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The differences between systems architects and lead architects can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a lead architect has an average salary of $104,687, which is higher than the $103,764 average annual salary of a systems architect.
The top three skills for a systems architect include cloud, java and python. The most important skills for a lead architect are digital transformation, architecture, and java.
| Systems Architect | Lead Architect | |
| Yearly salary | $103,764 | $104,687 |
| Hourly rate | $49.89 | $50.33 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 232,582 | 266,541 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
A systems architect specializes in designing and developing computer networks and systems for company operations. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around conducting research and analysis to identify a company's needs, devising strategies to reach particular goals, improving existing systems, and implementing solutions for optimal processes. A systems architect must also monitor the progress of all implementations, prepare progress reports and presentations, provide technical support as needed, and train new workforce members, all while adhering to the company's policies and regulations, including vision and mission.
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.
Systems architects and lead architects have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Systems Architect | Lead Architect | |
| Average salary | $103,764 | $104,687 |
| Salary range | Between $76,000 And $141,000 | Between $78,000 And $139,000 |
| Highest paying City | Cupertino, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Airbnb | |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Insurance |
There are a few differences between a systems architect and a lead architect in terms of educational background:
| Systems Architect | Lead Architect | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | 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 systems architects' and lead architects' demographics:
| Systems Architect | Lead Architect | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.2% Female, 9.8% | 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% |