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The differences between architectural designers and technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become an architectural designer, becoming a technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an architectural designer has an average salary of $59,122, which is higher than the $38,045 average annual salary of a technician.
The top three skills for an architectural designer include sketch, sketchup and BIM. The most important skills for a technician are patients, customer service, and patient care.
| Architectural Designer | Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $59,122 | $38,045 |
| Hourly rate | $28.42 | $18.29 |
| Growth rate | -3% | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 54,358 | 596,842 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 2 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Average age | 45 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 2 |
An Architectural Designer is specialized in planning and designing structures/urban landscapes. They ensure that company policies and standards are maintained when providing services to clients.
Technicians are skilled professionals who primarily work with technology in different industries. They are knowledgeable about the technical aspects of the various items they work with. They are usually working with electricity or with technological advancements. Technicians may be assigned to do the construction of equipment or materials related to their field of study. They may also be assigned to conduct diagnostics and other maintenance activities to ensure that the equipment works properly. Technicians may also be required to conduct basic repairs in case of problems. It is important that technicians have good analytical skills and decision-making skills.
Architectural designers and technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Architectural Designer | Technician | |
| Average salary | $59,122 | $38,045 |
| Salary range | Between $45,000 And $77,000 | Between $24,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | Vermont | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Apple | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between an architectural designer and a technician in terms of educational background:
| Architectural Designer | Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Most common major | Architecture | Business |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | - |
Here are the differences between architectural designers' and technicians' demographics:
| Architectural Designer | Technician | |
| Average age | 45 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 70.1% Female, 29.9% | Male, 75.2% Female, 24.8% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 9.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 4.9% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 2% |