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Architectural drafter vs autocad operator

The differences between architectural drafters 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 drafter and an autocad operator. Additionally, an architectural drafter has an average salary of $49,944, which is higher than the $44,278 average annual salary of an autocad operator.

The top three skills for an architectural drafter include revit, construction drawings and architectural drawings. The most important skills for an autocad operator are shop drawings, plumbing, and HVAC.

Architectural drafter vs autocad operator overview

Architectural DrafterAutocad Operator
Yearly salary$49,944$44,278
Hourly rate$24.01$21.29
Growth rate-3%-3%
Number of jobs7,13927,082
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 45%Bachelor's Degree, 45%
Average age4545
Years of experience1212

Architectural drafter vs autocad operator salary

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

Architectural DrafterAutocad Operator
Average salary$49,944$44,278
Salary rangeBetween $37,000 And $65,000Between $31,000 And $62,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DC-
Highest paying stateRhode Island-
Best paying companyRafael Viñoly Architects-
Best paying industryProfessional-

Differences between architectural drafter and autocad operator education

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

Architectural DrafterAutocad Operator
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 45%Bachelor's Degree, 45%
Most common majorDrafting And DesignDrafting And Design
Most common collegeCarnegie Mellon UniversityCarnegie Mellon University

Architectural drafter vs autocad operator demographics

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

Architectural DrafterAutocad Operator
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 68.0% Female, 32.0%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 drafter and autocad operator duties and responsibilities

Architectural drafter example responsibilities.

  • Lead the development of BIM modeling content for the architecture team as a direct report to the executive and lead architects.
  • Prepare plumbing schematics and as-built.
  • Utilize AutoCAD 2005 and MicroStation V8.
  • Operate Microstation SE and Microstation V8.
  • Demonstrate expertise in building code, lighting, MEP.
  • Translate the client's briefs into sketch plans for client approval.
  • Show more

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 drafter vs autocad operator skills

Common architectural drafter skills
  • Revit, 28%
  • Construction Drawings, 11%
  • Architectural Drawings, 7%
  • Shop Drawings, 6%
  • Sketch, 6%
  • Building Codes, 6%
Common autocad operator skills
  • Shop Drawings, 10%
  • Plumbing, 8%
  • HVAC, 7%
  • Auto CAD, 7%
  • CNC, 6%
  • As-Built Drawings, 6%

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