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The differences between software development managers and architects can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a software development manager, becoming an architect takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a software development manager has an average salary of $134,747, which is higher than the $86,635 average annual salary of an architect.
The top three skills for a software development manager include java, AWS and architecture. The most important skills for an architect are cloud, java, and infrastructure.
| Software Development Manager | Architect | |
| Yearly salary | $134,747 | $86,635 |
| Hourly rate | $64.78 | $41.65 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 265,464 | 94,621 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Average age | 44 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 4 |
A software development manager is an individual who manages teams of software developers that design and create software applications and web services for clients. Software development managers should delegate duties and establish development standards for the development team as well as create a budget and timeline for the project. They must meet with management to discuss how software applications can achieve business objectives. Once the software has been developed, software development managers must train technical and non-technical end-users. They must also be skilled in different programming languages such as HTML, SQL, and JavaScript.
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 development managers and architects have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Development Manager | Architect | |
| Average salary | $134,747 | $86,635 |
| Salary range | Between $100,000 And $180,000 | Between $54,000 And $137,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a software development manager and an architect in terms of educational background:
| Software Development Manager | Architect | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Architecture |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Cornell University |
Here are the differences between software development managers' and architects' demographics:
| Software Development Manager | Architect | |
| Average age | 44 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 85.1% Female, 14.9% | Male, 76.7% Female, 23.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 12.0% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | 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 | 11% | 15% |