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The differences between solutions architects and lead architects can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a solutions architect has an average salary of $116,327, which is higher than the $104,687 average annual salary of a lead architect.
The top three skills for a solutions architect include cloud, java and AWS. The most important skills for a lead architect are digital transformation, architecture, and java.
| Solutions Architect | Lead Architect | |
| Yearly salary | $116,327 | $104,687 |
| Hourly rate | $55.93 | $50.33 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 107,754 | 266,541 |
| Job satisfaction | 4.5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
A solutions architect specializes in creating and implementing software systems that improve business operations and resolve network issues. They are primarily responsible for conducting research and analysis to assess the business's needs, develop specific designs for the company, provide solutions should there be any system issues, and keep company officials informed with all changes and updates. Furthermore, a solutions architect must lead and encourage development teams, stay up to date with the newest trends to continue innovations within the systems, and implement its policies and guidelines.
A lead architect spearheads architectural operations while maintaining an active communication line with clients. They typically meet with clients to discuss the project's needs and specifications, agree on a budget, provide advice and recommendations, and negotiate contracts. They are also in charge of developing building designs, coordinating staff, devising plans, incorporating essential systems, and providing technical and guidance as needed. Moreover, as the lead architect of the project, they must enforce policies and regulations to maintain a smooth and efficient workflow.
Solutions architects and lead architects have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Solutions Architect | Lead Architect | |
| Average salary | $116,327 | $104,687 |
| Salary range | Between $87,000 And $154,000 | Between $78,000 And $139,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Airbnb | |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Insurance |
There are a few differences between a solutions architect and a lead architect in terms of educational background:
| Solutions Architect | Lead Architect | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between solutions architects' and lead architects' demographics:
| Solutions Architect | Lead Architect | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.6% Female, 13.4% | Male, 90.2% Female, 9.8% |
| 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, 6.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 12.0% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |