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What is an information systems architect and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted expert
Laura A. Meyer M. Ed.

As an Information Systems Architect, you will define and develop information and communications technology as well as develop and design both the software and the hardware. You will document requirements, modules, features, and the risk of every IT project. You are the designer, definer, and developer of custom modules, features, and package integration from the beginning to the end.

An Information Systems Architect recommends the right combination of IT components to help a specific team, department, company, or functional goal. You will be analytic and look at desired processes and outcomes and give advice on the right combination of IT systems and components to achieve goals.

To become an Information Systems Architect, you will need a degree in computer science, experience in C++and be experienced working in an information technology department as a systems engineer or systems administrator. With the right experience and education behind you, you can make a great annual salary of $107,00.

What general advice would you give to an information systems architect?

Laura A. Meyer M. Ed.Laura A. Meyer M. Ed. LinkedIn profile

Professor, Northeastern University

I tell my students often do not give up! Resilience is so important right now and with that comes being mindful about how they are applying to positions and to what positions they are applying. Really crafting their resumes and cover letters for each position they are applying is very important. Also, stay sharp - keep honing your skills and be consistent about doing so.
ScoreInformation Systems ArchitectUS Average
Salary
8.0

Avg. Salary $116,490

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
5.9

Growth rate 5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.1
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.51%

Asian 11.99%

Black or African American 6.24%

Hispanic or Latino 8.82%

Unknown 4.70%

White 67.73%

Gender

female 9.80%

male 90.20%

Age - 43
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43
Stress level
5.9

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.0

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.3

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Information systems architect career paths

Key steps to become an information systems architect

  1. Explore information systems architect education requirements

    Most common information systems architect degrees

    Bachelor's

    67.2 %

    Master's

    20.3 %

    Associate

    6.3 %
  2. Start to develop specific information systems architect skills

    SkillsPercentages
    C++21.22%
    SQL Server12.27%
    XML9.80%
    Windows Server6.63%
    Cloud4.95%
  3. Complete relevant information systems architect training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New information systems architects learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an information systems architect based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real information systems architect resumes.
  4. Research information systems architect duties and responsibilities

    • Install and manage cloud technologies for student learning management systems (LMS).
    • Manage the clean-up and migration of multiple fail SharePoint deployments into a single, fully functional current farm.
    • Manage application development teams both domestic and international that focus on developing applications using corporate partner API's.
    • Provide guidance for Tru64 Unix to HP-UX migrations.
  5. Get information systems architect experience

  6. Prepare your information systems architect resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your information systems architect resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an information systems architect resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable information systems architect resume templates

    Build a professional information systems architect resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your information systems architect resume.
    Information Systems Architect Resume
    Information Systems Architect Resume
    Information Systems Architect Resume
    Information Systems Architect Resume
    Information Systems Architect Resume
    Information Systems Architect Resume
    Information Systems Architect Resume
    Information Systems Architect Resume
    Information Systems Architect Resume
  7. Apply for information systems architect jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an information systems architect job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first information systems architect job

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Average information systems architect salary

The average information systems architect salary in the United States is $116,490 per year or $56 per hour. Information systems architect salaries range between $90,000 and $149,000 per year.

Average information systems architect salary
$116,490 Yearly
$56.00 hourly

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Information systems architect reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2023
Cons

Require tertiary title to advance


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Oct 2019
Pros

Good pay, good communication with other people

Cons

Less technical, but with some traveling sometimes


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2019
Pros

long term analysis


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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