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The differences between drafters and autocad 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 drafter and an autocad designer. Additionally, an autocad designer has an average salary of $55,786, 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 autocad designer are auto cad, revit, and civil engineering.
| Drafter | Autocad Designer | |
| Yearly salary | $43,542 | $55,786 |
| Hourly rate | $20.93 | $26.82 |
| Growth rate | -3% | -3% |
| Number of jobs | 3,968 | 46,459 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 57% | Bachelor's 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.
Typically working in the construction and manufacturing industry, an AutoCAD designer specializes in designing and developing 2D and 3D drawings using AutoCAD software. It is their duty to coordinate with architects and engineers to discuss ideas and project needs, create and prepare designs for client approval, generate models through the AutoCAD software, and prepare progress reports and presentations for the clients. Furthermore, as an AutoCAD designer, it is essential to adhere to the company's standards and regulations, especially the clients' vision.
Drafters and autocad designers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Drafter | Autocad Designer | |
| Average salary | $43,542 | $55,786 |
| Salary range | Between $33,000 And $56,000 | Between $40,000 And $76,000 |
| Highest paying City | Baltimore, MD | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | National Grid plc | Jacobs Engineering Group |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Construction |
There are a few differences between a drafter and an autocad designer in terms of educational background:
| Drafter | Autocad Designer | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 57% | Bachelor's 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 autocad designers' demographics:
| Drafter | Autocad Designer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 74.7% Female, 25.3% | Male, 78.1% Female, 21.9% |
| 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% |