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The differences between computer aided design designers and design engineers 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 engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a design engineer has an average salary of $77,134, which is higher than the $60,150 average annual salary of a computer aided design designer.
The top three skills for a computer aided design designer include auto cad, revit and aided design. The most important skills for a design engineer are C++, UL, and project management.
| Computer Aided Design Designer | Design Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $60,150 | $77,134 |
| Hourly rate | $28.92 | $37.08 |
| Growth rate | -3% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 92,503 | 138,173 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 45% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Average age | 45 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
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 engineer is responsible for creating systems and applications based on their expertise. Design engineers work through client specifications based on business needs. A design engineer also provides recommendations on improving existing systems to boost its performance and increase efficiency. Design engineers must have an excellent command of computer systems, programming codes, and technical data to ensure the system's stability and high-quality processes. A design engineer should also have strong analytical and time-management skills to perform tasks and meet deadlines.
Computer aided design designers and design engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Aided Design Designer | Design Engineer | |
| Average salary | $60,150 | $77,134 |
| Salary range | Between $40,000 And $89,000 | Between $57,000 And $102,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Technology |
There are a few differences between a computer aided design designer and a design engineer in terms of educational background:
| Computer Aided Design Designer | Design Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 45% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Drafting And Design | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | LeTourneau University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between computer aided design designers' and design engineers' demographics:
| Computer Aided Design Designer | Design Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 79.6% Female, 20.4% | Male, 88.9% Female, 11.1% |
| 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, 3.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 16.8% White, 67.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 5% |