As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Research and Design Architect V in the United States is $176,900 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $85.
However, a Software Research and Design Architect V's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Software Research and Design Architect V Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $194,600 | $16,217 | $3,742 | $94 |
| Average | $176,900 | $14,742 | $3,402 | $85 |
| 25th Percentile | $161,400 | $13,450 | $3,104 | $78 |
A Software Research and Design Architect V'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 V'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 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 |
| 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 V salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $197,693. While startup companies pay approximate $167,228.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $167,228 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $176,861 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $190,898 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $197,693 |
Understanding how a Software Research and Design Architect V'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 | $194,600 | $16,217 | $3,742 | $94 |
| Average | $176,900 | $14,742 | $3,402 | $85 |
| 25th Percentile | $161,400 | $13,450 | $3,104 | $78 |
Next Role
Advancement
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Software Research and Design Architect V, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Applications Programming Project Supervisor | $134,200 | -24% |
| Software Research and Design Architect VI | $222,000 | 25% |
| Backend Applications Developer Supervisor | $139,400 | -21% |
| Mobile Software Development Manager | $156,700 | -11% |
Salaries for a Software Research and Design Architect V can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary from $163,515 in 2023 to around $163,515 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Software Research and Design Architect V salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2023 | View More |
| 2024 | $163,515 |
| 2025 |
View More
|
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Insurance industry offers the highest average compensation for Software Research and Design Architect V roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
The salary for a Software Research and Design Architect ranges from $164,900 to $202,600 annually, with a mid-salary of $182,400. These figures reflect the compensation for professionals in this role, showcasing the potential earnings in the field.
Yes, architects can certainly make over $100,000. For a Software Research and Design Architect, the salary range is between $164,900 and $202,600, with a mid-salary of $182,400. This reflects the demand for experienced professionals in the field, particularly those with 8+ years of experience in project design across all phases.
The salary for a Software Research and Design Architect in the U.S. ranges from a minimum of $164,900 to a maximum of $202,600, with a mid-level salary of $182,400. This reflects the competitive nature of the field, where experienced professionals can earn substantial compensation.
Architects, specifically Software Research and Design Architects, can earn significantly higher salaries, with a minimum of $164,900, a mid-range of $182,400, and a maximum of $202,600. In contrast, engineers typically earn an average annual salary of $68,746. This indicates that architects generally have higher earning potential than engineers.
A Software Research and Design Architect in the USA earns between $164,900 and $202,600 annually, with a median salary of approximately $182,400. This reflects the competitive nature of the field, highlighting the value of expertise and experience in software architecture.
Software Architects can expect competitive salaries, with a minimum of $164,900, a mid-range of $182,400, and a maximum of $202,600. Among the highest paying cities in the U.S., San Jose, CA leads with an average of $185,933, followed by Broomfield, CO at $164,061, and Arlington, VA at $160,119.
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