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The differences between cadd technicians and computer aided design designers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 8-10 years to become a cadd technician, 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 $53,449 average annual salary of a cadd technician.
The top three skills for a cadd technician include revit, civil 3d and GIS. The most important skills for a computer aided design designer are auto cad, revit, and aided design.
| Cadd Technician | Computer Aided Design Designer | |
| Yearly salary | $53,449 | $60,150 |
| Hourly rate | $25.70 | $28.92 |
| Growth rate | - | -3% |
| Number of jobs | 10,447 | 92,503 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 58% | Associate Degree, 45% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 10 | 4 |
A CADD technician specializes in using special computer-aided software in producing electronic design plans for machinery and construction. They usually work together with engineers and architects in turning technical sketches and designs into 2D or 3D models. Their responsibilities also include reviewing design drafts, presenting models to clients for approval, and implementing changes or adjustments when necessary. Moreover, they must be proactive at dealing with issues and must maintain an open communication line with team members for an efficient workflow.
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.
Cadd technicians and computer aided design designers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Cadd Technician | Computer Aided Design Designer | |
| Average salary | $53,449 | $60,150 |
| Salary range | Between $40,000 And $70,000 | Between $40,000 And $89,000 |
| Highest paying City | Rancho Cordova, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | California |
| Best paying company | Novartis | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Construction | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a cadd technician and a computer aided design designer in terms of educational background:
| Cadd Technician | Computer Aided Design Designer | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 58% | 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 cadd technicians' and computer aided design designers' demographics:
| Cadd Technician | Computer Aided Design Designer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 76.8% Female, 23.2% | Male, 79.6% Female, 20.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 7.5% White, 60.5% 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% |