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Web architect vs lead web developer

The differences between web architects and lead web 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 web developer. Additionally, a web architect has an average salary of $112,335, which is higher than the $108,800 average annual salary of a lead web developer.

The top three skills for a web architect include user interface, websphere and java. The most important skills for a lead web developer are web application, javascript, and CSS.

Web architect vs lead web developer overview

Web ArchitectLead Web Developer
Yearly salary$112,335$108,800
Hourly rate$54.01$52.31
Growth rate13%13%
Number of jobs233,882250,411
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Average age3737
Years of experience44

What does a web architect do?

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.

What does a lead web developer do?

A lead web developer is in charge of spearheading the development of web applications and systems. In a company setting, their responsibilities include managing a team of developers, identifying and understanding project requirements, heading the planning and execution stages, setting objectives and timelines, establishing guidelines, delegating tasks, and providing technical support and guidance to staff. They must also respond to issues and concerns, resolving them promptly and efficiently. Moreover, being the lead web developer, they must encourage teams to reach goals, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

Web architect vs lead web developer salary

Web architects and lead web developers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Web ArchitectLead Web Developer
Average salary$112,335$108,800
Salary rangeBetween $85,000 And $147,000Between $84,000 And $140,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateIdahoWashington
Best paying companyAppleFirst Republic Bank
Best paying industryFinanceProfessional

Differences between web architect and lead web developer education

There are a few differences between a web architect and a lead web developer in terms of educational background:

Web ArchitectLead Web Developer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Most common majorComputer ScienceComputer Science
Most common collegeMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyMassachusetts Institute of Technology

Web architect vs lead web developer demographics

Here are the differences between web architects' and lead web developers' demographics:

Web ArchitectLead Web Developer
Average age3737
Gender ratioMale, 88.9% Female, 11.1%Male, 81.3% Female, 18.7%
Race ratioBlack 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, 6.6% Unknown, 6.5% Hispanic or Latino, 12.2% Asian, 15.7% White, 58.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between web architect and lead web developer duties and responsibilities

Web architect example responsibilities.

  • Manage several active critical projects at once and lead a team of Java/J2EE developers, consultants and testers.
  • Manage UI designer; help to develop look-and-feel.
  • Manage a team of 4 backend and UI developers.
  • Manage high transaction databases including all database objects, triggers, procedures, user rights and functions.
  • Modify existing XSLT's for translation of XML data to HTML pages.
  • Design and develop socket-based client / server applications using Java, XML and SQL.
  • Show more

Lead web developer example responsibilities.

  • Design and develop custom MVC framework to manage public web sites.
  • Lead a team of 20 developers through full lifecycle software development of J2EE applications.
  • Manage authentication using ASP.NET forms authentication, windows authorization and ASP.NET membership.
  • Develop classroom registration system and internal portal with PHP, MySQL, HTML, and CSS.
  • Utilize Perl and HTML to develop a searchable database for airplane part requests
  • Develop perl processes to reformat data into desired load formats.
  • Show more

Web architect vs lead web developer skills

Common web architect skills
  • User Interface, 9%
  • WebSphere, 7%
  • Java, 7%
  • Architecture, 6%
  • Web Application, 5%
  • JavaScript, 5%
Common lead web developer skills
  • Web Application, 9%
  • JavaScript, 6%
  • CSS, 5%
  • Web Development, 4%
  • Front End, 4%
  • API, 4%

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