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Draftsperson vs structural drafter

The differences between draftspeople 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 draftsperson and a structural drafter. Additionally, a structural drafter has an average salary of $48,536, which is higher than the $41,751 average annual salary of a draftsperson.

The top three skills for a draftsperson include revit, auto cad and construction drawings. The most important skills for a structural drafter are revit, shop drawings, and structural drawings.

Draftsperson vs structural drafter overview

DraftspersonStructural Drafter
Yearly salary$41,751$48,536
Hourly rate$20.07$23.33
Growth rate-3%-3%
Number of jobs1,4484,685
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 45%Associate Degree, 63%
Average age4545
Years of experience1212

Draftsperson vs structural drafter salary

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

DraftspersonStructural Drafter
Average salary$41,751$48,536
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $63,000Between $36,000 And $64,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYSan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateNew YorkCalifornia
Best paying companyBasin Electric Power CooperativeJacobs Engineering Group
Best paying industryTechnologyEnergy

Differences between draftsperson and structural drafter education

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

DraftspersonStructural Drafter
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 45%Associate Degree, 63%
Most common majorDrafting And DesignDrafting And Design
Most common collegeCarnegie Mellon UniversityCarnegie Mellon University

Draftsperson vs structural drafter demographics

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

DraftspersonStructural Drafter
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 51.8% Female, 48.2%Male, 78.9% Female, 21.1%
Race ratioBlack 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 Percentage6%6%

Differences between draftsperson and structural drafter duties and responsibilities

Draftsperson example responsibilities.

  • sketch 2D models , 3D models, manage drawing files etc .....
  • Manage the technical coordination between the structural and MEP engineers along with incorporating any owner relate changes in project scope.
  • Assist with updating architectural drawings, HVAC drawings, electrical drawings and contractor's 'as-built' drawings on an as-need basis.
  • Produce complex 3D models and 2D production drawings using SolidWorks and AutoCAD R14.
  • Prepare detail 3D drawings using Revit and other coordination software (Navisworks, Revizto) of HVAC mechanical piping systems.
  • Create TWD files for CNC output
  • Show more

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.
  • Show more

Draftsperson vs structural drafter skills

Common draftsperson skills
  • Revit, 17%
  • Auto CAD, 9%
  • Construction Drawings, 8%
  • Solidworks, 7%
  • Shop Drawings, 4%
  • HVAC, 4%
Common structural drafter skills
  • Revit, 25%
  • Shop Drawings, 11%
  • Structural Drawings, 8%
  • Elevations, 6%
  • BIM, 6%
  • Construction Drawings, 5%

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