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The differences between drafters and computer aided design designers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a drafter, becoming a computer aided design designer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a computer aided design designer has an average salary of $60,150, 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 a computer aided design designer are auto cad, revit, and aided design.
| Drafter | Computer Aided Design Designer | |
| Yearly salary | $43,542 | $60,150 |
| Hourly rate | $20.93 | $28.92 |
| Growth rate | -3% | -3% |
| Number of jobs | 3,968 | 92,503 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 57% | Associate Degree, 45% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 4 |
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.
A computer-aided design (CAD) designer is responsible for creating plan outlines and project designs for a specific business need. A CAD designer utilizes various technologies and software applications to generate graphic illustrations. CAD designers must have strong knowledge of the technology designs, software management, engineering standards, and the construction industry fundamentals. CAD designers label their works with appropriate dimensions and specifications, performing necessary adjustments to meet the clients' needs. A CAD designer requires excellent critical-thinking and analytical skills to manage design structures and creative solutions.
Drafters and computer aided design designers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Drafter | Computer Aided Design Designer | |
| Average salary | $43,542 | $60,150 |
| Salary range | Between $33,000 And $56,000 | Between $40,000 And $89,000 |
| Highest paying City | Baltimore, MD | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | California |
| Best paying company | National Grid plc | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a drafter and a computer aided design designer in terms of educational background:
| Drafter | Computer Aided Design Designer | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 57% | Associate Degree, 45% |
| Most common major | Drafting And Design | Drafting And Design |
| Most common college | Carnegie Mellon University | LeTourneau University |
Here are the differences between drafters' and computer aided design designers' demographics:
| Drafter | Computer Aided Design Designer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 74.7% Female, 25.3% | Male, 79.6% Female, 20.4% |
| 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, 3.0% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 13.1% Asian, 5.7% White, 73.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |