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The differences between computer aided design designers and design coordinators 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 design coordinator takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a computer aided design designer has an average salary of $60,150, which is higher than the $53,594 average annual salary of a design coordinator.
The top three skills for a computer aided design designer include auto cad, revit and aided design. The most important skills for a design coordinator are revit, sketch, and BIM.
| Computer Aided Design Designer | Design Coordinator | |
| Yearly salary | $60,150 | $53,594 |
| Hourly rate | $28.92 | $25.77 |
| Growth rate | -3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 92,503 | 57,107 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 45% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Average age | 45 | 38 |
| 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 design coordinator is responsible for collating and analyzing designs for construction that meet business requirements and budget limitations. Design coordinators create expenses forecasting by identifying the resources and materials to be used and the estimated duration for project deliverables. They also coordinate with the clients to share progress updates and modify plans as needed according to specifications. A design coordinator negotiates contract offers with suppliers and third-party vendors, minimize excessive costings, and ensure high-quality outputs.
Computer aided design designers and design coordinators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Aided Design Designer | Design Coordinator | |
| Average salary | $60,150 | $53,594 |
| Salary range | Between $40,000 And $89,000 | Between $38,000 And $74,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Meta | Jacobs Engineering Group |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Technology |
There are a few differences between a computer aided design designer and a design coordinator in terms of educational background:
| Computer Aided Design Designer | Design Coordinator | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 45% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Most common major | Drafting And Design | Graphic Design |
| Most common college | LeTourneau University | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between computer aided design designers' and design coordinators' demographics:
| Computer Aided Design Designer | Design Coordinator | |
| Average age | 45 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 79.6% Female, 20.4% | Male, 44.7% Female, 55.3% |
| 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, 3.4% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 10.6% Asian, 10.4% White, 70.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 13% |