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Associate drafter vs architectural designer

The differences between associate drafters and architectural designers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both an associate drafter and an architectural designer. Additionally, an architectural designer has an average salary of $59,122, which is higher than the $52,051 average annual salary of an associate drafter.

The top three skills for an associate drafter include GD, shop drawings and technical drawings. The most important skills for an architectural designer are sketch, sketchup, and BIM.

Associate drafter vs architectural designer overview

Associate DrafterArchitectural Designer
Yearly salary$52,051$59,122
Hourly rate$25.02$28.42
Growth rate-3%-3%
Number of jobs2,10954,358
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 55%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Average age4545
Years of experience1212

Associate drafter vs architectural designer salary

Associate drafters and architectural designers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Associate DrafterArchitectural Designer
Average salary$52,051$59,122
Salary rangeBetween $38,000 And $69,000Between $45,000 And $77,000
Highest paying City-Washington, DC
Highest paying state-Vermont
Best paying company-Apple
Best paying industry-Professional

Differences between associate drafter and architectural designer education

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

Associate DrafterArchitectural Designer
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 55%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most common majorDrafting And DesignArchitecture
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaMassachusetts Institute of Technology

Associate drafter vs architectural designer demographics

Here are the differences between associate drafters' and architectural designers' demographics:

Associate DrafterArchitectural Designer
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 56.3% Female, 43.7%Male, 70.1% Female, 29.9%
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 associate drafter and architectural designer duties and responsibilities

Associate drafter example responsibilities.

  • Manage the design history of 3D part models, assemblies, and drawings using PDM software.
  • Develop, organize and maintain AutoCAD standards for designers to use resulting in efficient production and time management.
  • Update stock plans as necessary according to AMDA standards.

Architectural designer example responsibilities.

  • Manage in- house projects and AutoCAD drawings.
  • Manage design and coordinate construction of grind up, interior finish, conversions and remodel projects.
  • Lead the development of BIM modeling content for the architecture team as a direct report to the executive and lead architects.
  • Submit drawings to OSHPD for approval.
  • Submit & review OSHPD back check comments.
  • Participate in sustainable practices for leer certified projects.
  • Show more

Associate drafter vs architectural designer skills

Common associate drafter skills
  • GD, 73%
  • Shop Drawings, 13%
  • Technical Drawings, 9%
  • Autodesk, 5%
Common architectural designer skills
  • Sketch, 15%
  • SketchUp, 7%
  • BIM, 6%
  • Architectural Design, 6%
  • Building Codes, 5%
  • Construction Drawings, 4%

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