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The differences between information technology architects and systems architects 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 $103,764 average annual salary of a systems architect.
The top three skills for an information technology architect include cloud, java and emerging technologies. The most important skills for a systems architect are cloud, java, and python.
| Information Technology Architect | Systems Architect | |
| Yearly salary | $116,007 | $103,764 |
| Hourly rate | $55.77 | $49.89 |
| Growth rate | 16% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 156,730 | 232,582 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
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 systems architect specializes in designing and developing computer networks and systems for company operations. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around conducting research and analysis to identify a company's needs, devising strategies to reach particular goals, improving existing systems, and implementing solutions for optimal processes. A systems architect must also monitor the progress of all implementations, prepare progress reports and presentations, provide technical support as needed, and train new workforce members, all while adhering to the company's policies and regulations, including vision and mission.
Information technology architects and systems architects have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Information Technology Architect | Systems Architect | |
| Average salary | $116,007 | $103,764 |
| Salary range | Between $88,000 And $152,000 | Between $76,000 And $141,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Cupertino, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Mayo Clinic | Airbnb |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Automotive |
There are a few differences between an information technology architect and a systems architect in terms of educational background:
| Information Technology Architect | Systems Architect | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between information technology architects' and systems architects' demographics:
| Information Technology Architect | Systems Architect | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 87.4% Female, 12.6% | Male, 90.2% Female, 9.8% |
| 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, 6.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 12.0% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |