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The differences between information technology architects and information technology support managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an information technology architect has an average salary of $116,007, which is higher than the $104,424 average annual salary of an information technology support manager.
The top three skills for an information technology architect include cloud, java and emerging technologies. The most important skills for an information technology support manager are customer service, ITIL, and project management.
| Information Technology Architect | Information Technology Support Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $116,007 | $104,424 |
| Hourly rate | $55.77 | $50.20 |
| Growth rate | 16% | 16% |
| Number of jobs | 156,730 | 162,131 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Average age | 44 | 47 |
| Years of experience | - | 8 |
An information technology architect is responsible for designing and creating new technology systems and optimizing the performance of existing ones. Information technology architects analyze the business needs and client requirements to identify system features and technology infrastructure according to budget limitations and timetables. They also consider the public demands and technology trends to ensure that the deliverables would reach the audience's interest to boost awareness and attract potential clients, generating more resources for revenues. An information technology architect should have excellent technical and project management skills, especially on implementing technology solutions and running diagnostic tests to measure systems compatibility.
Information technology support manager primarily supervises information technology support staff, oversees system and software maintenance, and repairs. They assist with computer equipment installation and purchasing and maintaining a secure network and connectivity for users. It is part of their role to coordinate training and development for new technology users. Another vital role is they monitor online security for users and networks and takes appropriate steps to address possible security breaches if necessary. Moreover, they also develop contingency plans to address any equipment, power, or possible security failure to ensure the protection of technology and data.
Information technology architects and information technology support managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Information Technology Architect | Information Technology Support Manager | |
| Average salary | $116,007 | $104,424 |
| Salary range | Between $88,000 And $152,000 | Between $76,000 And $142,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Mayo Clinic | Clinica Sierra Vista |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Finance |
There are a few differences between an information technology architect and an information technology support manager in terms of educational background:
| Information Technology Architect | Information Technology Support Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between information technology architects' and information technology support managers' demographics:
| Information Technology Architect | Information Technology Support Manager | |
| Average age | 44 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 87.4% Female, 12.6% | Male, 82.2% Female, 17.8% |
| 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, 6.8% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 10.3% Asian, 12.6% White, 64.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |