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The differences between software architects and senior systems software engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a software architect and a senior systems software engineer. Additionally, a senior systems software engineer has an average salary of $122,275, 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 senior systems software engineer are python, java, and software development.
| Software Architect | Senior Systems Software Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $114,406 | $122,275 |
| Hourly rate | $55.00 | $58.79 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 319,594 | 359,248 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 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.
A senior systems software engineer is an individual responsible for managing a firm's computer network systems. The professional's roles include resolving complex application and network issues through the development of new solutions, overseeing systems developers and other information technology (IT) personnel, and integrating new technology. The job requires proficiency in the MySQL, Python, and Linux programming languages and excellent skills in organizational and time management and communication. The education requirements for the job include a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field.
Software architects and senior systems software engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Architect | Senior Systems Software Engineer | |
| Average salary | $114,406 | $122,275 |
| Salary range | Between $82,000 And $158,000 | Between $91,000 And $163,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Oregon |
| Best paying company | Aspiration | Netflix |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Technology |
There are a few differences between a software architect and a senior systems software engineer in terms of educational background:
| Software Architect | Senior Systems Software Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Harvard University | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between software architects' and senior systems software engineers' demographics:
| Software Architect | Senior Systems Software Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.8% Female, 6.2% | Male, 85.5% Female, 14.5% |
| 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, 4.6% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.3% Asian, 29.8% White, 52.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |