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The differences between cadd technicians and computer aided drafters 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 drafter takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a cadd technician has an average salary of $53,449, which is higher than the $43,520 average annual salary of a computer aided drafter.
The top three skills for a cadd technician include revit, civil 3d and GIS. The most important skills for a computer aided drafter are cad standards, revit, and aided design.
| Cadd Technician | Computer Aided Drafter | |
| Yearly salary | $53,449 | $43,520 |
| Hourly rate | $25.70 | $20.92 |
| Growth rate | - | -3% |
| Number of jobs | 10,447 | 16,907 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 58% | Associate Degree, 52% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 10 | 12 |
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 drafter is responsible for creating designs, usually for industrial manufacturing and construction projects, using computer-aided software systems and applications. Computer-aided drafters should have excellent command in programming languages and navigating computer system codes to develop a technical output, following the clients' specifications and business requirements. They also work closely with design engineers to discuss dimensions, costs, materials, and production processes. A computer-aided drafter must be highly communicative and organizational, incorporating all the schematics, developing operational manuals, and performing draft adjustment as needed.
Cadd technicians and computer aided drafters have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Cadd Technician | Computer Aided Drafter | |
| Average salary | $53,449 | $43,520 |
| Salary range | Between $40,000 And $70,000 | Between $33,000 And $57,000 |
| Highest paying City | Rancho Cordova, CA | Kearny, NJ |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | Novartis | Johnson Controls |
| Best paying industry | Construction | Professional |
There are a few differences between a cadd technician and a computer aided drafter in terms of educational background:
| Cadd Technician | Computer Aided Drafter | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 58% | Associate Degree, 52% |
| Most common major | Drafting And Design | Drafting And Design |
| Most common college | Carnegie Mellon University | Carnegie Mellon University |
Here are the differences between cadd technicians' and computer aided drafters' demographics:
| Cadd Technician | Computer Aided Drafter | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 76.8% Female, 23.2% | Male, 74.2% Female, 25.8% |
| 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, 3.1% 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% |