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The differences between computer aided design designers and mechanical designers 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 designer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a mechanical designer has an average salary of $62,541, 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 designer are mechanical design, revit, and auto cad.
| Computer Aided Design Designer | Mechanical Designer | |
| Yearly salary | $60,150 | $62,541 |
| Hourly rate | $28.92 | $30.07 |
| Growth rate | -3% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 92,503 | 65,748 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 45% | Associate Degree, 51% |
| 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 designer is responsible for designing mechanical equipment and devices, together with the engineers and other technology professionals. Mechanical designers create layouts following the clients' specifications, perform structural analysis, and analyze dimensions to ensure quality. They also inspect overall equipment performance and recommend adjustments as needed to improve its quality and boost optimization. Mechanical designers assist with installation and system upgrades, respond with the clients' inquiries and concerns, and escalate it to the appropriate personnel for resolution. A mechanical designer must have a strong knowledge of the mechanical and technology industry to build designs according to the highest standards.
Computer aided design designers and mechanical designers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Aided Design Designer | Mechanical Designer | |
| Average salary | $60,150 | $62,541 |
| Salary range | Between $40,000 And $89,000 | Between $46,000 And $83,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Meta | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Energy |
There are a few differences between a computer aided design designer and a mechanical designer in terms of educational background:
| Computer Aided Design Designer | Mechanical Designer | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 45% | Associate Degree, 51% |
| 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 mechanical designers' demographics:
| Computer Aided Design Designer | Mechanical Designer | |
| Average age | 45 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 79.6% Female, 20.4% | Male, 89.1% Female, 10.9% |
| 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, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 10.5% White, 72.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 5% |