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Software Research and Design Architect IV Salary in Illinois

How much does a Software Research and Design Architect IV make in Illinois?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Research and Design Architect IV in Illinois is $148,510 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $71.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $167,251
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $136,900 to $158,320
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $126,330
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View as table View as graph 25% $136,900 10% $126,330 90% $167,251 75% $158,320 $148,510 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Software Research and Design Architect IV Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $158,320 $13,193 $3,045 $76
Average $148,510 $12,376 $2,856 $71
25th Percentile $136,900 $11,408 $2,633 $66
Check out Software Research and Design Architect IV Job Openings in Illinois
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Key Factors That Influence Software Research and Design Architect IV Salaries

A Software Research and Design Architect IV'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 IV'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 II (2-4 years): $96,245
  • Software Research and Design Architect III (4-7 years): $131,159
  • Software Research and Design Architect IV (7+ years): $148,508
  • Software Research and Design Architect V (7-10 years): $180,281
  • Software Research and Design Architect VI (10-12 years): $226,249
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Software Research and Design Architect II2-4 years$96,245
Software Research and Design Architect III4-7 years$131,159
Software Research and Design Architect IV7+ years$148,508
Software Research and Design Architect V7-10 years$180,281
Software Research and Design Architect VI10-12 years$226,249
$96,245 Software ...
$131,159 Software ...
$148,508 Software ...
$180,281 Software ...
$226,249 Software ...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Software Research and Design Architect IVs

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:

  • Effingham: $136,900
  • Saint Peter: $136,710
  • Salem: $137,230

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

Software Research and Design Architect IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $166,248. While startup companies pay approximate $140,642.

Software Research and Design Architect IV Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$140,642
Growth Stage51~500$148,746
Established501~5000$160,542
Enterprise5000+$166,248

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

For Software Research and Design Architect IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 42% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Software Research and Design Architect positions in Transportation or Healthcare typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software Research and Design Architect IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

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

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$185,638$89.025%
Financial Services$170,786$82.015%
Energy & Utilities$166,331$80.012%
Internet$166,331$80.012%
Software & Networking$160,391$77.08%

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

Understanding how a Software Research and Design Architect IV'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
$136,900
Average $148,510/year
$158,320
$11,408
Average $12,376/month
$13,193
$2,633
Average $2,856/week
$3,045
$66
Average $71/hour
$76
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $158,320 $13,193 $3,045 $76
Average $148,510 $12,376 $2,856 $71
25th Percentile $136,900 $11,408 $2,633 $66

Software Research and Design Architect IV Salary Growth & Career Path

Software Research and Design Architect IV
Application Programmer Analyst V
Software Research and Design Architect V
Backend Applications Developer V
Midrange Programmer - Consultant
Applications Programming Project Supervisor
VP of Software Research and Design Architecture
Backend Applications Developer Director

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Software Research and Design Architect IV, 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 IV Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Application Programmer Analyst V $170,200 15%
Software Research and Design Architect V $180,300 21%
Backend Applications Developer V $154,000 4%
Midrange Programmer - Consultant $146,600 -1%

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

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