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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Research and Design Architect I in Texas is $73,400 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, a Software Research and Design Architect I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Software Research and Design Architect I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $79,200 | $6,600 | $1,523 | $38 |
| Average | $73,400 | $6,117 | $1,412 | $35 |
| 25th Percentile | $69,400 | $5,783 | $1,335 | $33 |
National Radio Astronomy Observatory - NEWCOMB HALL, VA
GE Vernova - NISKAYUNA, NY
Cyntergy - TULSA, OK
Geodis - BRENTWOOD, TN
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.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Software Research and Design Architect I | 0-2 years | $73,352 |
| Software Research and Design Architect II | 2-4 years | $92,100 |
| Software Research and Design Architect III | 4-7 years | $125,511 |
| Software Research and Design Architect IV | 7+ years | $142,112 |
| Software Research and Design Architect V | 7-10 years | $172,516 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Software Research and Design Architect Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
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 $82,167. While startup companies pay approximate $69,511.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $69,511 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $73,517 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $79,347 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $82,167 |
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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $91,750 | $44.0 | 25% |
| Internet | $88,080 | $42.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $84,410 | $41.0 | 15% |
| Energy & Utilities | $80,740 | $39.0 | 10% |
| Financial Services | $80,740 | $39.0 | 10% |
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $79,200 | $6,600 | $1,523 | $38 |
| Average | $73,400 | $6,117 | $1,412 | $35 |
| 25th Percentile | $69,400 | $5,783 | $1,335 | $33 |
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.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Application Programmer Analyst II | $92,900 | 27% |
| Software Research and Design Architect II | $92,200 | 26% |
| Backend Applications Developer II | $102,300 | 39% |
| Full Stack Engineer Intermediate | $103,200 | 41% |
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.
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