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The differences between computer aided design designers and draftsmen can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a computer aided design designer and a draftsman. Additionally, a computer aided design designer has an average salary of $60,150, which is higher than the $42,908 average annual salary of a draftsman.
The top three skills for a computer aided design designer include auto cad, revit and aided design. The most important skills for a draftsman are autocad lt, auto cad, and layout drawings.
| Computer Aided Design Designer | Draftsman | |
| Yearly salary | $60,150 | $42,908 |
| Hourly rate | $28.92 | $20.63 |
| Growth rate | -3% | -3% |
| Number of jobs | 92,503 | 3,143 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 45% | Associate Degree, 47% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
Draftsmen are professionals with expertise in computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) drawings. They perform similar tasks as architects, such as preparing CADD drawings. They typically specialize in different areas, including construction, architecture, or civil engineering. They also prepare drawings for manufacturing. These drawings include technical specifications and details such as dimensions, procedures, and materials. Draftsmen also utilize technical handbooks, tables, and calculators, in addition to CADD. Employers often prefer a draftsman with drafting training, which you can obtain from community colleges or technical institutes.
Computer aided design designers and draftsmen have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Aided Design Designer | Draftsman | |
| Average salary | $60,150 | $42,908 |
| Salary range | Between $40,000 And $89,000 | Between $30,000 And $59,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Alameda, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | NV Energy |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Finance |
There are a few differences between a computer aided design designer and a draftsman in terms of educational background:
| Computer Aided Design Designer | Draftsman | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 45% | Associate Degree, 47% |
| Most common major | Drafting And Design | Drafting And Design |
| Most common college | LeTourneau University | SUNY College of Technology at Alfred |
Here are the differences between computer aided design designers' and draftsmen' demographics:
| Computer Aided Design Designer | Draftsman | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 79.6% Female, 20.4% | Male, 91.0% Female, 9.0% |
| 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, 3.0% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 13.1% Asian, 5.7% White, 73.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |