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Job outlook for information technology architects in the United States
Information technology architect job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected information technology architect job growth rate is 16% from 2018-2028.
About 82,400 new jobs for information technology architects are projected over the next decade.
Information technology architect salaries have increased 10% for information technology architects in the last 5 years.
There are over 51,837 information technology architects currently employed in the United States.
There are 156,730 active information technology architect job openings in the US.
The average information technology architect salary is $116,007.
Are information technology architect jobs in demand?
Information technology architect job and salary trends over time
Information technology architect jobs over time
Information technology architect job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 51,837 | 0.02% |
| 2020 | 49,859 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 49,918 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 19,550 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 18,190 | 0.01% |
Average information technology architect salary over time
Information technology architect salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $116,007 | $55.77 | +3.4% |
| 2024 | $112,184 | $53.93 | +2.3% |
| 2023 | $109,644 | $52.71 | +2.0% |
| 2022 | $107,507 | $51.69 | +2.3% |
| 2021 | $105,077 | $50.52 | +1.5% |
Information technology architect jobs by state
Most common states for information technology architects
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 855 | 123% |
| 2 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 295 | 39% |
| 3 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 2,987 | 35% |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,240 | 33% |
| 5 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 336 | 32% |
| 6 | Vermont | 623,657 | 186 | 30% |
| 7 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 884 | 28% |
| 8 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,969 | 27% |
| 9 | Delaware | 961,939 | 264 | 27% |
| 10 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,594 | 26% |
| 11 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,429 | 26% |
| 12 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 352 | 26% |
| 13 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,408 | 25% |
| 14 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,027 | 25% |
| 15 | Alaska | 739,795 | 182 | 25% |
| 16 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 145 | 25% |
| 17 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 3,015 | 24% |
| 18 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 257 | 24% |
| 19 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 213 | 24% |
| 20 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 834 | 23% |
Most common cities for information technology architects
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Annapolis | 5 | 13% | $131,035 |
| 2 | Dover | 2 | 5% | $124,641 |
| 3 | Lansing | 3 | 3% | $111,155 |
| 4 | Andover | 1 | 3% | $122,270 |
| 5 | Springfield | 2 | 2% | $109,393 |
| 6 | Atlanta | 6 | 1% | $111,214 |
| 7 | Denver | 4 | 1% | $108,271 |
| 8 | Irving | 3 | 1% | $111,362 |
| 9 | Grand Rapids | 2 | 1% | $110,612 |
| 10 | Los Angeles | 4 | 0% | $132,296 |
| 11 | Baltimore | 3 | 0% | $131,103 |
| 12 | Boston | 3 | 0% | $122,350 |
| 13 | Chicago | 3 | 0% | $110,550 |
| 14 | Jacksonville | 3 | 0% | $115,210 |
| 15 | San Francisco | 3 | 0% | $145,309 |
| 16 | Columbus | 2 | 0% | $108,618 |
| 17 | Indianapolis | 2 | 0% | $100,812 |
| 18 | Phoenix | 2 | 0% | $106,704 |
Information Technology Architect job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of information technology architect experts
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
University of Nevada - Las Vegas
SUNY at Buffalo
University of Nevada - Las Vegas
University Of Nevada, Las Vegas
University of New Mexico
Arizona State University
University of Missouri
Loyola University Chicago
What Information Technology Architect skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Rebecca Dolgas: 3. Be aware of your strengths and don't be afraid to negotiate. If you have multi-faceted skillsets make sure they are known. For example if you do well maintaining your own social media make a point that you would like to assist with marketing in a smaller firm. A great Marywood specific example is how closely interiors and architecture learn together. Being able to have a collaborative spirit and bring both disciplines together can be invaluable. If you can show your interdisciplinary skill set, it will make you more valuable and thus able to negotiate for a better salary.
Heath Pickerill PhD
Assistant Teaching ProfessorMissouri University of Science and Technology
Architectural Engineering
What will help Information Technology Architects increase their earning potential?
Heath Pickerill PhD: By boosting your resume through participation in professional organizations and design teams within the field, as well as diverse work experience with on-the-job training through internships and co-ops.
What general advice would you give to an Information Technology Architect?
Paul Pettigrew AIA, NCARB, MIT M.Arch ʼ88: I think it’s a great time to be an architect. When numbers like close to 40% of the earth’s global carbon emissions are related to buildings being torn down, buildings being built, and operation of buildings, there’s no doubt that architects will be key players in future efforts to sustain the long term health of planet earth.
