Architectural drafter vs cadd operator

The differences between architectural drafters and cadd 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 a cadd operator. Additionally, an architectural drafter has an average salary of $49,944, which is higher than the $46,471 average annual salary of a cadd operator.

The top three skills for an architectural drafter include revit, construction drawings and architectural drawings. The most important skills for a cadd operator are construction drawings, civil engineering, and revit.

Architectural drafter vs cadd operator overview

	Architectural Drafter	Cadd Operator
Yearly salary	$49,944	$46,471
Hourly rate	$24.01	$22.34
Growth rate	-3%	-3%
Number of jobs	7,139	27,080
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 45%	Associate Degree, 55%
Average age	45	45
Years of experience	12	12

Architectural drafter vs cadd operator salary

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

	Architectural Drafter	Cadd Operator
Average salary	$49,944	$46,471
Salary range	Between $37,000 And $65,000	Between $34,000 And $62,000
Highest paying City	Washington, DC	-
Highest paying state	Rhode Island	-
Best paying company	Rafael Viñoly Architects	-
Best paying industry	Professional	-

Differences between architectural drafter and cadd operator education

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

	Architectural Drafter	Cadd Operator
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 45%	Associate Degree, 55%
Most common major	Drafting And Design	Drafting And Design
Most common college	Carnegie Mellon University	Carnegie Mellon University

Architectural drafter vs cadd operator demographics

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

	Architectural Drafter	Cadd Operator
Average age	45	45
Gender ratio	Male, 68.0% Female, 32.0%	Male, 76.8% Female, 23.2%
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%

Differences between architectural drafter and cadd 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.

Cadd operator example responsibilities.

Manage Autodesk accounts and train drafters and field crews as well.
Prepare 3-D HVAC drawings to aid in coordinating project responsibilities and tasks with other trades.
Create mechanical construction documents (HVAC) from engineer's sketches, including some design work.
Experience providing in-field assistance to survey crew with boundary, topographic, construction stakeout and GPS control survey.
Prepare presentations using PowerPoint for training purposes.
Purchase and coordinate specific project materials such as custom metal roofing and custom windows for over-seas contractors.

Architectural drafter vs cadd operator skills

Common architectural drafter skills

Revit, 28%
Construction Drawings, 11%
Architectural Drawings, 7%
Shop Drawings, 6%
Sketch, 6%
Building Codes, 6%

Common cadd operator skills

Construction Drawings, 23%
Civil Engineering, 14%
Revit, 6%
Cost Estimates, 5%
Plumbing, 4%
Survey Data, 4%