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Software Research and Design Architect II Salary in the United States

How much does a Software Research and Design Architect II make in the United States?

As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Research and Design Architect II in the United States is $94,500 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $45.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $109,019
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $85,400 to $102,100
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $77,115
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View as table View as graph 25% $85,400 10% $77,115 90% $109,019 75% $102,100 $94,500 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Software Research and Design Architect II Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $102,100 $8,508 $1,963 $49
Average $94,500 $7,875 $1,817 $45
25th Percentile $85,400 $7,117 $1,642 $41
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Key Factors That Influence Software Research and Design Architect II Salaries

A Software Research and Design Architect II'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 II'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): $75,200
  • Software Research and Design Architect II (2-4 years): $94,433
  • Software Research and Design Architect III (4-7 years): $128,673
  • Software Research and Design Architect IV (7+ years): $145,689
  • Software Research and Design Architect V (7-10 years): $176,844
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Software Research and Design Architect I0-2 years$75,200
Software Research and Design Architect II2-4 years$94,433
Software Research and Design Architect III4-7 years$128,673
Software Research and Design Architect IV7+ years$145,689
Software Research and Design Architect V7-10 years$176,844
$75,200 Software ...
$94,433 Software ...
$128,673 Software ...
$145,689 Software ...
$176,844 Software ...
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What Am I Worth?

How Do Software Research and Design Architect II Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $104,600.
  • California: $104,200.
  • Massachusetts: $102,800.

Top Paying Cities for Software Research and Design Architect IIs

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:

  • San Jose: $119,200
  • San Francisco: $117,900
  • Oakland: $115,400

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

Software Research and Design Architect II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $105,697. While startup companies pay approximate $89,389.

Software Research and Design Architect II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$89,389
Growth Stage51~500$94,542
Established501~5000$102,071
Enterprise5000+$105,697

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

For Software Research and Design Architect II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Media and Healthcare sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Software Research and Design Architect positions in MFG Durable or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software Research and Design Architect II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

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

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Media$132,300$64.040%
Healthcare$122,850$59.030%
Insurance$118,125$57.025%
Construction$113,400$55.020%
Telecom$111,510$54.018%

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

Understanding how a Software Research and Design Architect II'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.

Last Updated on July 01, 2026

Software Research and Design Architect II Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Software Research and Design Architect II, 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 II Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Application Programmer Analyst III $122,600 30%
Software Research and Design Architect III $128,700 36%
Backend Applications Developer III $125,200 32%
Full Stack Engineer Senior $128,500 36%

Salary Trends for Software Research and Design Architect II

Salaries for a Software Research and Design Architect II can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary from $101,207 in 2023 to around $101,207 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Software Research and Design Architect II salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Software Research and Design Architect II Over Time

2023
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2024
$101,207
2025
$???
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2023
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2024 $101,207
2025
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2026
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2027
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Most common benefits for Software Research and Design Architect II

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Software Research and Design Architect II

Here are companies hiring for Software Research and Design Architect II and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Software Research and Design Architect II

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Software Research and Design Architect II?

The Media industry offers the highest average compensation for Software Research and Design Architect II roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.

2. Which architecture has highest salary?

The Software Research and Design Architect role offers competitive salaries, with a minimum of $90,100, a mid-range of $101,500, and a maximum of $118,700. While various architect careers exist, this position stands out for its lucrative compensation, reflecting the demand for skilled professionals in software architecture.

3. What is the salary of Software Architect in Google USA?

The salary range for a Software Research and Design Architect is between $90,100 and $118,700 per year, with a mid-salary of $101,500. This data reflects the typical compensation for this role, which may vary based on experience and location.

4. What is the high salary of Software Architect?

The salary for a Software Research and Design Architect ranges from ₹90,100 to ₹118,700 annually. This data reflects the minimum, mid, and maximum salary levels for this role, providing a clear understanding of the compensation landscape for Software Architects.

5. How much do software architects make in the US?

Software Research and Design Architects in the US earn between $90,100 and $118,700 annually, with a median salary of $101,500. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and expertise in the field, providing a competitive compensation structure for professionals in software architecture.

6. Is software architect stressful?

As with most high-level careers, being a Software Research and Design Architect can be stressful at times. You'll face challenging decisions while balancing the needs of various stakeholders. Additionally, you may need to adapt to rapidly changing environments or requirements. The salary range for this role typically falls between $90,100 and $118,700, reflecting the responsibilities involved.

7. Are software architects well paid?

Software Architects are indeed well compensated, with salaries ranging from $90,100 to $118,700, and a median salary of $101,500. This role is among the highest-paying in the tech industry, requiring expertise in designing, executing, and implementing software solutions, making it both rewarding and challenging.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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