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The differences between senior software architects and architects can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a senior software architect and an architect. Additionally, a senior software architect has an average salary of $129,435, which is higher than the $86,635 average annual salary of an architect.
The top three skills for a senior software architect include java, python and cloud. The most important skills for an architect are cloud, java, and infrastructure.
| Senior Software Architect | Architect | |
| Yearly salary | $129,435 | $86,635 |
| Hourly rate | $62.23 | $41.65 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 310,354 | 94,621 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Average age | 39 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A Senior Software Architect is focused on the development of new programs and software for technologically based organizations. They improve operations through conducting system analysis and recommending changes in policies and procedures.
Architects are licensed professionals who specialize in art and science of design, building constructions, and structures. They play a vital role in the construction and not only responsible for the appearance but also the safety of users. They ensure that every structure is functional, safe, cost-effective, and suit the needs of the future occupants. They closely monitor the working progress to make sure that the project is built according to plan. Some architects are focused mainly on creating designs while some are exclusive in the production of building plans or "blueprints".
Senior software architects and architects have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Software Architect | Architect | |
| Average salary | $129,435 | $86,635 |
| Salary range | Between $93,000 And $178,000 | Between $54,000 And $137,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Netflix | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Internet | Technology |
There are a few differences between a senior software architect and an architect in terms of educational background:
| Senior Software Architect | Architect | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Architecture |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Cornell University |
Here are the differences between senior software architects' and architects' demographics:
| Senior Software Architect | Architect | |
| Average age | 39 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.0% Female, 6.0% | Male, 76.7% Female, 23.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.5% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 29.9% White, 52.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 2.3% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 11.8% Asian, 16.0% White, 65.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 15% |