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The differences between lead developers and lead architects can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a lead developer has an average salary of $116,340, which is higher than the $104,687 average annual salary of a lead architect.
The top three skills for a lead developer include java, javascript and architecture. The most important skills for a lead architect are digital transformation, architecture, and java.
| Lead Developer | Lead Architect | |
| Yearly salary | $116,340 | $104,687 |
| Hourly rate | $55.93 | $50.33 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 274,208 | 266,541 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Average age | 39 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | - |
A lead developer is responsible for creating software programs and applications, following the client and the business's software quality standards and design specifications. Lead developers assist a team of developers in implementing strategic procedures, managing system codes, debugging applications, running diagnostic tests, and troubleshooting defects to ensure its smooth performance. They also respond to clients' inquiries and concerns, performing feature adjustments as needed. A lead developer must have strong knowledge of the technology industry and command on programming languages and software design processes.
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.
Lead developers and lead architects have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Lead Developer | Lead Architect | |
| Average salary | $116,340 | $104,687 |
| Salary range | Between $83,000 And $161,000 | Between $78,000 And $139,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Mayo Clinic | |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Insurance |
There are a few differences between a lead developer and a lead architect in terms of educational background:
| Lead Developer | Lead Architect | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between lead developers' and lead architects' demographics:
| Lead Developer | Lead Architect | |
| Average age | 39 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 76.4% Female, 23.6% | Male, 90.2% Female, 9.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.5% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 29.9% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | 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 | 8% | 11% |