Computer drafter vs architectural technician

The differences between computer drafters and architectural technicians 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 technician. Additionally, an architectural technician has an average salary of $83,667, 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 technician are sketch, revit, and construction drawings.

Computer drafter vs architectural technician overview

	Computer Drafter	Architectural Technician
Yearly salary	$43,522	$83,667
Hourly rate	$20.92	$40.22
Growth rate	-3%	-3%
Number of jobs	15,242	9,495
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 49%	Bachelor's Degree, 50%
Average age	45	45
Years of experience	12	12

Computer drafter vs architectural technician salary

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

	Computer Drafter	Architectural Technician
Average salary	$43,522	$83,667
Salary range	Between $31,000 And $60,000	Between $56,000 And $123,000
Highest paying City	-	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	-	California
Best paying company	-	Google
Best paying industry	-	Technology

Differences between computer drafter and architectural technician education

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

	Computer Drafter	Architectural Technician
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 49%	Bachelor's Degree, 50%
Most common major	Drafting And Design	Architecture
Most common college	Carnegie Mellon University	Carnegie Mellon University

Computer drafter vs architectural technician demographics

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

	Computer Drafter	Architectural Technician
Average age	45	45
Gender ratio	Male, 68.8% Female, 31.2%	Male, 78.5% Female, 21.5%
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 drafter and architectural technician 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 technician example responsibilities.

Lead the development of BIM modeling content for the architecture team as a direct report to the executive and lead architects.
Train employees on Revit basics and provide AutoCad support.
Work with architects and project managers to produce 3d models and detail drawings for various types of large facilities using Revit.
Prepare and administer construction documents MEP and blue prints using computer assist draw software and other computer applications.
Edit and render high quality video animation to provide the story frame-by-frame of modeling and surroundings.

Computer drafter vs architectural technician skills

Common computer drafter skills

Cadd, 45%
Auto-Cad, 14%
Computer Drawings, 11%
Shop Drawings, 8%
CNC, 7%
As-Built Drawings, 6%

Common architectural technician skills

Sketch, 30%
Revit, 23%
Construction Drawings, 8%
BIM, 5%
Design Development, 5%
Architectural Drawings, 4%

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Computer Drafter vs Architectural Technician

Updated January 8, 2025

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