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The differences between information technology architects and information technology systems managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an information technology systems manager has an average salary of $130,526, which is higher than the $116,007 average annual salary of an information technology architect.
The top three skills for an information technology architect include cloud, java and emerging technologies. The most important skills for an information technology systems manager are customer service, project management, and network infrastructure.
| Information Technology Architect | Information Technology Systems Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $116,007 | $130,526 |
| Hourly rate | $55.77 | $62.75 |
| Growth rate | 16% | 16% |
| Number of jobs | 156,730 | 156,656 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| 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.
An information technology systems manager is responsible for monitoring the efficiency and optimal performance of the organization's technology systems. Information technology systems managers ensure the safety and security of all the network systems, developing standard operating procedures to avoid unauthorized access and suspicious activities. They also identify technical opportunities to improve network infrastructures and technology solutions. An information technology systems manager must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, as well as a strong command of programming languages and system codes to design configuration and maintain the stability of systems.
Information technology architects and information technology systems managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Information Technology Architect | Information Technology Systems Manager | |
| Average salary | $116,007 | $130,526 |
| Salary range | Between $88,000 And $152,000 | Between $95,000 And $178,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Mayo Clinic | Southern California Edison |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Hospitality |
There are a few differences between an information technology architect and an information technology systems manager in terms of educational background:
| Information Technology Architect | Information Technology Systems Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Carnegie Mellon University |
Here are the differences between information technology architects' and information technology systems managers' demographics:
| Information Technology Architect | Information Technology Systems Manager | |
| Average age | 44 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 87.4% Female, 12.6% | Male, 86.5% Female, 13.5% |
| 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, 6.7% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 10.1% Asian, 12.6% White, 65.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |