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The differences between architectural drafters and computer aided design designers 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 drafter, becoming a computer aided design designer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a computer aided design designer has an average salary of $60,150, 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 a computer aided design designer are auto cad, revit, and aided design.
| Architectural Drafter | Computer Aided Design Designer | |
| Yearly salary | $49,944 | $60,150 |
| Hourly rate | $24.01 | $28.92 |
| Growth rate | -3% | -3% |
| Number of jobs | 7,139 | 92,503 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 45% | Associate Degree, 45% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 4 |
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.
A computer-aided design (CAD) designer is responsible for creating plan outlines and project designs for a specific business need. A CAD designer utilizes various technologies and software applications to generate graphic illustrations. CAD designers must have strong knowledge of the technology designs, software management, engineering standards, and the construction industry fundamentals. CAD designers label their works with appropriate dimensions and specifications, performing necessary adjustments to meet the clients' needs. A CAD designer requires excellent critical-thinking and analytical skills to manage design structures and creative solutions.
Architectural drafters and computer aided design designers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Architectural Drafter | Computer Aided Design Designer | |
| Average salary | $49,944 | $60,150 |
| Salary range | Between $37,000 And $65,000 | Between $40,000 And $89,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Rhode Island | California |
| Best paying company | Rafael Viñoly Architects | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Automotive |
There are a few differences between an architectural drafter and a computer aided design designer in terms of educational background:
| Architectural Drafter | Computer Aided Design Designer | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 45% | Associate Degree, 45% |
| Most common major | Drafting And Design | Drafting And Design |
| Most common college | Carnegie Mellon University | LeTourneau University |
Here are the differences between architectural drafters' and computer aided design designers' demographics:
| Architectural Drafter | Computer Aided Design Designer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 68.0% Female, 32.0% | Male, 79.6% Female, 20.4% |
| 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, 3.0% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 13.1% Asian, 5.7% White, 73.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |