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What is an information technology architect and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
Alfredo Fernandez-Gonzalez
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An information technology architect is responsible for the management of the technology-related aspects of an organization or a company. You will make sure that the security architecture and the plans of a business comply with the established standards.

Your duty involves the creation and implementation of updated security systems. Additionally, you will analyze relevant information to address related IT challenges as they come up. The responsibilities of an information technology architect may also include developing conceptual models to define the structure and behavior of IT systems and components.

The minimum educational qualification for this role is a bachelor's degree in an IT-related field. Additional degrees and necessary certifications coupled with proven work experience in a similar area may also be required. You should be able to communicate information effectively within your team.

As an information technology architect, you must possess technical skills in systems architecture, as well as security and infrastructure knowledge. Project management skills for prioritization of resources allocations are also required. Averagely, an information technology architect earns a salary of $122,040 per year.

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

Alfredo Fernandez-GonzalezAlfredo Fernandez-Gonzalez LinkedIn profile

Professor of Architecture, University of Nevada - Las Vegas

It is important for recent graduates to recognize that Architecture is no longer limited to the physical realm, as transformative technologies are providing interesting career opportunities in the digital realm as well. This rapidly evolving context offers many opportunities and new directions for the discipline and remaining (or becoming!) current in new developments in computing power, digital visuals, manufacturing technologies, and robotics, are ways in which a recent graduate can secure a good paying job.
ScoreInformation Technology ArchitectUS Average
Salary
8.0

Avg. Salary $116,007

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
5.9

Growth rate 16%

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 12.60%

male 87.40%

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
8.2

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.3

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Information technology architect career paths

Key steps to become an information technology architect

  1. Explore information technology architect education requirements

    Most common information technology architect degrees

    Bachelor's

    68.1 %

    Master's

    17.8 %

    Associate

    9.0 %
  2. Start to develop specific information technology architect skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Cloud9.75%
    Java9.11%
    Emerging Technologies5.54%
    Azure4.65%
    Project Management4.62%
  3. Complete relevant information technology architect training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New information technology 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 technology architect based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real information technology architect resumes.
  4. Gain additional information technology architect certifications

    Information technology architect certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific information technology architect certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for information technology architects include IT Information Library Foundations Certification (ITIL) and ITIL Foundation.

    More About Certifications
  5. Research information technology architect duties and responsibilities

    • Used PowerShell to automate routine tasks within the environment.
    • Manage the transition of an enterprise data set from disparate storage systems to a NetApp V6280A.
    • Manage and architect high visibility projects for implementation of ERP, CRM, EDW and middleware solutions.
    • Manage end to end testing with QA team for upcoming release and ensure that all critical bugs are track.
  6. Get information technology architect experience

  7. Prepare your information technology architect resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your information technology 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 technology 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 technology architect resume templates

    Build a professional information technology 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 technology architect resume.
    Information Technology Architect Resume
    Information Technology Architect Resume
    Information Technology Architect Resume
    Information Technology Architect Resume
    Information Technology Architect Resume
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    Information Technology Architect Resume
    Information Technology Architect Resume
    Information Technology Architect Resume
  8. Apply for information technology architect jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an information technology 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 technology architect job

Zippi

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Average information technology architect salary

The average information technology architect salary in the United States is $116,007 per year or $56 per hour. Information technology architect salaries range between $88,000 and $152,000 per year.

Average information technology architect salary
$116,007 Yearly
$55.77 hourly

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How do information technology architects rate their job?

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Information technology architect reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Sep 2023
Pros

Staying abreast of technology and helping an organization define Technology strategy.

Cons

Work Life Balance can be difficult based on size of team and infrastructure.


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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


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2019
Pros

long term analysis

Cons

redesigning due to lack of understanding the requirements


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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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