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The differences between computer aided design designers and computer aided drafters 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 a computer aided drafter takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a computer aided design designer has an average salary of $60,150, which is higher than the $43,520 average annual salary of a computer aided drafter.
The top three skills for a computer aided design designer include auto cad, revit and aided design. The most important skills for a computer aided drafter are cad standards, revit, and aided design.
| Computer Aided Design Designer | Computer Aided Drafter | |
| Yearly salary | $60,150 | $43,520 |
| Hourly rate | $28.92 | $20.92 |
| Growth rate | -3% | -3% |
| Number of jobs | 92,503 | 16,907 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 45% | Associate Degree, 52% |
| 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.
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.
Computer aided design designers and computer aided drafters have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Aided Design Designer | Computer Aided Drafter | |
| Average salary | $60,150 | $43,520 |
| Salary range | Between $40,000 And $89,000 | Between $33,000 And $57,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Kearny, NJ |
| Highest paying state | California | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | Meta | Johnson Controls |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Professional |
There are a few differences between a computer aided design designer and a computer aided drafter in terms of educational background:
| Computer Aided Design Designer | Computer Aided Drafter | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 45% | Associate Degree, 52% |
| Most common major | Drafting And Design | Drafting And Design |
| Most common college | LeTourneau University | Carnegie Mellon University |
Here are the differences between computer aided design designers' and computer aided drafters' demographics:
| Computer Aided Design Designer | Computer Aided Drafter | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 79.6% Female, 20.4% | Male, 74.2% Female, 25.8% |
| 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% |