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The differences between electrical drafters and computer aided design designers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both an electrical drafter and a computer aided design designer. Additionally, a computer aided design designer has an average salary of $60,150, which is higher than the $52,027 average annual salary of an electrical drafter.
The top three skills for an electrical drafter include autocad electrical, revit and design software. The most important skills for a computer aided design designer are auto cad, revit, and aided design.
| Electrical Drafter | Computer Aided Design Designer | |
| Yearly salary | $52,027 | $60,150 |
| Hourly rate | $25.01 | $28.92 |
| Growth rate | -3% | -3% |
| Number of jobs | 30,376 | 92,503 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 63% | Associate Degree, 45% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
An electrical drafter specializes in designing electrical wiring systems in coordination with engineers and architects, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities include performing extensive research and analysis, drawing detailed diagrams, examining sites and available resources, and establishing technical guidelines. They may also review installation diagrams and documentation, assist technicians, and address issues and concerns, resolving them promptly and efficiently. Furthermore, as an electrical drafter, it is essential to adhere to deadlines and goals, including the company's safety policies and regulations.
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.
Electrical drafters and computer aided design designers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Electrical Drafter | Computer Aided Design Designer | |
| Average salary | $52,027 | $60,150 |
| Salary range | Between $40,000 And $66,000 | Between $40,000 And $89,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Delaware | California |
| Best paying company | Stantec | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Utilities | Automotive |
There are a few differences between an electrical drafter and a computer aided design designer in terms of educational background:
| Electrical Drafter | Computer Aided Design Designer | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 63% | 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 electrical drafters' and computer aided design designers' demographics:
| Electrical Drafter | Computer Aided Design Designer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 72.8% Female, 27.2% | Male, 79.6% Female, 20.4% |
| Race ratio | 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% | 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% |