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The differences between architectural interns 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 internship, 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 $53,914 average annual salary of an architectural internship.
The top three skills for an architectural internship include sketch, auto cad and powerpoint. The most important skills for a computer aided design designer are auto cad, revit, and aided design.
| Architectural Internship | Computer Aided Design Designer | |
| Yearly salary | $53,914 | $60,150 |
| Hourly rate | $25.92 | $28.92 |
| Growth rate | -3% | -3% |
| Number of jobs | 57,981 | 92,503 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Associate Degree, 45% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 4 |
The job of architectural interns is to assist an architect with all aspects of architectural work. Their duties and responsibilities may include maintaining project files, conducting research on construction sites such as zoning laws and regulations, and preparing presentations for clients. They are also expected to create 3D models and do drafting. The skills and qualifications required for this role include a degree in architecture or a related field, in-depth knowledge of 3D modeling software such as Autodesk and AutoCAD, and hand drafting skills.
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 interns and computer aided design designers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Architectural Internship | Computer Aided Design Designer | |
| Average salary | $53,914 | $60,150 |
| Salary range | Between $41,000 And $69,000 | Between $40,000 And $89,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Vermont | California |
| Best paying company | Micron Technology | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Automotive |
There are a few differences between an architectural internship and a computer aided design designer in terms of educational background:
| Architectural Internship | Computer Aided Design Designer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Associate Degree, 45% |
| Most common major | Architecture | Drafting And Design |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | LeTourneau University |
Here are the differences between architectural interns' and computer aided design designers' demographics:
| Architectural Internship | Computer Aided Design Designer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 62.7% Female, 37.3% | 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% |