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The differences between architect managers and lead architects can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an architect manager has an average salary of $118,996, which is higher than the $104,687 average annual salary of a lead architect.
The top three skills for an architect manager include cloud, java and python. The most important skills for a lead architect are digital transformation, architecture, and java.
| Architect Manager | Lead Architect | |
| Yearly salary | $118,996 | $104,687 |
| Hourly rate | $57.21 | $50.33 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 96,765 | 266,541 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
An architect manager is primarily in charge of overseeing architectural projects. They manage a team of architects, set guidelines and timelines, lead the meetings with clients to identify their needs and preferences, and review plans and concepts. They also monitor the progress of operations and address issues and concerns, resolving them promptly and efficiently. Moreover, as a manager, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with team members, engineers, and contractors for a smooth and efficient workflow.
A lead architect spearheads architectural operations while maintaining an active communication line with clients. They typically meet with clients to discuss the project's needs and specifications, agree on a budget, provide advice and recommendations, and negotiate contracts. They are also in charge of developing building designs, coordinating staff, devising plans, incorporating essential systems, and providing technical and guidance as needed. Moreover, as the lead architect of the project, they must enforce policies and regulations to maintain a smooth and efficient workflow.
Architect managers and lead architects have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Architect Manager | Lead Architect | |
| Average salary | $118,996 | $104,687 |
| Salary range | Between $88,000 And $160,000 | Between $78,000 And $139,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Insurance |
There are a few differences between an architect manager and a lead architect in terms of educational background:
| Architect Manager | Lead Architect | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between architect managers' and lead architects' demographics:
| Architect Manager | Lead Architect | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 85.1% Female, 14.9% | Male, 90.2% Female, 9.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 12.0% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 12.0% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |