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Software Research and Design Architect I Salary in District of Columbia

How much does a Software Research and Design Architect I make in District of Columbia?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Research and Design Architect I in District of Columbia is $83,300 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.

However, a Software Research and Design Architect I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $95,909
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $78,800 to $89,900
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $74,703
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View as table View as graph 25% $78,800 10% $74,703 90% $95,909 75% $89,900 $83,300 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Software Research and Design Architect I Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $89,900 $7,492 $1,729 $43
Average $83,300 $6,942 $1,602 $40
25th Percentile $78,800 $6,567 $1,515 $38
Check out Software Research and Design Architect I Job Openings in District of Columbia
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Key Factors That Influence Software Research and Design Architect I Salaries

A Software Research and Design Architect I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Software Research and Design Architect Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Software Research and Design Architect I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Software Research and Design Architect I (0-2 years): $83,264
  • Software Research and Design Architect II (2-4 years): $104,545
  • Software Research and Design Architect III (4-7 years): $142,470
  • Software Research and Design Architect IV (7+ years): $161,315
  • Software Research and Design Architect V (7-10 years): $195,827
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Software Research and Design Architect I0-2 years$83,264
Software Research and Design Architect II2-4 years$104,545
Software Research and Design Architect III4-7 years$142,470
Software Research and Design Architect IV7+ years$161,315
Software Research and Design Architect V7-10 years$195,827
$83,264 Software ...
$104,545 Software ...
$142,470 Software ...
$161,315 Software ...
$195,827 Software ...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Software Research and Design Architect Is

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Parcel Return Service: $82,900
  • Washington: $82,900
  • Naval Anacost Annex: $82,900

Software Research and Design Architect I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Software Research and Design Architect I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $93,250. While startup companies pay approximate $78,887.

Software Research and Design Architect I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$78,887
Growth Stage51~500$83,432
Established501~5000$90,049
Enterprise5000+$93,250

Software Research and Design Architect I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Software Research and Design Architect I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 48% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Software Research and Design Architect positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software Research and Design Architect I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Software Research and Design Architect I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$104,125$50.025%
Internet$99,960$48.020%
Healthcare$95,795$46.015%
Energy & Utilities$91,630$44.010%
Financial Services$91,630$44.010%

Software Research and Design Architect I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Software Research and Design Architect I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$78,800
Average $83,300/year
$89,900
$6,567
Average $6,942/month
$7,492
$1,515
Average $1,602/week
$1,729
$38
Average $40/hour
$43
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $89,900 $7,492 $1,729 $43
Average $83,300 $6,942 $1,602 $40
25th Percentile $78,800 $6,567 $1,515 $38

Software Research and Design Architect I Salary Growth & Career Path

Software Research and Design Architect I
Application Programmer Analyst II
Software Research and Design Architect II
Backend Applications Developer II
Full Stack Engineer Intermediate
Applications Programming Project Supervisor
VP of Software Research and Design Architecture
Backend Applications Developer III
Full Stack Engineer Senior

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Software Research and Design Architect I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Software Research and Design Architect I Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Application Programmer Analyst II $105,500 27%
Software Research and Design Architect II $104,600 26%
Backend Applications Developer II $116,100 39%
Full Stack Engineer Intermediate $117,100 41%

Salaries of jobs related to Software Research and Design Architect I

Find Your Next Software Research and Design Architect I Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Software Research and Design Architect I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States

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    WILMINGTON, MA

    SAP Technical Lead Architect

    UniFirst | WILMINGTON, MA

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    NEWCOMB HALL, VA

    Embedded Software FPGA Design Engineer

    National Radio Astronomy Observatory | NEWCOMB HALL, VA

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    7 Days Ago

  • C.T. Male Associates

    LATHAM, NY

    Project Architect

    C.T. Male Associates | LATHAM, NY

    Location: Latham, NY, US 12110 Job Type: Full Time Job Classification: Salaried Exemption Type: Exempt Education: Bachelor's Degree Travel: None Descriptio... more

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  • ManTech International

    LAUREL, MD

    Network Architect

    ManTech International | LAUREL, MD

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  • Vantor

    WESTMINSTER, CO

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    Vantor | WESTMINSTER, CO

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    7 Days Ago

  • A.O. Smith

    NASHVILLE, TN

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    Company / Location Information A.O. Smith is a global leader applying innovative technologies and energy-efficient solutions to products manufactured and m... more

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Cost of Living In District of Columbia

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