create 2D and 3D mockups of room layouts for commercial and residential buildings. Since NYC is known for its vibrant and dynamic interior design industry, the city attracts talented designers from all over the world. There are numerous design firms and studios in NYC, ranging from small boutique firms to large international outfits, including Carrier Companies Ltd., David Kleinberg, Geoffrey Bradfield Inc., Handel Architects LLP, and Jayne Design Studio, Inc.
Urban Planning and Landscape Architecture
Due to its size and complexity, NYC offers many career opportunities in the urban planning sector. Did you know over 80 percent of New Yorkers live within walking distance of a park? NYC is committed to developing its green spaces, and AutoCAD can play a significant role. This versatile software helps Urban Planners and Landscape Architects design and create drawings for city layouts, site plans, zoning maps, green spaces, and infrastructure.
Film and Entertainment
Next time you attend a show at one of the over 40 professional theaters on Broadway in NYC, you may be watching AutoCAD at work. Film and entertainment professionals use AutoCAD for facilitating set design, stage layout, and production planning. NYC has a robust film and entertainment industry and is home to many major film studios, production, and post-production companies, including Warner Bros. Entertainment, Paramount Pictures, Lionsgate Films, Silvercup Studios, HBO Films, and NBC Universal.
AutoCAD Jobs & Salaries in NYC
If you have AutoCAD skills and live in NYC, you’ve come to the right place. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the NYC-Newark-Jersey City area has the nation’s highest employment level of Architectural and Civil Drafters—nearly 7,000 individuals. In addition, Drafters in these areas earn almost $70,000 annually, or over $33 per hour. This figure is almost $10,000 higher than the national average, making it an ideal region to launch your AutoCAD career.
NYC is also an excellent area for Interior Designers to use their AutoCAD skills. The average salary for this profession in the city is $75,000, about $7,000 above the national average. This area also boasts the highest level of employment of Interior Designers for any metropolitan area in the U.S., with nearly 7,000 people employed in this position.
