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The differences between web architects and lead software developers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a web architect and a lead software developer. Additionally, a lead software developer has an average salary of $115,072, which is higher than the $112,335 average annual salary of a web architect.
The top three skills for a web architect include user interface, websphere and java. The most important skills for a lead software developer are java, architecture, and application development.
| Web Architect | Lead Software Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $112,335 | $115,072 |
| Hourly rate | $54.01 | $55.32 |
| Growth rate | 13% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 233,882 | 309,029 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 37 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A web architect specializes in designing and developing web applications and solutions. Among their duties include meeting with clients to identify their needs and preferences, conceptualizing plans and framework, generating codes and other materials, creating test structures to eliminate bugs, maintaining extensive records, and establishing security measures and policies. They may also provide technical support and guidance to staff during the projects. Moreover, a web architect typically works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.
A lead software developer is responsible for creating and designing software applications and systems to support business functions and client requirements. Lead software developers analyze specifications to build efficient applications, conduct multiple quality testing, and enhance the user's interface. They also coordinate with the design engineers to modify and improve the features of existing software applications for optimal performance. A lead software developer must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in considering the current technology trends to meet demands.
Web architects and lead software developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Web Architect | Lead Software Developer | |
| Average salary | $112,335 | $115,072 |
| Salary range | Between $85,000 And $147,000 | Between $87,000 And $151,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Idaho | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a web architect and a lead software developer in terms of educational background:
| Web Architect | Lead Software Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between web architects' and lead software developers' demographics:
| Web Architect | Lead Software Developer | |
| Average age | 37 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 88.9% Female, 11.1% | Male, 86.5% Female, 13.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.5% Unknown, 6.5% Hispanic or Latino, 12.1% Asian, 16.1% White, 58.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 30.0% White, 52.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 8% |