CAD Salary Survey
This is our 11th anniversary year!
To gain insights into the priorities of CAD professionals in the UK, we conducted a survey of over 3,000 CAD staff.
To find out what matters most to CAD Designers, we asked 15 questions.
- Check My Salary -
The average salary has increased by 7.2% from £35,250 in 2022 to £37,889 in 2023. The largest increase we have ever seen.
Salary is still the most significant factor for candidates. When considering a new role, 39% of CAD staff say it is a key motivator.
- Payrise -
We asked, have you been offered a significant pay rise this year. A resounding 84% of respondents have not.
- Changing Jobs -
41% of candidates are currently consider changing jobs. 26% of candidates would consider changing jobs too.
- Deciding Factors -
Why do candidates change jobs?
Salary still remains the leading factor (39%) in a candidates decision to move roles.Â
It is still clear that hybrid working and flexible hours continue to be an important consideration post Covid. We know that 65% of candidates are looking to work at least one day from home.
General working environment and training opportunities are still important with over 20% of candidates listing them as deciding factors.
- Software -
There is still a continued reliance on AutoCAD but surprisingly, Revit continues to play an important role, especially in the construction sector.
Interestingly, we continue to see a slight move away from SolidWorks towards Autodesk Inventor.
- Job Security -
How secure do you feel in your current role?Â
- Training -
Have you been offered job related training for the CAD software you use?
- Location -
This year has remained similar to last. Only some very small changes overall. We have seen a 2% decrease in candidates living in the North West and a 3% rise for candidates in the Midlands.
The major shifts from 2020 and 2021 seem to have settled.
London and the South East still make up over 40% of candidates.
- Stress at Work -
Very similar to most years, CAD staff continue to feel stress at work. Deadlines come with the territory but 19% of candidates feel there is too much workplace pressure.
16% of candidates feel there is no pressure on deadlines in their role.
- Work From Home -
How many days a week are you happy to work in the office? With more CAD staff saying flexible working conditions are a main driver for them looking at changing roles, it is no surprise to see 65% of candidates want at least some working from home.
- Age -
This year we continue to see an increase of candidates aged 25 to 34.
Last year, we noticed an increase of Junior candidates and this trend has continued.
The increased feeling of job security, along with pay rises, should see this number continue to grow as the industry remains an excellent option for graduates and apprenticeships alike.
- Job Appreciation -
The CAD sector continues to be well appreciated. With over 78% of candidates feeling appreciated in their role. This is slightly down from 84% last year. This has mainly come from the ‘Quite Appreciated’ who now feel ‘Appreciated’.Â
There has been a large 6% increase with candidates moving feeling just ‘A Little Appreciated’.
- Reward -
Almost 80% of candidates find their role rewarding with only 6% of candidates saying there role was ‘Not At All’ rewarding.
- Progression-
60% of candidates feel there is a chance for career progression within their role which is positive although 17% feel there is ‘No Chance’. This is an area for improvement within the industry.
- How can CADagency help -
Whether you are looking for a new role or have a vacancy to fill, we can help.
Call us: 01245 790233
Email: office@cadagency.co.uk