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The differences between computer aided drafters and autocad designers 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 autocad designer. Additionally, an autocad designer has an average salary of $55,786, 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 autocad designer are auto cad, revit, and civil engineering.
| Computer Aided Drafter | Autocad Designer | |
| Yearly salary | $43,520 | $55,786 |
| Hourly rate | $20.92 | $26.82 |
| Growth rate | -3% | -3% |
| Number of jobs | 16,907 | 46,459 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 52% | Bachelor's 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.
Typically working in the construction and manufacturing industry, an AutoCAD designer specializes in designing and developing 2D and 3D drawings using AutoCAD software. It is their duty to coordinate with architects and engineers to discuss ideas and project needs, create and prepare designs for client approval, generate models through the AutoCAD software, and prepare progress reports and presentations for the clients. Furthermore, as an AutoCAD designer, it is essential to adhere to the company's standards and regulations, especially the clients' vision.
Computer aided drafters and autocad designers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Aided Drafter | Autocad Designer | |
| Average salary | $43,520 | $55,786 |
| Salary range | Between $33,000 And $57,000 | Between $40,000 And $76,000 |
| Highest paying City | Kearny, NJ | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | Johnson Controls | Jacobs Engineering Group |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Construction |
There are a few differences between a computer aided drafter and an autocad designer in terms of educational background:
| Computer Aided Drafter | Autocad Designer | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 52% | Bachelor's 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 autocad designers' demographics:
| Computer Aided Drafter | Autocad Designer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 74.2% Female, 25.8% | Male, 78.1% Female, 21.9% |
| 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% |