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The differences between computer aided design designers and mechanical 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 mechanical design engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a mechanical design engineer has an average salary of $75,821, 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 mechanical design engineer are CAD, mechanical design, and GD.
| Computer Aided Design Designer | Mechanical Design Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $60,150 | $75,821 |
| Hourly rate | $28.92 | $36.45 |
| Growth rate | -3% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 92,503 | 120,258 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 45% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| 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 mechanical design engineer specializes in designing various mechanical devices that will be vital in developing machinery or large structures. One of their primary responsibilities revolves around conducting thorough research and analysis, establishing layouts and prototypes, producing progress reports, and working alongside fellow engineers and skilled professionals. Typically assigned in an office setting, a mechanical design engineer must visit construction sites or factories to test and observe equipment qualities. Furthermore, during production, there are instances when a mechanical engineer must coordinate with suppliers, contractors, and clients.
Computer aided design designers and mechanical design engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Aided Design Designer | Mechanical Design Engineer | |
| Average salary | $60,150 | $75,821 |
| Salary range | Between $40,000 And $89,000 | Between $59,000 And $96,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a computer aided design designer and a mechanical design engineer in terms of educational background:
| Computer Aided Design Designer | Mechanical Design Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 45% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| 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 mechanical design engineers' demographics:
| Computer Aided Design Designer | Mechanical Design Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 79.6% Female, 20.4% | Male, 91.9% Female, 8.1% |
| 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, 16.4% White, 67.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 5% |