Blueprint Reading Classes & Bootcamps Seattle

Blueprint reading is an essential skill for working in the AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction) industries, but you’ll also find it in high demand in manufacturing and aerospace. This highly transferable skill set can give you an advantage when applying for jobs in these fields, setting you apart from the competition. The Seattle metro area has experienced significant GDP growth and boasts one of the fastest-growing economies among large metro areas in recent years. While some industries remain obvious frontrunners (think tech and maritime, and logistics), Seattle boasts a unique combination of other fewer obvious yet thriving sectors that help to fuel its continued economic success. This boom means one important thing: continued development and an ongoing need for trained Blueprint Readers. 

An Overview of Blueprint Reading Careers in Seattle

Lucky for you, becoming a blueprint reading aficionado can lead to many successful careers. As previously mentioned, AEC industries and manufacturing will be where you see the bulk of these roles. Applicable jobs in these areas that use blueprint reading are architects, estimators, and project managers, among many others. Below is a brief list of the most common job titles you’ll see, as well as salary ranges, so you can begin to get an idea of your professional future.

• Architect: Involved in every phase of a building project, an Architect develops initial sketches and conceptual designs; work closely with clients to discuss their vision, needs, and budget; and collaborate with engineers, contractors, and other construction professionals to ensure everything remains aligned with the plan, on budget, and within the client’s expectations. In Seattle, you can expect to make $93,000 in this role.

• Civil Engineer: Trained to orchestrate the construction of buildings and infrastructure like airports, roads, dams, and stormwater drainage, CEs often work for government agencies, while others work for consulting and construction firms that deal with private or government clients. You can expect to make approximately $107,000 in Seattle as a Civil Engineer. Wages may vary depending on whether you work for a private company or government offices. 

• Construction Foreman or Manager: A key person for leading the staff towards the completion of a project, a Construction Foreman supervises and coordinates workers in various industries such as carpentry, plumbing, or roofing. They typically work below the superintendent and project managers but above regular construction workers. This places them in a unique position on construction sites, allowing them to serve as a bridge between workers on the ground and upper management. You can make around $142,000 as a Construction Foreman in Seattle. 

• Construction Estimator: Crucial to any job site and project, this role reviews blueprints, specifications, and other project documents to then estimate the cost of all materials required for the project, like quantities, transportation, and potential waste. This role relies heavily on blueprint reading to complete their work. You can earn $93,000 a year as a Construction Estimator in Seattle.

Industries That Use Blueprint Reading

Home to Pike Place Market and the Space Needle, Seattle is a popular destination for both visiting and daily living. An ideal combination of bustling urban city and easy access to incredible natural locations, Seattle boasts a variety of successful sectors, each of which has a high demand for professionals skilled in blueprint reading. See below for more information. 

Aerospace and Aviation

Greater Seattle and Washington State are home to over 1,350 aerospace-related companies, and are responsible for 95% of all commercial airplane production in the United States. The state’s aerospace companies produce approximately 1,400 aircraft annually, including nearly 700 commercial and military jets and 700 unmanned aerial vehicles. Companies in the region supply a wide range of products and services, from aircraft interiors and composite structures to the giant machines that craft wing panels. A few of the top employers are listed below:

• Boeing
• Lockheed Martin 
• Northrop Grumman
• Raytheon

Life Sciences and Healthcare

The greater Seattle region is among the top five largest life science clusters in the country. One out of five positions offered in Seattle stems from medical ventures, so the industry can claim a whopping 90,000 professionals who generate an impressive $4.2 billion in wages every year. Plus, according to US Bureau of Labor Statistics projections, healthcare jobs will grow by 13 percent between 2020-2030, so Seattle’s life sciences and healthcare sector is only going to grow from here. Below are a few examples of employers in this industry:

• Adaptive Biotechnologies
• Providence Health & Services
• UW Medicine
• Labcorp

Maritime and Logistics

With a strong commitment to its maritime industrial economy, Seattle is positioned as one of the key gateways for global trade on the U.S.’s West Coast and continues to lead in total exports after Los Angeles/Long Beach. Consisting of shipbuilding, fishing, recreation, tourism, passenger transportation, domestic and international maritime logistics, and shipping, Seattle’s maritime industry is annually worth nearly $45.9 billion. Additionally, the state’s maritime sector encompasses 2,300 companies that employ approximately 62,000 workers. Across Washington, maritime and logistics are the backbone of many other industries, and their importance in Seattle cannot be understated. See below for a handful of the big hitters in this sector:

• Lynden Incorporated
• Honolulu Freight Services
• Expeditors
• CAI Logistics

Technology and Innovation

With a legacy rooted in software, retail/ecommerce, gaming, and more recently AI, machine learning, and AR/VR, Seattle’s tech industry is alive and well. Seattle has nearly 290,000 tech workers, ranking in the top 10 metros for tech employment, just behind San Francisco, which has more than 350,000 tech workers. The industry accounts for nearly 30% of the Seattle-area economy, making Seattle one of the top three cities for tech job growth in 2022, according to a recently released report by CompTIA. A few of the tech industry’s biggest Seattle employers are listed below:

• Microsoft
• Tableau Software
• Amazon
• Google
• Apple