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The differences between architectural drafters and mechanical 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 mechanical designer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a mechanical designer has an average salary of $62,541, 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 mechanical designer are mechanical design, revit, and auto cad.
| Architectural Drafter | Mechanical Designer | |
| Yearly salary | $49,944 | $62,541 |
| Hourly rate | $24.01 | $30.07 |
| Growth rate | -3% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 7,139 | 65,748 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 45% | Associate Degree, 51% |
| Average age | 45 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 6 |
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 mechanical designer is responsible for designing mechanical equipment and devices, together with the engineers and other technology professionals. Mechanical designers create layouts following the clients' specifications, perform structural analysis, and analyze dimensions to ensure quality. They also inspect overall equipment performance and recommend adjustments as needed to improve its quality and boost optimization. Mechanical designers assist with installation and system upgrades, respond with the clients' inquiries and concerns, and escalate it to the appropriate personnel for resolution. A mechanical designer must have a strong knowledge of the mechanical and technology industry to build designs according to the highest standards.
Architectural drafters and mechanical designers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Architectural Drafter | Mechanical Designer | |
| Average salary | $49,944 | $62,541 |
| Salary range | Between $37,000 And $65,000 | Between $46,000 And $83,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Rhode Island | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Rafael Viñoly Architects | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Energy |
There are a few differences between an architectural drafter and a mechanical designer in terms of educational background:
| Architectural Drafter | Mechanical Designer | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 45% | Associate Degree, 51% |
| 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 mechanical designers' demographics:
| Architectural Drafter | Mechanical Designer | |
| Average age | 45 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 68.0% Female, 32.0% | Male, 89.1% Female, 10.9% |
| 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, 3.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 10.5% White, 72.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 5% |