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Software Research and Design Architect Manager Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Research and Design Architect Manager in the United States is $156,700 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $75.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $177,906
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $146,600 to $167,800
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $137,404

Key Factors That Influence Software Research and Design Architect Manager Salaries

A Software Research and Design Architect Manager'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 Manager Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Software Research and Design Architect Manager'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 VI (10-12 years): $221,987
  • Software Research and Design Architect Supervisor (12+ years): $134,113
  • Software Research and Design Architect Manager (12+ years): $156,605
  • Software Research and Design Architect Senior Manager (12+ years): $176,818
  • Software Research and Design Architect Director (12+ years): $208,399
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Software Research and Design Architect VI10-12 years$221,987
Software Research and Design Architect Supervisor12+ years$134,113
Software Research and Design Architect Manager12+ years$156,605
Software Research and Design Architect Senior Manager12+ years$176,818
Software Research and Design Architect Director12+ years$208,399

How Do Software Research and Design Architect Manager 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 Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $173,400.
  • California: $172,800.
  • Massachusetts: $170,500.

Top Paying Cities for Software Research and Design Architect Managers

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: $197,600
  • San Francisco: $195,400
  • Oakland: $191,300

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

Software Research and Design Architect Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $175,119. While startup companies pay approximate $148,133.

Software Research and Design Architect Manager Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $148,133
Growth Stage 51~500 $156,665
Established 501~5000 $169,100
Enterprise 5000+ $175,119

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

For Software Research and Design Architect Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Software Research and Design Architect Manager positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software Research and Design Architect Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

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

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare$188,040$90.020%
Pharmaceuticals$188,040$90.020%
Internet$180,205$87.015%
Aerospace & Defense$172,370$83.010%
Energy & Utilities$172,370$83.010%

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

Understanding how a Software Research and Design Architect Manager'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
$146,600
Average $156,700/year
$167,800
$12,217
Average $13,058/month
$13,983
$2,819
Average $3,013/week
$3,227
$70
Average $75/hour
$81
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $167,800 $13,983 $3,227 $81
Average $156,700 $13,058 $3,013 $75
25th Percentile $146,600 $12,217 $2,819 $70

Software Research and Design Architect Manager Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Software Research and Design Architect Manager, 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 Manager Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Application Design and Development Senior Manager $176,900 13%
Software Research and Design Architect Senior Manager $176,900 13%
Backend Applications Developer Senior Manager $183,300 17%

Most common benefits for Software Research and Design Architect Manager

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

Common company salaries for Software Research and Design Architect Manager

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

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FAQ about Software Research and Design Architect Manager

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

The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Software Research and Design Architect Manager roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. What is the highest salary for a software designer?

The salary for a Software Research and Design Architect Manager ranges from $145,800 to $179,200 annually, with a median salary of $164,400. These figures reflect the compensation for professionals in this role, showcasing the potential earnings based on experience and expertise in the field.

3. Which country pays highest salary for Software Architect?

The highest salary for a Software Research and Design Architect Manager is in the United States, with a salary range of $145,800 to $179,200. This is significantly higher than average salaries in other countries, such as Switzerland at €100,600 and Israel at €69,579, highlighting the competitive compensation in the U.S. for this role.

4. Can architects make 200k?

While the salary data for Software Research and Design Architect Managers indicates a range from $145,800 to $179,200, reaching a $200k salary may be challenging. However, with experience, specialized skills, and in-demand roles, some architects can potentially exceed this range, especially in high-cost areas or with additional compensation.

5. How much does a systems architecture manager earn?

A Software Research and Design Architect Manager earns between $145,800 and $179,200 annually, with a median salary of $164,400. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and expertise in the field.

6. How much does a Google Solution Architect manager make?

The salary for a Software Research and Design Architect Manager typically ranges from $145,800 to $179,200, with a mid-point of $164,400. This reflects the competitive compensation in the tech industry, which may also include bonuses, equity, and benefits.

7. What is the salary of software architect in Google USA?

The salary range for a Software Research and Design Architect Manager is between $145,800 and $179,200 per year, with a mid-salary of $164,400. This reflects the base salary without additional compensation. For a Software Architect at Google, the total pay range is estimated to be significantly higher, between $343K and $555K annually.

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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