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The differences between civil engineering 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 civil engineering 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 $53,829 average annual salary of a civil engineering technician.
The top three skills for a civil engineering technician include civil 3d, asphalt and construction sites. The most important skills for a computer aided design designer are auto cad, revit, and aided design.
| Civil Engineering Technician | Computer Aided Design Designer | |
| Yearly salary | $53,829 | $60,150 |
| Hourly rate | $25.88 | $28.92 |
| Growth rate | - | -3% |
| Number of jobs | 75,756 | 92,503 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 44% | Associate Degree, 45% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 10 | 4 |
A civil engineering technician assists civil engineers in planning, designing, and constructing bridges, highways, and other infrastructure projects. Civil engineering technicians typically work under the leadership of licensed civil engineers. They focus on construction projects for industrial, development, residential, and commercial infrastructure. It is imperative for them to have a better understanding and work with systems associated with construction projects. They should be equipped with knowledge of engineering, construction, and reading skills.
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.
Civil engineering technicians and computer aided design designers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Civil Engineering Technician | Computer Aided Design Designer | |
| Average salary | $53,829 | $60,150 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $78,000 | Between $40,000 And $89,000 |
| Highest paying City | Santa Rosa, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | City of Los Angeles | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a civil engineering technician and a computer aided design designer in terms of educational background:
| Civil Engineering Technician | Computer Aided Design Designer | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 44% | Associate Degree, 45% |
| Most common major | Civil Engineering | Drafting And Design |
| Most common college | Carnegie Mellon University | LeTourneau University |
Here are the differences between civil engineering technicians' and computer aided design designers' demographics:
| Civil Engineering Technician | Computer Aided Design Designer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 82.5% Female, 17.5% | Male, 79.6% Female, 20.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.7% Asian, 7.5% White, 60.8% 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% |