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The differences between architectural drafters and structural drafters 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 structural drafter. Additionally, an architectural drafter has an average salary of $49,944, which is higher than the $48,536 average annual salary of a structural drafter.
The top three skills for an architectural drafter include revit, construction drawings and architectural drawings. The most important skills for a structural drafter are revit, shop drawings, and structural drawings.
| Architectural Drafter | Structural Drafter | |
| Yearly salary | $49,944 | $48,536 |
| Hourly rate | $24.01 | $23.33 |
| Growth rate | -3% | -3% |
| Number of jobs | 7,139 | 4,685 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 45% | Associate Degree, 63% |
| 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.
A structural drafter creates technical drawings, plans, and cost estimations. They prepare guidelines and for building bridges, lodges, and manufacturing plants. They typically work for construction companies, transportation firms, or manufacturing firms. They prepare drafts, present them to clients, and complete any revisions requested.
Architectural drafters and structural drafters have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Architectural Drafter | Structural Drafter | |
| Average salary | $49,944 | $48,536 |
| Salary range | Between $37,000 And $65,000 | Between $36,000 And $64,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Rhode Island | California |
| Best paying company | Rafael Viñoly Architects | Jacobs Engineering Group |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Energy |
There are a few differences between an architectural drafter and a structural drafter in terms of educational background:
| Architectural Drafter | Structural Drafter | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 45% | Associate Degree, 63% |
| 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 structural drafters' demographics:
| Architectural Drafter | Structural Drafter | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 68.0% Female, 32.0% | Male, 78.9% Female, 21.1% |
| 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% |