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Computer drafter vs architectural drafter

The differences between computer 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 drafter and an architectural drafter. Additionally, an architectural drafter has an average salary of $49,944, 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 drafter are revit, construction drawings, and architectural drawings.

Computer drafter vs architectural drafter overview

Computer DrafterArchitectural Drafter
Yearly salary$43,522$49,944
Hourly rate$20.92$24.01
Growth rate-3%-3%
Number of jobs15,2427,139
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 49%Associate Degree, 45%
Average age4545
Years of experience1212

Computer drafter vs architectural drafter salary

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

Computer DrafterArchitectural Drafter
Average salary$43,522$49,944
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $60,000Between $37,000 And $65,000
Highest paying City-Washington, DC
Highest paying state-Rhode Island
Best paying company-Rafael Viñoly Architects
Best paying industry-Professional

Differences between computer drafter and architectural drafter education

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

Computer DrafterArchitectural Drafter
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 49%Associate Degree, 45%
Most common majorDrafting And DesignDrafting And Design
Most common collegeCarnegie Mellon UniversityCarnegie Mellon University

Computer drafter vs architectural drafter demographics

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

Computer DrafterArchitectural Drafter
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 68.8% Female, 31.2%Male, 68.0% Female, 32.0%
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 drafter 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 drafter example responsibilities.

  • Lead the development of BIM modeling content for the architecture team as a direct report to the executive and lead architects.
  • Prepare plumbing schematics and as-built.
  • Utilize AutoCAD 2005 and MicroStation V8.
  • Operate Microstation SE and Microstation V8.
  • Demonstrate expertise in building code, lighting, MEP.
  • Translate the client's briefs into sketch plans for client approval.
  • Show more

Computer drafter vs architectural drafter skills

Common computer drafter skills
  • Cadd, 45%
  • Auto-Cad, 14%
  • Computer Drawings, 11%
  • Shop Drawings, 8%
  • CNC, 7%
  • As-Built Drawings, 6%
Common architectural drafter skills
  • Revit, 28%
  • Construction Drawings, 11%
  • Architectural Drawings, 7%
  • Shop Drawings, 6%
  • Sketch, 6%
  • Building Codes, 6%

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