Computer aided drafter vs autocad operator

The differences between computer aided drafters and autocad operators 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 operator. Additionally, an autocad operator has an average salary of $44,278, 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 operator are shop drawings, plumbing, and HVAC.

Computer aided drafter vs autocad operator overview

	Computer Aided Drafter	Autocad Operator
Yearly salary	$43,520	$44,278
Hourly rate	$20.92	$21.29
Growth rate	-3%	-3%
Number of jobs	16,907	27,082
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 52%	Bachelor's Degree, 45%
Average age	45	45
Years of experience	12	12

Computer aided drafter vs autocad operator salary

Computer aided drafters and autocad operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Computer Aided Drafter	Autocad Operator
Average salary	$43,520	$44,278
Salary range	Between $33,000 And $57,000	Between $31,000 And $62,000
Highest paying City	Kearny, NJ	-
Highest paying state	New Jersey	-
Best paying company	Johnson Controls	-
Best paying industry	Professional	-

Differences between computer aided drafter and autocad operator education

There are a few differences between a computer aided drafter and an autocad operator in terms of educational background:

	Computer Aided Drafter	Autocad Operator
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

Computer aided drafter vs autocad operator demographics

Here are the differences between computer aided drafters' and autocad operators' demographics:

	Computer Aided Drafter	Autocad Operator
Average age	45	45
Gender ratio	Male, 74.2% Female, 25.8%	Male, 77.2% Female, 22.8%
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%

Differences between computer aided drafter and autocad operator duties and responsibilities

Computer aided drafter example responsibilities.

Clean up architectural drawings to bare walls, convert layers and add masonry reinforcements to walls, doors and windows.
Used VBA to program business tools.
Create detail blue prints for jigs to be build for production.
Translate REVIT (BIM) files into AutoCAD-ready files from contract architect.
Create PowerPoint presentations to introduce the flows of the conveyor belt systems.
Conduct field and sketch analysis to determine the most effective approach for plan development.

Autocad operator example responsibilities.

Manage Autodesk accounts and train drafters and field crews as well.
Incorporate HVAC construction drawings into coordination drawings
Provide Revit MEP training for employees.
Download data points to GIS software.
Assist with setting up Revit projects.
Expose to CNC machining and assist in programming them.

Computer aided drafter vs autocad operator skills

Common computer aided drafter skills

CAD Standards, 9%
Revit, 7%
Aided Design, 6%
CAD Drawings, 5%
Shop Drawings, 4%
Autocad Release, 4%

Common autocad operator skills

Shop Drawings, 10%
Plumbing, 8%
HVAC, 7%
Auto CAD, 7%
CNC, 6%
As-Built Drawings, 6%

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Computer Aided Drafter
Computer Aided Drafter vs Autocad Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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