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Associate drafter vs architectural drafter

The differences between associate drafters 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 associate drafter and an architectural drafter. Additionally, an associate drafter has an average salary of $52,051, which is higher than the $49,944 average annual salary of an architectural drafter.

The top three skills for an associate drafter include GD, shop drawings and technical drawings. The most important skills for an architectural drafter are revit, construction drawings, and architectural drawings.

Associate drafter vs architectural drafter overview

Associate DrafterArchitectural Drafter
Yearly salary$52,051$49,944
Hourly rate$25.02$24.01
Growth rate-3%-3%
Number of jobs2,1097,139
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 55%Associate Degree, 45%
Average age4545
Years of experience1212

Associate drafter vs architectural drafter salary

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

Associate DrafterArchitectural Drafter
Average salary$52,051$49,944
Salary rangeBetween $38,000 And $69,000Between $37,000 And $65,000
Highest paying City-Washington, DC
Highest paying state-Rhode Island
Best paying company-Rafael Viñoly Architects
Best paying industry-Professional

Differences between associate drafter and architectural drafter education

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

Associate DrafterArchitectural Drafter
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 55%Associate Degree, 45%
Most common majorDrafting And DesignDrafting And Design
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaCarnegie Mellon University

Associate drafter vs architectural drafter demographics

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

Associate DrafterArchitectural Drafter
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 56.3% Female, 43.7%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 associate drafter and architectural drafter 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 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

Associate drafter vs architectural drafter skills

Common associate drafter skills
  • GD, 73%
  • Shop Drawings, 13%
  • Technical Drawings, 9%
  • Autodesk, 5%
Common architectural drafter skills
  • Revit, 28%
  • Construction Drawings, 11%
  • Architectural Drawings, 7%
  • Shop Drawings, 6%
  • Sketch, 6%
  • Building Codes, 6%

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