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The differences between software architects and principal engineers 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 a principal engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a principal engineer has an average salary of $130,213, 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 a principal engineer are java, architecture, and python.
| Software Architect | Principal Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $114,406 | $130,213 |
| Hourly rate | $55.00 | $62.60 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 319,594 | 312,683 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 39 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
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.
A principal engineer is responsible for monitoring the overall design phase of the construction process, including coordinating with the client for progress and updates, as well as performing adjustments as needed based on clients' specifications and requirements. Principal engineers also inspect the materials and resources used to ensure that the project stays within the budget goals and set timeframe. They should have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in preparing reports and training new staff.
Software architects and principal engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Architect | Principal Engineer | |
| Average salary | $114,406 | $130,213 |
| Salary range | Between $82,000 And $158,000 | Between $95,000 And $177,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Mateo, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Aspiration | Grubhub |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a software architect and a principal engineer in terms of educational background:
| Software Architect | Principal Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between software architects' and principal engineers' demographics:
| Software Architect | Principal Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 41 |
| 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, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 16.6% White, 67.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 5% |