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The differences between autocad designers 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 autocad designer, 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 $55,786 average annual salary of an autocad designer.
The top three skills for an autocad designer include auto cad, revit and civil engineering. The most important skills for a computer aided design designer are auto cad, revit, and aided design.
| Autocad Designer | Computer Aided Design Designer | |
| Yearly salary | $55,786 | $60,150 |
| Hourly rate | $26.82 | $28.92 |
| Growth rate | -3% | -3% |
| Number of jobs | 46,459 | 92,503 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 45% | Associate Degree, 45% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 4 |
Typically working in the construction and manufacturing industry, an AutoCAD designer specializes in designing and developing 2D and 3D drawings using AutoCAD software. It is their duty to coordinate with architects and engineers to discuss ideas and project needs, create and prepare designs for client approval, generate models through the AutoCAD software, and prepare progress reports and presentations for the clients. Furthermore, as an AutoCAD designer, it is essential to adhere to the company's standards and regulations, especially the clients' vision.
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.
Autocad designers and computer aided design designers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Autocad Designer | Computer Aided Design Designer | |
| Average salary | $55,786 | $60,150 |
| Salary range | Between $40,000 And $76,000 | Between $40,000 And $89,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Rhode Island | California |
| Best paying company | Jacobs Engineering Group | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Construction | Automotive |
There are a few differences between an autocad designer and a computer aided design designer in terms of educational background:
| Autocad Designer | Computer Aided Design Designer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 45% | Associate Degree, 45% |
| Most common major | Drafting And Design | Drafting And Design |
| Most common college | Carnegie Mellon University | LeTourneau University |
Here are the differences between autocad designers' and computer aided design designers' demographics:
| Autocad Designer | Computer Aided Design Designer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 78.1% Female, 21.9% | 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% |