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The differences between lead architects and lead software developers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a lead software developer has an average salary of $115,072, which is higher than the $104,687 average annual salary of a lead architect.
The top three skills for a lead architect include digital transformation, architecture and java. The most important skills for a lead software developer are java, architecture, and application development.
| Lead Architect | Lead Software Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $104,687 | $115,072 |
| Hourly rate | $50.33 | $55.32 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 266,541 | 309,029 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 44 | 39 |
| Years of experience | - | 4 |
A lead architect spearheads architectural operations while maintaining an active communication line with clients. They typically meet with clients to discuss the project's needs and specifications, agree on a budget, provide advice and recommendations, and negotiate contracts. They are also in charge of developing building designs, coordinating staff, devising plans, incorporating essential systems, and providing technical and guidance as needed. Moreover, as the lead architect of the project, they must enforce policies and regulations to maintain a smooth and efficient workflow.
A lead software developer is responsible for creating and designing software applications and systems to support business functions and client requirements. Lead software developers analyze specifications to build efficient applications, conduct multiple quality testing, and enhance the user's interface. They also coordinate with the design engineers to modify and improve the features of existing software applications for optimal performance. A lead software developer must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in considering the current technology trends to meet demands.
Lead architects and lead software developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Lead Architect | Lead Software Developer | |
| Average salary | $104,687 | $115,072 |
| Salary range | Between $78,000 And $139,000 | Between $87,000 And $151,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Microsoft | |
| Best paying industry | Insurance | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a lead architect and a lead software developer in terms of educational background:
| Lead Architect | Lead Software Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between lead architects' and lead software developers' demographics:
| Lead Architect | Lead Software Developer | |
| Average age | 44 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.2% Female, 9.8% | 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, 4.3% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 30.0% White, 52.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |