3120 CAD, drawing and architectural technicians

In short

• ONS unit group 3120, in minor group 312 (CAD, drawing and architectural technicians) and major group 3 (Associate professional occupations).
• Appendix Skilled Occupations (figures as at 3 August 2026, re-checked 26 October 2026): Transitional tables only: Table 1a, Table 2aa, Table 2b.
• Going rate as the tables print it:
  • Table 1a, Going rate (SW – options A and D): £33,800 (£17.33 per hour)
  • Table 2aa, Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU): £28,700 (£14.72 per hour)
  • Table 2b, Going rate (GBM – minimum rate): £31,300 (£16.05 per hour)

What the ONS says

Description

CAD, drawing and architectural technicians design and prepare technical drawings, plans, maps, charts and similar items and install, operate and maintain 3D printers.

Typical entry routes

Entrants usually possess GCSEs/S grades, BTEC/ SQA awards or another appropriate certificate/diploma or A levels/H grades. Further training consists of courses of study and supervised practical experience.

Tasks

• examines design specification and technical information to determine general requirements
• considers the suitability of different materials with regard to the dimensions and weight and calculates the likely fatigue, stresses, tolerances, bonds and threads
• prepares regulatory and statutory applications
• monitors health and safety in design and contributes to design stage risk assessment
• prepares design drawings, plans or sketches using CAD and traditional methods and checks feasibility of construction and compliance with health and safety regulations
• prepares detailed drawings, plans, charts or maps that include natural features, desired surface finish, elevations, electrical circuitry and other details as required
• arranges for completed drawings to be reproduced for use as working drawings
• installs, maintains and repairs 3D printers and assists in the development of CAM plans and the operation of 3D printers

Related job titles

• 3D Printing Technician
• Architect’s assistant
• Architectural design assistant
• Architectural technician
• CAD designer
• Cartographer
• Design technician
• Draughtsman

What the Appendix Skilled Occupations says

The Appendix lists this code in the tables below, with the tables’ own caption and the row as printed. Read the full table, and any condition in it, on GOV.UK.

Table 1a: Additional eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and related going rates for Skilled Worker applicants granted permission under the rules in place before 22 July 2025

SOC 2020 occupation code

3120 CAD, drawing and architectural technicians

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Architectural technicians
• BIM and CAD technicians
• Cartographers
• CAD, drawing and architectural technicians not elsewhere classified

Going rate (SW – options A and D)

£33,800 (£17.33 per hour)

90% of going rate (SW – option B)

£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)

80% of going rate (SW – option C)

£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)

70% of going rate (SW – option E)

£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)

Eligible for PhD points (SW)?

Yes

Table 2aa: Additional eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and related going rates for Skilled Worker applicants granted permission under the rules in place before 22 July 2025

SOC 2020 occupation code

3120 CAD, drawing and architectural technicians

Equivalent SOC 2010 occupation code(s)

2435, 3121, 3122

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Architectural technicians
• BIM and CAD technicians
• Cartographers
• CAD, drawing and architectural technicians not elsewhere classified

Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU)

£28,700 (£14.72 per hour)

90% of going rate (SW – option G)

£25,800 (£13.23 per hour)

80% of going rate (SW – option H)

£25,000 (£12.82 per hour)

70% of going rate (SW – option J, GTR)

£25,000 (£12.82 per hour)

Eligible for PhD points (SW)?

Yes

Table 2b: Additional eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and related going rates for Global Business Mobility applicants granted permission under the rules in place before 4 April 2024

SOC 2020 occupation code

3120 CAD, drawing and architectural technicians

Equivalent SOC 2010 occupation code(s)

2435

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Architectural technicians
• BIM and CAD technicians
• Cartographers
• CAD, drawing and architectural technicians not elsewhere classified

Going rate (GBM – minimum rate)

£31,300 (£16.05 per hour)

70% of going rate (GTR – minimum rate)

£25,000 (£12.82 per hour)

Sources

Occupation text: Office for National Statistics, SOC 2020 Volume 1: structure and descriptions of unit groups (file dated 27 August 2026, version V13). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Open Government Licence v3.0. Tables: Home Office, Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations on GOV.UK, page updated 3 August 2026; re-checked against the page updated 8 October 2026 on 26 October 2026, tables unchanged.

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