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The differences between computer aided design designers and architectural designers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a computer aided design designer, becoming an architectural designer takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a computer aided design designer has an average salary of $60,150, which is higher than the $59,122 average annual salary of an architectural designer.
The top three skills for a computer aided design designer include auto cad, revit and aided design. The most important skills for an architectural designer are sketch, sketchup, and BIM.
| Computer Aided Design Designer | Architectural Designer | |
| Yearly salary | $60,150 | $59,122 |
| Hourly rate | $28.92 | $28.42 |
| Growth rate | -3% | -3% |
| Number of jobs | 92,503 | 54,358 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 45% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 12 |
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.
An Architectural Designer is specialized in planning and designing structures/urban landscapes. They ensure that company policies and standards are maintained when providing services to clients.
Computer aided design designers and architectural designers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Aided Design Designer | Architectural Designer | |
| Average salary | $60,150 | $59,122 |
| Salary range | Between $40,000 And $89,000 | Between $45,000 And $77,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | California | Vermont |
| Best paying company | Meta | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Professional |
There are a few differences between a computer aided design designer and an architectural designer in terms of educational background:
| Computer Aided Design Designer | Architectural Designer | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 45% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Most common major | Drafting And Design | Architecture |
| Most common college | LeTourneau University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between computer aided design designers' and architectural designers' demographics:
| Computer Aided Design Designer | Architectural Designer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 79.6% Female, 20.4% | Male, 70.1% Female, 29.9% |
| Race ratio | 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% | 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% |