Computer drafter vs structural drafter

The differences between computer drafters and structural 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 a structural drafter. Additionally, a structural drafter has an average salary of $48,536, 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 a structural drafter are revit, shop drawings, and structural drawings.

Computer drafter vs structural drafter overview

	Computer Drafter	Structural Drafter
Yearly salary	$43,522	$48,536
Hourly rate	$20.92	$23.33
Growth rate	-3%	-3%
Number of jobs	15,242	4,685
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 49%	Associate Degree, 63%
Average age	45	45
Years of experience	12	12

Computer drafter vs structural drafter salary

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

	Computer Drafter	Structural Drafter
Average salary	$43,522	$48,536
Salary range	Between $31,000 And $60,000	Between $36,000 And $64,000
Highest paying City	-	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	-	California
Best paying company	-	Jacobs Engineering Group
Best paying industry	-	Energy

Differences between computer drafter and structural drafter education

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

	Computer Drafter	Structural Drafter
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 49%	Associate Degree, 63%
Most common major	Drafting And Design	Drafting And Design
Most common college	Carnegie Mellon University	Carnegie Mellon University

Computer drafter vs structural drafter demographics

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

	Computer Drafter	Structural Drafter
Average age	45	45
Gender ratio	Male, 68.8% Female, 31.2%	Male, 78.9% Female, 21.1%
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 structural 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.

Structural drafter example responsibilities.

Create as-built AutoCAD and Revit structural drawings for existing conditions.
Create CNC nesting programs for wood, plastic, and graphics.
Create automated schedules, sections, views and plans from Revit database content.
Produce molding samples, analyze pressure & temperature control, CNC part programme adjustments.
Inspect electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, mold, insulation, damages, & conditions of the house.
Develop elevations with horizontal and vertical section detail drawings.

Computer drafter vs structural drafter skills

Common computer drafter skills

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

Common structural drafter skills

Revit, 25%
Shop Drawings, 11%
Structural Drawings, 8%
Elevations, 6%
BIM, 6%
Construction Drawings, 5%