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The differences between architectural drafters and autocad designers 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 drafter and an autocad designer. Additionally, an autocad designer has an average salary of $55,786, which is higher than the $49,944 average annual salary of an architectural drafter.
The top three skills for an architectural drafter include revit, construction drawings and architectural drawings. The most important skills for an autocad designer are auto cad, revit, and civil engineering.
| Architectural Drafter | Autocad Designer | |
| Yearly salary | $49,944 | $55,786 |
| Hourly rate | $24.01 | $26.82 |
| Growth rate | -3% | -3% |
| Number of jobs | 7,139 | 46,459 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 45% | Bachelor's Degree, 45% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
Architectural drafters are skilled professionals who work alongside architects and engineers to craft technical drawings of construction projects. They use computer software to render technical models of designs made by architects. They create these designs in great detail to ensure that everything is captured perfectly. Architectural drafters may specialize in different design areas, such as building or infrastructure type and materials used for construction. Architectural drafters need to visit the site for a better appreciation of the project. They may also use this time to coordinate with engineers and architects.
Typically working in the construction and manufacturing industry, an AutoCAD designer specializes in designing and developing 2D and 3D drawings using AutoCAD software. It is their duty to coordinate with architects and engineers to discuss ideas and project needs, create and prepare designs for client approval, generate models through the AutoCAD software, and prepare progress reports and presentations for the clients. Furthermore, as an AutoCAD designer, it is essential to adhere to the company's standards and regulations, especially the clients' vision.
Architectural drafters and autocad designers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Architectural Drafter | Autocad Designer | |
| Average salary | $49,944 | $55,786 |
| Salary range | Between $37,000 And $65,000 | Between $40,000 And $76,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | Rhode Island | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | Rafael Viñoly Architects | Jacobs Engineering Group |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Construction |
There are a few differences between an architectural drafter and an autocad designer in terms of educational background:
| Architectural Drafter | Autocad Designer | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 45% | Bachelor's Degree, 45% |
| Most common major | Drafting And Design | Drafting And Design |
| Most common college | Carnegie Mellon University | Carnegie Mellon University |
Here are the differences between architectural drafters' and autocad designers' demographics:
| Architectural Drafter | Autocad Designer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 68.0% Female, 32.0% | Male, 78.1% Female, 21.9% |
| 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, 3.1% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 11.7% Asian, 7.0% White, 72.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |