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The differences between cadd 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 a cadd drafter and an architectural drafter. Additionally, an architectural drafter has an average salary of $49,944, which is higher than the $49,161 average annual salary of a cadd drafter.
The top three skills for a cadd drafter include civil 3d, civil design and shop drawings. The most important skills for an architectural drafter are revit, construction drawings, and architectural drawings.
| Cadd Drafter | Architectural Drafter | |
| Yearly salary | $49,161 | $49,944 |
| Hourly rate | $23.64 | $24.01 |
| Growth rate | -3% | -3% |
| Number of jobs | 2,268 | 7,139 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 56% | Associate Degree, 45% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
A CAAD drafter specializes in producing technical drafts and designs for different industries, such as manufacturing, automotive, and even construction. They primarily use computer-aided special software to develop new sketches, enhancing existing designs when necessary. Their duties include meeting with clients or managers to identify and understand project requirements, conducting research and analyses, creating drafts for client approval, and revising drafts as necessary. Moreover, as a CAAD drafter, it is essential to coordinate and maintain an open communication line with engineers and team members for a smooth and efficient workflow.
Architectural drafters are skilled professionals who work alongside architects and engineers to craft technical drawings of construction projects. They use computer software to render technical models of designs made by architects. They create these designs in great detail to ensure that everything is captured perfectly. Architectural drafters may specialize in different design areas, such as building or infrastructure type and materials used for construction. Architectural drafters need to visit the site for a better appreciation of the project. They may also use this time to coordinate with engineers and architects.
Cadd drafters and architectural drafters have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Cadd Drafter | Architectural Drafter | |
| Average salary | $49,161 | $49,944 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $65,000 | Between $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 |
There are a few differences between a cadd drafter and an architectural drafter in terms of educational background:
| Cadd Drafter | Architectural Drafter | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 56% | Associate Degree, 45% |
| Most common major | Drafting And Design | Drafting And Design |
| Most common college | Carnegie Mellon University | Carnegie Mellon University |
Here are the differences between cadd drafters' and architectural drafters' demographics:
| Cadd Drafter | Architectural Drafter | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 74.6% Female, 25.4% | Male, 68.0% Female, 32.0% |
| 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, 3.1% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 11.7% Asian, 7.0% White, 72.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |