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The differences between computer aided drafters and architectural drafters can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a computer aided drafter and an architectural drafter. Additionally, an architectural drafter has an average salary of $49,944, which is higher than the $43,520 average annual salary of a computer aided drafter.
The top three skills for a computer aided drafter include cad standards, revit and aided design. The most important skills for an architectural drafter are revit, construction drawings, and architectural drawings.
| Computer Aided Drafter | Architectural Drafter | |
| Yearly salary | $43,520 | $49,944 |
| Hourly rate | $20.92 | $24.01 |
| Growth rate | -3% | -3% |
| Number of jobs | 16,907 | 7,139 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 52% | Associate Degree, 45% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
A computer-aided drafter is responsible for creating designs, usually for industrial manufacturing and construction projects, using computer-aided software systems and applications. Computer-aided drafters should have excellent command in programming languages and navigating computer system codes to develop a technical output, following the clients' specifications and business requirements. They also work closely with design engineers to discuss dimensions, costs, materials, and production processes. A computer-aided drafter must be highly communicative and organizational, incorporating all the schematics, developing operational manuals, and performing draft adjustment as needed.
Architectural drafters are skilled professionals who work alongside architects and engineers to craft technical drawings of construction projects. They use computer software to render technical models of designs made by architects. They create these designs in great detail to ensure that everything is captured perfectly. Architectural drafters may specialize in different design areas, such as building or infrastructure type and materials used for construction. Architectural drafters need to visit the site for a better appreciation of the project. They may also use this time to coordinate with engineers and architects.
Computer aided drafters and architectural drafters have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Aided Drafter | Architectural Drafter | |
| Average salary | $43,520 | $49,944 |
| Salary range | Between $33,000 And $57,000 | Between $37,000 And $65,000 |
| Highest paying City | Kearny, NJ | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | Johnson Controls | Rafael Viñoly Architects |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Professional |
There are a few differences between a computer aided drafter and an architectural drafter in terms of educational background:
| Computer Aided Drafter | Architectural Drafter | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 52% | Associate Degree, 45% |
| Most common major | Drafting And Design | Drafting And Design |
| Most common college | Carnegie Mellon University | Carnegie Mellon University |
Here are the differences between computer aided drafters' and architectural drafters' demographics:
| Computer Aided Drafter | Architectural Drafter | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 74.2% Female, 25.8% | Male, 68.0% Female, 32.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.1% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 11.7% Asian, 7.0% White, 72.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | Black or African American, 3.1% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 11.7% Asian, 7.0% White, 72.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |