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The differences between lead architects and software architects can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a software architect has an average salary of $114,406, 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 software architect are java, architecture, and cloud.
| Lead Architect | Software Architect | |
| Yearly salary | $104,687 | $114,406 |
| Hourly rate | $50.33 | $55.00 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 266,541 | 319,594 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| 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 Software Architect develops new programs for a variety of technological devices for businesses, computer games, mobile networks, and/or operating systems. They ensure architectural integrity and consistency across the entire product and work closely with executives to explain the benefits of the software.
Lead architects and software architects have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Lead Architect | Software Architect | |
| Average salary | $104,687 | $114,406 |
| Salary range | Between $78,000 And $139,000 | Between $82,000 And $158,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Aspiration | |
| Best paying industry | Insurance | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a lead architect and a software architect in terms of educational background:
| Lead Architect | Software Architect | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between lead architects' and software architects' demographics:
| Lead Architect | Software Architect | |
| Average age | 44 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.2% Female, 9.8% | Male, 93.8% Female, 6.2% |
| 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% |