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The differences between web architects and 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 software developer. Additionally, a web architect has an average salary of $112,335, which is higher than the $87,521 average annual salary of a software developer.
The top three skills for a web architect include user interface, websphere and java. The most important skills for a software developer are java, python, and C++.
| Web Architect | Software Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $112,335 | $87,521 |
| Hourly rate | $54.01 | $42.08 |
| Growth rate | 13% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 233,882 | 294,329 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| 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 software developer is responsible for designing application systems to support the user and business' needs. Duties of a software developer include testing software codes, performing diagnostic programs and troubleshooting, interpreting system data and establishing efficient parameters, and ensuring the compatibility of the systems. A software developer must have an excellent knowledge of computer programs and programming languages to understand its complexities, especially on detecting system defects and malfunctions. A software developer must have strong attention to detail, communication, and decision-making skills to coordinate with the team and also work independently under minimal supervision.
Web architects and software developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Web Architect | Software Developer | |
| Average salary | $112,335 | $87,521 |
| Salary range | Between $85,000 And $147,000 | Between $67,000 And $113,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Idaho | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Finance |
There are a few differences between a web architect and a software developer in terms of educational background:
| Web Architect | Software Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between web architects' and software developers' demographics:
| Web Architect | Software Developer | |
| Average age | 37 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 88.9% Female, 11.1% | Male, 79.3% Female, 20.7% |
| 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, 4.5% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 29.9% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 8% |