What Information Technology Architect skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Grant Mosey Ph.D.: I would advise architecture students to be as flexible as possible. While NAAB accredited schools award 6,000 to 7,000 professional degrees per year, NCARB states that fewer than 3,500 architects reach licensure each year. This suggests that many of those educated as architects are actually finding work in allied subjects. I know of many graduates who are set to become architects who end up becoming real estate professionals, construction professionals, policy-makers, academics, and more. Even for those dead set on architectural practice, these opportunities in adjacent fields can open doors to more design-focused practice.
What will help Information Technology Architects increase their earning potential?
Grant Mosey Ph.D.: Familiarity with Building Information Modeling software like Revit is already all but a requirement to find professional work. Increasingly, firms are also looking for those who are capable of using visual programming like Grasshopper or Dynamo not only to generate forms but to optimize their workflow. In addition to those, professionals should familiarize themselves with modeling programs including SketchUp and Rhino and visualization platforms like VRay, Enscape, and Twin Motion. Soft skills like being personable and being able to present ideas extemporaneously will never go out of style.
What Information Technology Architect skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Elaine Chow AIA, RA, NCARB: Architecture licensure will help maximize salary potential, as well as pursuing other certifications such as LEED, CPHC, WELL, etc. Be your own advocate and request regular/annual reviews that allow you to highlight accomplishments and value you bring to your employer. If specialization appeals to you, there are opportunities to market yourself as an expert in a specific subject area.
What general advice would you give to an Information Technology Architect?
Alfredo Fernandez-Gonzalez: 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.
Dak Kopec Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Coordinator, BA Interior Architecture and Design and Master of Design ProgramUniversity Of Nevada, Las Vegas
School of Architecture
What skills stand out on Information Technology Architect resumes?
Dak Kopec Ph.D.: Having an area of expertise beyond the common skills that most graduates possess. Many firms are looking for those promotable employees, and these folks often speak with a high degree of intelligence about one or more aspects of design. I see that those with added skills in Health, Education, Sustainability, Technology, etc., often lead those departments in the firm, which becomes their mobility path to executive management. It's all about having something different or better than your competitors.
What soft skills should all Information Technology Architects possess?
Dak Kopec Ph.D.: Flexibility in thinking and the ability to understand other people's perspectives. Basically, to get along as a team while keeping the negativity to a minimum.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Information Technology Architects?
Dak Kopec Ph.D.: Revit and CAD. Especially as these relate to performative design. What I mean by performative design are technologically feature-rich buildings to respond to atmospheric and environmental conditions that support human occupation and productivity.
What skills will help Information Technology Architects earn the most?
Dak Kopec Ph.D.: I don't think it's a skill as much as a specialization. Suppose a student wants to work in health design (for example). In that case, they will need to know the language that health practitioners use, or they risk saying something incorrectly and losing credibility. All sectors of society have words and acronyms that they use in everyday communication. If an architect, landscape architect, or interior designer has a specialization and can carry on a thoughtful conversation with the decision-makers of that industry (commercial, education, health, etc.), they will be valuable to that firm. The key is having a strong baseline knowledge in the area that a building type is being designed or redesigned for.
How have salaries changed over time for Information Technology Architects?
Tamarah Begay: Salaries have changed a lot over the time I have spent in the Architectural Field. Minority women are now getting the recognition that they deserve in a field that has predominantly been ruled by non-minority males, and although it still is not equal, we have gained admission to higher compensation than we used to receive.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Information Technology Architect job market given the pandemic?
Tamarah Begay: One of the largest trends in the job market given the pandemic is the usage of different online and virtual platforms for interviews and meetings. Not only are these platforms being used to communicate ideas and design but to connect and link professionals to job seekers. This has allowed the industry to have shifted to predominantly working remotely. There has also been a rise and increase in anti-microbial materials, space planning, and incorporating a cleaner HVAC and air quality system into buildings. This can include using hard surface floors and furniture without fabrics to allow for ease of cleaning and to help reduce the spread of germs and incorporating specialty air filters or lights. The industry has also seen an increase in wanting to incorporate outdoor spaces within designs.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Information Technology Architects?
Tamarah Begay: Certifications and licenses that can be locally, nationally, and universally applicable are most impactful for a future job prospect to have. Being a licensed Architect and having or being LEED certified is of great impact for job prospects on all levels. Staying up to date on continuing education courses and staying knowledgeable about new products or methods should be a habitual update to one's personal knowledge bank. Bringing versatility and diversity to the work place in any form, whether it is through licenses or courses, is beneficial and can have a great impact.
