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Architectural technician vs architectural drafter

The differences between architectural technicians and architectural 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 technician and an architectural drafter. Additionally, an architectural technician has an average salary of $83,667, which is higher than the $49,944 average annual salary of an architectural drafter.

The top three skills for an architectural technician include sketch, revit and construction drawings. The most important skills for an architectural drafter are revit, construction drawings, and architectural drawings.

Architectural technician vs architectural drafter overview

Architectural TechnicianArchitectural Drafter
Yearly salary$83,667$49,944
Hourly rate$40.22$24.01
Growth rate-3%-3%
Number of jobs9,4957,139
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 50%Associate Degree, 45%
Average age4545
Years of experience1212

Architectural technician vs architectural drafter salary

Architectural technicians and architectural drafters have different pay scales, as shown below.

Architectural TechnicianArchitectural Drafter
Average salary$83,667$49,944
Salary rangeBetween $56,000 And $123,000Between $37,000 And $65,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CAWashington, DC
Highest paying stateCaliforniaRhode Island
Best paying companyGoogleRafael Viñoly Architects
Best paying industryTechnologyProfessional

Differences between architectural technician and architectural drafter education

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

Architectural TechnicianArchitectural Drafter
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 50%Associate Degree, 45%
Most common majorArchitectureDrafting And Design
Most common collegeCarnegie Mellon UniversityCarnegie Mellon University

Architectural technician vs architectural drafter demographics

Here are the differences between architectural technicians' and architectural drafters' demographics:

Architectural TechnicianArchitectural Drafter
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 78.5% Female, 21.5%Male, 68.0% Female, 32.0%
Race ratioBlack 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 Percentage6%6%

Differences between architectural technician and architectural drafter duties and responsibilities

Architectural technician example responsibilities.

  • Lead the development of BIM modeling content for the architecture team as a direct report to the executive and lead architects.
  • Train employees on Revit basics and provide AutoCad support.
  • Work with architects and project managers to produce 3d models and detail drawings for various types of large facilities using Revit.
  • Prepare and administer construction documents MEP and blue prints using computer assist draw software and other computer applications.
  • Edit and render high quality video animation to provide the story frame-by-frame of modeling and surroundings.

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.
  • Show more

Architectural technician vs architectural drafter skills

Common architectural technician skills
  • Sketch, 30%
  • Revit, 23%
  • Construction Drawings, 8%
  • BIM, 5%
  • Design Development, 5%
  • Architectural Drawings, 4%
Common architectural drafter skills
  • Revit, 28%
  • Construction Drawings, 11%
  • Architectural Drawings, 7%
  • Shop Drawings, 6%
  • Sketch, 6%
  • Building Codes, 6%

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