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The differences between information technology architects and senior information technology specialists 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 $103,478 average annual salary of a senior information technology specialist.
The top three skills for an information technology architect include cloud, java and emerging technologies. The most important skills for a senior information technology specialist are customer service, database, and technical support.
| Information Technology Architect | Senior Information Technology Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $116,007 | $103,478 |
| Hourly rate | $55.77 | $49.75 |
| Growth rate | 16% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 156,730 | 111,996 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Average age | 44 | 42 |
| Years of experience | - | 2 |
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.
A senior information technology specialist is responsible for handling technology systems and network issues, ensuring the efficiency and optimal performance of the database by configuration and improving network infrastructures. Senior information technology specialists also design computer systems and applications to support business functions and operations, depending on the requirements and budget limitations. They create resolution reports for reference and recommend strategic techniques to prevent the reoccurrence of defects and malfunctions. A senior information technology specialist must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in responding to the end-users' inquiries and concerns about the servers.
Information technology architects and senior information technology specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Information Technology Architect | Senior Information Technology Specialist | |
| Average salary | $116,007 | $103,478 |
| Salary range | Between $88,000 And $152,000 | Between $78,000 And $136,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Mayo Clinic | Ropes & Gray |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Energy |
There are a few differences between an information technology architect and a senior information technology specialist in terms of educational background:
| Information Technology Architect | Senior Information Technology Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between information technology architects' and senior information technology specialists' demographics:
| Information Technology Architect | Senior Information Technology Specialist | |
| Average age | 44 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 87.4% Female, 12.6% | Male, 81.4% Female, 18.6% |
| 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, 12.1% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 14.4% Asian, 14.1% White, 53.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |