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The differences between systems architects and network architects can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a network architect has an average salary of $105,375, 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 network architect are architecture, BGP, and network infrastructure.
| Systems Architect | Network Architect | |
| Yearly salary | $103,764 | $105,375 |
| Hourly rate | $49.89 | $50.66 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 232,582 | 96,500 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Years of experience | - | 2 |
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 network architect is an information technology expert specializing in designing and developing network systems for a company. Their responsibilities typically include performing research and analysis to identify and understand the network needs of a company, planning and performing installations and implementation, establishing guidelines and timelines, upgrading systems, and developing strategies to enhance network operations. Moreover, a network architect must implement security policies and regulations, conduct regular maintenance checks, and perform repairs and modifications to maintain a smooth and efficient workflow.
Systems architects and network architects have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Systems Architect | Network Architect | |
| Average salary | $103,764 | $105,375 |
| Salary range | Between $76,000 And $141,000 | Between $75,000 And $146,000 |
| Highest paying City | Cupertino, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Airbnb | Anaplan |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Professional |
There are a few differences between a systems architect and a network architect in terms of educational background:
| Systems Architect | Network Architect | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between systems architects' and network architects' demographics:
| Systems Architect | Network Architect | |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.2% Female, 9.8% | Male, 92.7% Female, 7.3% |
| 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, 8.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.4% Asian, 12.3% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 9% |