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The differences between electrical drafters and electrical engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become an electrical drafter, becoming an electrical engineer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an electrical engineer has an average salary of $81,026, 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 an electrical engineer are autocad, electrical systems, and UL.
| Electrical Drafter | Electrical Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $52,027 | $81,026 |
| Hourly rate | $25.01 | $38.95 |
| Growth rate | -3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 30,376 | 68,536 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
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.
Electrical engineers are responsible for designing and developing new electrical systems, solving issues, and testing equipment. They work on various technologies, including telecommunication systems, satellite communications, and electrical power stations. Electrical engineers study and apply the mathematics and physics of electromagnetism, electronics, and electricity to small and large-scale electrical systems to transmit energy and process information. They often work with all types of electronic devices, such as supercomputers and power transmission. They also work in the emerging field of microelectronics.
Electrical drafters and electrical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Electrical Drafter | Electrical Engineer | |
| Average salary | $52,027 | $81,026 |
| Salary range | Between $40,000 And $66,000 | Between $59,000 And $109,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Redmond, WA |
| Highest paying state | Delaware | Washington |
| Best paying company | Stantec | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Utilities | Technology |
There are a few differences between an electrical drafter and an electrical engineer in terms of educational background:
| Electrical Drafter | Electrical Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Most common major | Drafting And Design | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Carnegie Mellon University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between electrical drafters' and electrical engineers' demographics:
| Electrical Drafter | Electrical Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 72.8% Female, 27.2% | Male, 90.0% Female, 10.0% |
| 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, 4.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 16.2% White, 63.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |