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The differences between software architects and engineering managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a software architect, becoming an engineering manager takes usually requires More than 10 years. Additionally, an engineering manager has an average salary of $139,328, which is higher than the $114,406 average annual salary of a software architect.
The top three skills for a software architect include java, architecture and cloud. The most important skills for an engineering manager are java, project management, and continuous improvement.
| Software Architect | Engineering Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $114,406 | $139,328 |
| Hourly rate | $55.00 | $66.98 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 319,594 | 67,124 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.33 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 39 | 48 |
| Years of experience | 4 | - |
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.
An engineering manager is responsible for managing the overall concept of engineering and construction projects, ensuring that the plan meets the budget goals and the client's specifications. Engineering managers approve designs, plan strategic procedures to follow the project's timetable, analyze current market trends, hire the best and efficient contractors, and coordinate with the clients for any changes and adjustments as needed. An engineering manager must have excellent knowledge of engineering disciplines, as well as leadership and communication skills, monitoring the team's performance throughout the project.
Software architects and engineering managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Architect | Engineering Manager | |
| Average salary | $114,406 | $139,328 |
| Salary range | Between $82,000 And $158,000 | Between $99,000 And $195,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Aspiration | Mixpanel |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a software architect and an engineering manager in terms of educational background:
| Software Architect | Engineering Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Harvard University | University of Michigan - Ann Arbor |
Here are the differences between software architects' and engineering managers' demographics:
| Software Architect | Engineering Manager | |
| Average age | 39 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.8% Female, 6.2% | Male, 92.6% Female, 7.4% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 3.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 12.2% White, 71.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 9% |