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The differences between computer aided design designers and design technicians 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 technician takes usually requires 8-10 years. Additionally, a design technician has an average salary of $62,288, 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 technician are revit, civil 3d, and aided design.
| Computer Aided Design Designer | Design Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $60,150 | $62,288 |
| Hourly rate | $28.92 | $29.95 |
| Growth rate | -3% | - |
| Number of jobs | 92,503 | 48,394 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 45% | Associate Degree, 46% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 10 |
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 technician's role revolves around conducting extensive research and analysis to determine a company's needs. The technician will develop system plans and collaborate with fellow technicians and engineers. There are also instances where a design technician has to craft presentations and hand in proposals, revising them when necessary. Furthermore, a design technician must produce progress reports, abide by managers' directions, and adhere to the company's policies and regulations.
Computer aided design designers and design technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Aided Design Designer | Design Technician | |
| Average salary | $60,150 | $62,288 |
| Salary range | Between $40,000 And $89,000 | Between $37,000 And $104,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | - |
There are a few differences between a computer aided design designer and a design technician in terms of educational background:
| Computer Aided Design Designer | Design Technician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 45% | Associate Degree, 46% |
| 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 design technicians' demographics:
| Computer Aided Design Designer | Design Technician | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 79.6% Female, 20.4% | Male, 71.8% Female, 28.2% |
| 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, 9.4% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.6% Asian, 8.7% White, 59.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |