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The differences between network architects and solutions architects can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a solutions architect has an average salary of $116,327, which is higher than the $105,375 average annual salary of a network architect.
The top three skills for a network architect include architecture, BGP and network infrastructure. The most important skills for a solutions architect are cloud, java, and AWS.
| Network Architect | Solutions Architect | |
| Yearly salary | $105,375 | $116,327 |
| Hourly rate | $50.66 | $55.93 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 96,500 | 107,754 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | - |
A network architect is an information technology expert specializing in designing and developing network systems for a company. Their responsibilities typically include performing research and analysis to identify and understand the network needs of a company, planning and performing installations and implementation, establishing guidelines and timelines, upgrading systems, and developing strategies to enhance network operations. Moreover, a network architect must implement security policies and regulations, conduct regular maintenance checks, and perform repairs and modifications to maintain a smooth and efficient workflow.
A solutions architect specializes in creating and implementing software systems that improve business operations and resolve network issues. They are primarily responsible for conducting research and analysis to assess the business's needs, develop specific designs for the company, provide solutions should there be any system issues, and keep company officials informed with all changes and updates. Furthermore, a solutions architect must lead and encourage development teams, stay up to date with the newest trends to continue innovations within the systems, and implement its policies and guidelines.
Network architects and solutions architects have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Network Architect | Solutions Architect | |
| Average salary | $105,375 | $116,327 |
| Salary range | Between $75,000 And $146,000 | Between $87,000 And $154,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Anaplan | Airbnb |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Retail |
There are a few differences between a network architect and a solutions architect in terms of educational background:
| Network Architect | Solutions Architect | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between network architects' and solutions architects' demographics:
| Network Architect | Solutions Architect | |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.7% Female, 7.3% | Male, 86.6% Female, 13.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.4% Asian, 12.3% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | 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 | 9% | 11% |