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Computer drafter vs architectural designer

The differences between computer drafters and architectural 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 drafter and an architectural designer. Additionally, an architectural designer has an average salary of $59,122, which is higher than the $43,522 average annual salary of a computer drafter.

The top three skills for a computer drafter include cadd, auto-cad and computer drawings. The most important skills for an architectural designer are sketch, sketchup, and BIM.

Computer drafter vs architectural designer overview

Computer DrafterArchitectural Designer
Yearly salary$43,522$59,122
Hourly rate$20.92$28.42
Growth rate-3%-3%
Number of jobs15,24254,358
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Average age4545
Years of experience1212

Computer drafter vs architectural designer salary

Computer drafters and architectural designers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Computer DrafterArchitectural Designer
Average salary$43,522$59,122
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $60,000Between $45,000 And $77,000
Highest paying City-Washington, DC
Highest paying state-Vermont
Best paying company-Apple
Best paying industry-Professional

Differences between computer drafter and architectural designer education

There are a few differences between a computer drafter and an architectural designer in terms of educational background:

Computer DrafterArchitectural Designer
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most common majorDrafting And DesignArchitecture
Most common collegeCarnegie Mellon UniversityMassachusetts Institute of Technology

Computer drafter vs architectural designer demographics

Here are the differences between computer drafters' and architectural designers' demographics:

Computer DrafterArchitectural Designer
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 68.8% Female, 31.2%Male, 70.1% Female, 29.9%
Race ratioBlack 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 Percentage6%6%

Differences between computer drafter and architectural designer duties and responsibilities

Computer drafter example responsibilities.

  • Manage the design history of 3D part models, assemblies, and drawings using PDM software.
  • Render complete assemblies of conveyor systems to customer's specifications using SolidWorks.
  • Purchase and coordinate specific project materials such as custom metal roofing and custom windows for over-seas contractors.
  • Work perform in PDMS Design/Draft and AutoCAD r.2006.

Architectural designer example responsibilities.

  • Manage in- house projects and AutoCAD drawings.
  • Manage design and coordinate construction of grind up, interior finish, conversions and remodel projects.
  • Lead the development of BIM modeling content for the architecture team as a direct report to the executive and lead architects.
  • Submit drawings to OSHPD for approval.
  • Submit & review OSHPD back check comments.
  • Participate in sustainable practices for leer certified projects.
  • Show more

Computer drafter vs architectural designer skills

Common computer drafter skills
  • Cadd, 45%
  • Auto-Cad, 14%
  • Computer Drawings, 11%
  • Shop Drawings, 8%
  • CNC, 7%
  • As-Built Drawings, 6%
Common architectural designer skills
  • Sketch, 15%
  • SketchUp, 7%
  • BIM, 6%
  • Architectural Design, 6%
  • Building Codes, 5%
  • Construction Drawings, 4%

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