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The differences between 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 drafter and a structural drafter. Additionally, a structural drafter has an average salary of $48,536, 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 structural drafter are revit, shop drawings, and structural drawings.
| Drafter | Structural Drafter | |
| Yearly salary | $43,542 | $48,536 |
| Hourly rate | $20.93 | $23.33 |
| Growth rate | -3% | -3% |
| Number of jobs | 3,968 | 4,685 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 57% | Associate Degree, 63% |
| 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.
A structural drafter creates technical drawings, plans, and cost estimations. They prepare guidelines and for building bridges, lodges, and manufacturing plants. They typically work for construction companies, transportation firms, or manufacturing firms. They prepare drafts, present them to clients, and complete any revisions requested.
Drafters and structural drafters have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Drafter | Structural Drafter | |
| Average salary | $43,542 | $48,536 |
| Salary range | Between $33,000 And $56,000 | Between $36,000 And $64,000 |
| Highest paying City | Baltimore, MD | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | California |
| Best paying company | National Grid plc | Jacobs Engineering Group |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Energy |
There are a few differences between a drafter and a structural drafter in terms of educational background:
| Drafter | Structural Drafter | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 57% | Associate Degree, 63% |
| 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 structural drafters' demographics:
| Drafter | Structural Drafter | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 74.7% Female, 25.3% | 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% |