CAD & BIM roles compared
Every role on the board, with what it pays in 2026, the software it needs and where it leads. Figures are TaskBider estimates from listings and offers collected in Q1 2026.
| Role | Annual (USD) | Hourly (USD) | Core software |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIM Manager | $90,000–$155,000 | $65–$130 | Revit, Navisworks, BIM 360 / ACC |
| BIM Coordinator | $72,000–$125,000 | $55–$110 | Revit, Navisworks, BIM 360 / ACC |
| BIM Modeler | $48,000–$88,000 | $35–$70 | Revit, ArchiCAD, Navisworks |
| CAD Drafter | $34,000–$62,000 | $22–$48 | AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit |
| Structural Detailer | $52,000–$95,000 | $38–$80 | Tekla Structures, Revit, Advance Steel |
| MEP Modeler | $52,000–$98,000 | $40–$85 | Revit MEP, Navisworks, AutoCAD MEP |
| Civil Designer | $55,000–$105,000 | $40–$90 | Civil 3D, AutoCAD, InfraWorks |
| Mechanical Designer | $48,000–$95,000 | $32–$80 | SolidWorks, Inventor, Fusion 360 |
| 3D Visualizer | $40,000–$85,000 | $28–$75 | 3ds Max, V-Ray / Corona, Lumion |
| Architectural Technician | $42,000–$80,000 | $30–$68 | Revit, ArchiCAD, AutoCAD |
BIM Manager
BIM Managers own company-wide standards, templates, training and digital delivery across every project, not just one model.
BIM Coordinator
BIM Coordinators own model federation, clash resolution and information delivery on construction projects.
BIM Modeler
BIM Modelers produce discipline-specific Revit models — architecture, structure or MEP — from design intent.
CAD Drafter
CAD Drafters turn engineering sketches into precise 2D construction drawings, mostly in AutoCAD.
Structural Detailer
Structural Detailers produce shop drawings for steel, concrete and precast — often in Tekla or Revit.
MEP Modeler
MEP Modelers handle mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems in Revit MEP for coordinated buildings.
Civil Designer
Civil Designers model corridors, grading, drainage and utilities in Civil 3D for infrastructure and site-development packages.
Mechanical Designer
Mechanical Designers build parts, assemblies and manufacturing drawings in SolidWorks or Inventor for fabrication.
3D Visualizer
3D Visualizers turn CAD and BIM models into photoreal stills and walkthroughs in 3ds Max, Lumion or Enscape.
Architectural Technician
Architectural Technicians produce the construction documentation set — plans, sections, details and schedules — in Revit or ArchiCAD.
Want the country-by-country breakdown in local currency? See the 2026 CAD & BIM rate comparison.