Blueprint Reading Classes & Bootcamps Boston

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. In Boston, the local economy is rampant with large construction projects, well-known architectural firms, leading engineering companies, and specialized medical device manufacturers. Additionally, a strong engineering sector, for both civil and structural, increased the demand for blueprint literacy in Boston.

Plus, the unemployment rate among Boston residents has remained below 3.5% for more than a year, consistently staying below the national average. A low unemployment rate, yearly increasing job opportunities, and several industries with a strong demand for blueprint experts all make Boston an ideal city to learn blueprint reading and work as a blueprint expert.

Blueprint Reading Careers in Boston

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 Boston, you can expect to make $139,000 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 $95,000 in Boston as a Civil Engineer. Wages may vary depending on if you work for a private company or a government office. 

• 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 $101,000 as a Construction Foreman in Boston. 

• 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 $102,000 a year as a Construction Estimator in Boston.

Industries That Use Blueprint Reading in Boston

While blueprint reading may be specific to the AEC fields, architecture, engineering, and construction are used by every known industry in the Boston region. From hospitals to businesses to subdivision development, Blueprint Readers help development and construction projects run smoothly, ultimately resulting in public and private spaces that benefit the residents of Boston. 

Healthcare and Life Sciences

The Boston area is home to 25 hospitals and 20 community health centers and has received the most NIH funding of any U.S. city for 21 consecutive years. Additionally, the city’s healthcare and social assistance industries account for over 18% of total employment, with five of the ten largest employers in the area being hospitals. There are more than 12,000 life sciences jobs in Boston across research, development, and manufacturing, and even more job demand can be found in the over 120 health IT and digital health companies. See below for a list of the major players in this industry.

• Sanofi
• Pfizer
• Novartis
• Vertex Pharmaceuticals
• Biogen

Finance and Insurance

Home to both traditional commercial banks and investment banks, Boston also boasts major insurance companies that contribute to the sector's strength, offering various insurance products and services. Boston's financial industry is increasingly influenced by the growth of FinTech, with a large number of cutting-edge FinTech companies based in the area. Below are a few of the top employers in this sector in Boston:

• Bank of America
• Liberty Mutual
• JPMorgan
• Fidelity Investments

Technology and Innovation

Boston was recently ranked the eighth best city in the United States for tech professionals, beating out places such as Los Angeles, Seattle, and Philadelphia. The city is also home to several educational institutions that are consistently known for their tech-related innovation, fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity and leading-edge research. Plus, there’s space for startups: a host of resources for entrepreneurs, from accelerator programs and venture capital firms to co-working spaces and networking events, are all available for tech endeavors. A few of the top employers are listed below.

• Harvard University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• NineTwoThree Studio
• HubSpot

Government and Civil Service 

Boston is home to numerous federal agencies and offices, including those within the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Air Force Materiel Command. The city also has its own departments like Public Works, Innovation and Technology, and Economic Opportunity and Inclusion, which directly manage city services and initiatives. Additionally, you can often find consulting firms assisting with government leadership transitions, cost management, and digital transformation. Other consulting companies specialize in areas like engineering, technology, and cybersecurity for both the federal government and energy sectors.

• Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
• Boston Government Services, LLC (BGS)
• Boston City Hall
• Boston Public Works