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Software Research and Design Architect III Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Research and Design Architect III in the United States is $128,700 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $62.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $148,951
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $118,800 to $139,300
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $109,787
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Software Research and Design Architect III Salaries

A Software Research and Design Architect III'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 III'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): $75,204
  • Software Research and Design Architect II (2-4 years): $94,413
  • Software Research and Design Architect III (4-7 years): $128,680
  • Software Research and Design Architect IV (7+ years): $145,703
  • Software Research and Design Architect V (7-10 years): $176,890
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Software Research and Design Architect I0-2 years$75,204
Software Research and Design Architect II2-4 years$94,413
Software Research and Design Architect III4-7 years$128,680
Software Research and Design Architect IV7+ years$145,703
Software Research and Design Architect V7-10 years$176,890
View as Graph

How Do Software Research and Design Architect III 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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $142,500.
  • California: $142,000.
  • Massachusetts: $140,100.

Top Paying Cities for Software Research and Design Architect IIIs

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: $162,400
  • San Francisco: $160,600
  • Oakland: $157,200

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

Software Research and Design Architect III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $143,828. While startup companies pay approximate $121,663.

Software Research and Design Architect III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $121,663
Growth Stage 51~500 $128,671
Established 501~5000 $138,884
Enterprise 5000+ $143,828

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

For Software Research and Design Architect III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Software Research and Design Architect positions in Retail & Wholesale or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software Research and Design Architect III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Software Research and Design Architect III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$193,050$93.050%

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

Understanding how a Software Research and Design Architect III'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 September 01, 2026
$118,800
Average $128,700/year
$139,300
$9,900
Average $10,725/month
$11,608
$2,285
Average $2,475/week
$2,679
$57
Average $62/hour
$67
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $139,300 $11,608 $2,679 $67
Average $128,700 $10,725 $2,475 $62
25th Percentile $118,800 $9,900 $2,285 $57

Software Research and Design Architect III Salary Growth & Career Path

Software Research and Design Architect III

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Software Research and Design Architect III, 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 IV $143,700 12%
Software Research and Design Architect IV $145,710 13%
Backend Applications Developer IV $145,500 13%
Full Stack Engineer Specialist $145,500 13%

Most common benefits for Software Research and Design Architect III

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Software Research and Design Architect III

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

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FAQ about Software Research and Design Architect III

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

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Software Research and Design Architect III roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.

2. Do architects get paid well in the USA?

In the USA, Software Research and Design Architects earn competitive salaries. The minimum salary is $115,100, with a mid-range salary of $129,700 and a maximum salary reaching $145,800. This indicates that architects in this field are well-compensated compared to the general architect salary, which had a median of $93,310 in 2023.

3. Can architects make 7 figures?

While it's uncommon for Software Research and Design Architects to earn seven figures, their salaries can be quite substantial. The minimum salary is around $115,100, with a mid-range salary of approximately $129,700 and a maximum of $145,800. Achieving a seven-figure income typically requires extensive experience, specialized skills, or leadership roles in larger organizations.

4. What is the highest rank of an architect?

The highest rank of an architect in the software field is typically the Software Research and Design Architect. This role commands a competitive salary range, with a minimum of $115,100, a mid-level salary of $129,700, and a maximum salary reaching $145,800, reflecting the expertise and responsibilities associated with this position.

5. What is the highest paid architects?

The highest paid architects are Software Research and Design Architects, with a salary range that starts at $115,100, reaches a midpoint of $129,700, and can go up to a maximum of $145,800. This reflects the demand and expertise required in the field, making it a lucrative career choice for skilled professionals.

6. Do software architects get paid more than engineers?

Software architects typically earn more than engineers. Based on recent data, the salary range for Software Research and Design Architects is between $115,100 and $145,800, with a mid-salary of $129,700. In comparison, DevOps engineers have an average salary of $104,019, indicating that software architects generally receive higher compensation.

7. What does architect III mean?

ARCHITECT III refers to a licensed architect with ten or more years of experience, responsible for planning and developing medium to large-scale projects that involve significant complexities. This role includes executing and coordinating projects, often overseeing a large team of architects and technicians. The salary range for this position typically falls between $115,100 and $145,800, with a mid-salary of $129,700.

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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