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The differences between information architects and software developers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both an information architect and a software developer. Additionally, an information architect has an average salary of $121,945, which is higher than the $87,521 average annual salary of a software developer.
The top three skills for an information architect include java, data architecture and data models. The most important skills for a software developer are java, python, and C++.
| Information Architect | Software Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $121,945 | $87,521 |
| Hourly rate | $58.63 | $42.08 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 135,563 | 294,329 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
An information architect specializes in designing and developing user-friendly visual imagery that aims to inform and convey messages. Their responsibilities involve utilizing CSS and HTML software, creating websites and layouts, coordinating with the creative and design teams, and developing strategies to produce an attractive and functional interface. They must also understand the needs of the clients or company, drafting designs for approval. Furthermore, as an information architect, it is essential to maintain an active line of communication with team members for a smooth and efficient workflow.
A software developer is responsible for designing application systems to support the user and business' needs. Duties of a software developer include testing software codes, performing diagnostic programs and troubleshooting, interpreting system data and establishing efficient parameters, and ensuring the compatibility of the systems. A software developer must have an excellent knowledge of computer programs and programming languages to understand its complexities, especially on detecting system defects and malfunctions. A software developer must have strong attention to detail, communication, and decision-making skills to coordinate with the team and also work independently under minimal supervision.
Information architects and software developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Information Architect | Software Developer | |
| Average salary | $121,945 | $87,521 |
| Salary range | Between $87,000 And $170,000 | Between $67,000 And $113,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Oregon | California |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Finance |
There are a few differences between an information architect and a software developer in terms of educational background:
| Information Architect | Software Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | - | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between information architects' and software developers' demographics:
| Information Architect | Software Developer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 66.9% Female, 33.1% | Male, 79.3% Female, 20.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 29.3% White, 52.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 4.5% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 29.9% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |