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The differences between 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 drafter and an architectural drafter. Additionally, an architectural drafter has an average salary of $49,944, which is higher than the $43,542 average annual salary of a drafter.
The top three skills for a drafter include layout drawings, aided design and revit. The most important skills for an architectural drafter are revit, construction drawings, and architectural drawings.
| Drafter | Architectural Drafter | |
| Yearly salary | $43,542 | $49,944 |
| Hourly rate | $20.93 | $24.01 |
| Growth rate | -3% | -3% |
| Number of jobs | 3,968 | 7,139 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 57% | Associate Degree, 45% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
The duties of a drafter vary on one's line of work or industry of employment. In the information technology setting, a drafter specializes in creating a three-dimensional model for software and other applications upon gathering details and specifications from designers and other personnel. A drafter usually works with a team and is supervised by a manager or a more experienced colleague. Furthermore, it is essential to coordinate with the team involved, all while adhering to the policies and standards of the company.
Architectural drafters are skilled professionals who work alongside architects and engineers to craft technical drawings of construction projects. They use computer software to render technical models of designs made by architects. They create these designs in great detail to ensure that everything is captured perfectly. Architectural drafters may specialize in different design areas, such as building or infrastructure type and materials used for construction. Architectural drafters need to visit the site for a better appreciation of the project. They may also use this time to coordinate with engineers and architects.
Drafters and architectural drafters have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Drafter | Architectural Drafter | |
| Average salary | $43,542 | $49,944 |
| Salary range | Between $33,000 And $56,000 | Between $37,000 And $65,000 |
| Highest paying City | Baltimore, MD | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | National Grid plc | Rafael Viñoly Architects |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Professional |
There are a few differences between a drafter and an architectural drafter in terms of educational background:
| Drafter | Architectural Drafter | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 57% | Associate Degree, 45% |
| Most common major | Drafting And Design | Drafting And Design |
| Most common college | Carnegie Mellon University | Carnegie Mellon University |
Here are the differences between drafters' and architectural drafters' demographics:
| Drafter | Architectural Drafter | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 74.7% Female, 25.3% | Male, 68.0% Female, 32.0% |
| 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% |