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The differences between 3d designers and computer aided design designers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a 3d designer, becoming a computer aided design designer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a 3d designer has an average salary of $65,066, which is higher than the $60,150 average annual salary of a computer aided design designer.
The top three skills for a 3d designer include sketch, animation and maya. The most important skills for a computer aided design designer are auto cad, revit, and aided design.
| 3D Designer | Computer Aided Design Designer | |
| Yearly salary | $65,066 | $60,150 |
| Hourly rate | $31.28 | $28.92 |
| Growth rate | 3% | -3% |
| Number of jobs | 45,455 | 92,503 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Associate Degree, 45% |
| Average age | 38 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 4 |
The primary job of a 3D designer is to design and create three-dimensional models based on a client's specifications and requirements. Your duties will include developing a 3D design for new products, reviewing and enhancing the 3D design of existing products, and understanding project requirements. Using computer-aided design (CAD) tools, you will develop a design layout for complex projects as well as primary models and sketches for final product design. As a 3D designer, you are also responsible for participating in brainstorming sessions and team meetings.
A computer-aided design (CAD) designer is responsible for creating plan outlines and project designs for a specific business need. A CAD designer utilizes various technologies and software applications to generate graphic illustrations. CAD designers must have strong knowledge of the technology designs, software management, engineering standards, and the construction industry fundamentals. CAD designers label their works with appropriate dimensions and specifications, performing necessary adjustments to meet the clients' needs. A CAD designer requires excellent critical-thinking and analytical skills to manage design structures and creative solutions.
3d designers and computer aided design designers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| 3D Designer | Computer Aided Design Designer | |
| Average salary | $65,066 | $60,150 |
| Salary range | Between $42,000 And $100,000 | Between $40,000 And $89,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Rafael, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Warby Parker | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a 3d designer and a computer aided design designer in terms of educational background:
| 3D Designer | Computer Aided Design Designer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Associate Degree, 45% |
| Most common major | Graphic Design | Drafting And Design |
| Most common college | Carnegie Mellon University | LeTourneau University |
Here are the differences between 3d designers' and computer aided design designers' demographics:
| 3D Designer | Computer Aided Design Designer | |
| Average age | 38 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 84.4% Female, 15.6% | Male, 79.6% Female, 20.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.4% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 10.6% Asian, 10.4% White, 70.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 3.0% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 13.1% Asian, 5.7% White, 73.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 13% | 6% |