Post job

Chief drafter vs structural drafter

The differences between chief drafters and structural 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 chief drafter and a structural drafter. Additionally, a structural drafter has an average salary of $48,536, which is higher than the $48,281 average annual salary of a chief drafter.

The top three skills for a chief drafter include autocad, design criteria and . The most important skills for a structural drafter are revit, shop drawings, and structural drawings.

Chief drafter vs structural drafter overview

Chief DrafterStructural Drafter
Yearly salary$48,281$48,536
Hourly rate$23.21$23.33
Growth rate-3%-3%
Number of jobs14,8554,685
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 43%Associate Degree, 63%
Average age4545
Years of experience1212

Chief drafter vs structural drafter salary

Chief drafters and structural drafters have different pay scales, as shown below.

Chief DrafterStructural Drafter
Average salary$48,281$48,536
Salary rangeBetween $34,000 And $68,000Between $36,000 And $64,000
Highest paying City-San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state-California
Best paying company-Jacobs Engineering Group
Best paying industry-Energy

Differences between chief drafter and structural drafter education

There are a few differences between a chief drafter and a structural drafter in terms of educational background:

Chief DrafterStructural Drafter
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 43%Associate Degree, 63%
Most common majorDrafting And DesignDrafting And Design
Most common collegeGeorgia Institute of TechnologyCarnegie Mellon University

Chief drafter vs structural drafter demographics

Here are the differences between chief drafters' and structural drafters' demographics:

Chief DrafterStructural Drafter
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 100.0% Female, 0.0%Male, 78.9% Female, 21.1%
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 chief drafter and structural drafter duties and responsibilities

Chief 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.

Structural drafter example responsibilities.

  • Create as-built AutoCAD and Revit structural drawings for existing conditions.
  • Create CNC nesting programs for wood, plastic, and graphics.
  • Create automated schedules, sections, views and plans from Revit database content.
  • Produce molding samples, analyze pressure & temperature control, CNC part programme adjustments.
  • Inspect electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, mold, insulation, damages, & conditions of the house.
  • Develop elevations with horizontal and vertical section detail drawings.
  • Show more

Chief drafter vs structural drafter skills

Common chief drafter skills
  • Autocad, 72%
  • Design Criteria, 28%
Common structural drafter skills
  • Revit, 25%
  • Shop Drawings, 11%
  • Structural Drawings, 8%
  • Elevations, 6%
  • BIM, 6%
  • Construction Drawings, 5%

Browse architecture and engineering jobs