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Architectural designer vs autocad operator

The differences between architectural designers and autocad operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both an architectural designer and an autocad operator. Additionally, an architectural designer has an average salary of $59,122, which is higher than the $44,278 average annual salary of an autocad operator.

The top three skills for an architectural designer include sketch, sketchup and BIM. The most important skills for an autocad operator are shop drawings, plumbing, and HVAC.

Architectural designer vs autocad operator overview

Architectural DesignerAutocad Operator
Yearly salary$59,122$44,278
Hourly rate$28.42$21.29
Growth rate-3%-3%
Number of jobs54,35827,082
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 45%
Average age4545
Years of experience1212

Architectural designer vs autocad operator salary

Architectural designers and autocad operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Architectural DesignerAutocad Operator
Average salary$59,122$44,278
Salary rangeBetween $45,000 And $77,000Between $31,000 And $62,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DC-
Highest paying stateVermont-
Best paying companyApple-
Best paying industryProfessional-

Differences between architectural designer and autocad operator education

There are a few differences between an architectural designer and an autocad operator in terms of educational background:

Architectural DesignerAutocad Operator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 45%
Most common majorArchitectureDrafting And Design
Most common collegeMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCarnegie Mellon University

Architectural designer vs autocad operator demographics

Here are the differences between architectural designers' and autocad operators' demographics:

Architectural DesignerAutocad Operator
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 70.1% Female, 29.9%Male, 77.2% Female, 22.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 3.1% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 11.7% Asian, 7.0% White, 72.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 3.1% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 11.7% Asian, 7.0% White, 72.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between architectural designer and autocad operator duties and responsibilities

Architectural designer example responsibilities.

  • Manage in- house projects and AutoCAD drawings.
  • Manage design and coordinate construction of grind up, interior finish, conversions and remodel projects.
  • Lead the development of BIM modeling content for the architecture team as a direct report to the executive and lead architects.
  • Submit drawings to OSHPD for approval.
  • Submit & review OSHPD back check comments.
  • Participate in sustainable practices for leer certified projects.
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Autocad operator example responsibilities.

  • Manage Autodesk accounts and train drafters and field crews as well.
  • Incorporate HVAC construction drawings into coordination drawings
  • Provide Revit MEP training for employees.
  • Download data points to GIS software.
  • Assist with setting up Revit projects.
  • Expose to CNC machining and assist in programming them.
  • Show more

Architectural designer vs autocad operator skills

Common architectural designer skills
  • Sketch, 15%
  • SketchUp, 7%
  • BIM, 6%
  • Architectural Design, 6%
  • Building Codes, 5%
  • Construction Drawings, 4%
Common autocad operator skills
  • Shop Drawings, 10%
  • Plumbing, 8%
  • HVAC, 7%
  • Auto CAD, 7%
  • CNC, 6%
  • As-Built Drawings, 6%

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