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The differences between facility designers 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 facility designer, becoming a computer aided design designer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a facility designer has an average salary of $63,152, which is higher than the $60,150 average annual salary of a computer aided design designer.
The top three skills for a facility designer include revit, facilities design and space planning. The most important skills for a computer aided design designer are auto cad, revit, and aided design.
| Facility Designer | Computer Aided Design Designer | |
| Yearly salary | $63,152 | $60,150 |
| Hourly rate | $30.36 | $28.92 |
| Growth rate | 3% | -3% |
| Number of jobs | 50,714 | 92,503 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Associate Degree, 45% |
| Average age | 38 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 4 |
A facility designer specializes in developing establishment plans according to project requirements. Although the extent of their responsibilities varies on every project, it usually includes meeting with clients to conceptualize facility plans, conducting research and analysis, visiting sites to perform measurements and assessments, utilizing special tools and software, and coordinating with engineers and clients. Moreover, a facility designer typically works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.
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.
Facility designers and computer aided design designers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Facility Designer | Computer Aided Design Designer | |
| Average salary | $63,152 | $60,150 |
| Salary range | Between $46,000 And $85,000 | Between $40,000 And $89,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | California |
| Best paying company | Walmart | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Media | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a facility designer and a computer aided design designer in terms of educational background:
| Facility Designer | Computer Aided Design Designer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Associate Degree, 45% |
| Most common major | Interior Design | Drafting And Design |
| Most common college | Georgia Institute of Technology | LeTourneau University |
Here are the differences between facility designers' and computer aided design designers' demographics:
| Facility Designer | Computer Aided Design Designer | |
| Average age | 38 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 68.9% Female, 31.1% | Male, 79.6% Female, 20.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.4% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 10.6% Asian, 10.4% White, 70.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | 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 | 13% | 6% |