How have salaries changed over time for Information Technology Architects?
Marc Neveu Ph.D.: I was first hired into an architecture office over 25 years ago, so I can say with some confidence, that salaries have gone up! Many offices, however, are very different than when I graduated. Not all, but many are much more integrated with other disciplines. There is an incredible group of firms in the valley, like Construction Zone, who do both design and construction. Others, like Ryan Companies, are integrated from Development through Facilities Management. By owning more of the entire process, rather than just the design, firms are able to generate more revenue. As a student graduating today, I would be better position to have an architecture degree plus an additional credential - in construction management, real estate development, or even sustainability. In this way, you can leverage your position in an office to be more valuable.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Information Technology Architect job market given the pandemic?
Marc Neveu Ph.D.: The pandemic has had an interesting effect. At first, everyone froze and thought all work was going to stop. We are a year in and many firms are as busy as they were a year ago. Still, it is different for different markets, and there is some caution about projects scheduled a year from now. That said, money is relatively cheap at the moment and that is good for construction.
What technical skills for an Information Technology Architect stand out to employers?
Marc Neveu Ph.D.: Here is a baseline of technical skills, usually related to the software used in the office, but software changes. I was in a conversation recently with Christiana Moss, who is a partner at Studio Ma, and she had a great quote. She needed recent graduates "who could be useful." This meant being able to think on their own, to ask questions, and to be able to take on a project without the need to be told how to do everything. We don't expect graduates to know everything they need to know to build a building, but they should be aware of what they don't know and be able to ask good questions, work collaboratively, and also independently.
Anonymous Professor
How have salaries changed over time for Information Technology Architects?
Anonymous Professor : With regard to money and employment compensation ... those who can be willing to try new things and move with the flow will do well ... very well. Those who cannot, it's McDonald's and minimum wage ...
A footnote: ... the people I contact do not care about who you are, what you are, or how you are. So things like pronouns, and victimization, and excuses, and hanging on to reasons for failure will not cut it in the workplace of the future ... learn ... grow ... and you will have success ...
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Information Technology Architect job market given the pandemic?
Anonymous Professor : With regards to trends during the pandamic ... I think that there are huge opportunities to be had, if the graduates have their acts together. I network with my former students who are now partners or upper managers in companies. The era of Monday morning meetings in conference rooms is over. In the future, networking with colleagues and clients will be done via some distance system. So the Zoom classes taken today will prepare students for the boardroom tomorrow. Quit whinning and see the opportinities waiting the be catured ... they are there ... the challenges with distance learning will separate the 'wheat from the chaf' ... those who can adapt to a new way of thinking will survive ... those who cannot will be quickly sent to the scrap heap. But, graduates cannot act like young spoiled people. They need to have skills and abilities ... AND ... people skills ... big time ...
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Information Technology Architects?
Anonymous Professor : With regard to student graduates with the license issue and their potential, it's all about and their ability to think ... my contacts tell me that they want people who can look outside the box ... and be flexible to change ... and make no mistake about it ... the future is all about a willingness to change and be flexible to change. Professional license requirements is a think of the past ... it's all about what you can do now.
What skills stand out on Information Technology Architect resumes?
Dale Musser Ph.D.: -Working on teams and collaboration - people skills matter a lot.
-Past accomplishments in delivering results while working with others
-Technical skills in target areas for job. The hottest areas right now: machine learning, large scale apps, and autonomous systems.
What type of skills will young Information Technology Architects need?
Peter Dordal Ph.D.: I'm leaving off software developers, and answering about our Information Technology graduates.
IT students entering the business world will need to know how to get the maximum leverage out of business systems. In many cases, this will mean writing their own specialized queries to extract the precise business intelligence needed; general-purpose "canned" queries just won't cut it. They will need a broad understanding of what software can accomplish for the enterprise and how to deploy new software effectively; this applies to software used in the office as well as to software used in manufacturing and shipping. And they will need to understand how to lease storage and computing resources from the cloud to meet not only predictable, long-term demands but also sudden short-term business projects.
Students working in database administration and management will need to be able to manage much larger volumes of data than a few years ago. They will need to be familiar with the great variety of new databases in order to pick the best tool for the job.
Students working in network management will need to be able to ensure that everyone has the bandwidth and server access they need, as those demands expand to include extensive video, low-latency real-time connectivity, and the regular transfer of huge amounts of data.
Students in cybersecurity will need to be fully acquainted with all the recommended best practices. However, they will also have to be able to anticipate and guard against potential new vulnerabilities. "By the book" protection is no longer sufficient.