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The differences between software designers 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 software designer and an architect. Additionally, a software designer has an average salary of $107,449, which is higher than the $86,635 average annual salary of an architect.
The top three skills for a software designer include python, java and software development. The most important skills for an architect are cloud, java, and infrastructure.
| Software Designer | Architect | |
| Yearly salary | $107,449 | $86,635 |
| Hourly rate | $51.66 | $41.65 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 313,443 | 94,621 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Average age | 39 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
Software designers transform customers' requirements into services. They analyze customers' needs, conduct negotiations, and create designs based on that data. They typically work with teams of programmers. They are also responsible for creating project documentation.
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".
Software designers and architects have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Designer | Architect | |
| Average salary | $107,449 | $86,635 |
| Salary range | Between $80,000 And $144,000 | Between $54,000 And $137,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Globant | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a software designer and an architect in terms of educational background:
| Software Designer | Architect | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Architecture |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Cornell University |
Here are the differences between software designers' and architects' demographics:
| Software Designer | Architect | |
| Average age | 39 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 80.0% Female, 20.0% | Male, 76.7% Female, 23.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.6% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 29.8% White, 52.2% 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% |