upper level job

Systems and Applications Architect I Salary in the United States

How much does a Systems and Applications Architect I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Systems and Applications Architect I in the United States is $81,950 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.

However, a Systems and Applications Architect I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $87,509
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $74,080 to $84,860
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $66,915

Key Factors That Influence Systems and Applications Architect I Salaries

A Systems and Applications Architect I'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 Systems and Applications Architect Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Systems and Applications Architect I'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:

  • Systems and Applications Architect I (0-2 years): $81,942
  • Information Systems Architect II (2-4 years): $94,113
  • Information Systems Architect III (4-7 years): $119,067
  • Information Systems Architect IV (7+ years): $140,213
  • Information Systems Architect V (7-10 years): $168,114
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Systems and Applications Architect I0-2 years$81,942
Information Systems Architect II2-4 years$94,113
Information Systems Architect III4-7 years$119,067
Information Systems Architect IV7+ years$140,213
Information Systems Architect V7-10 years$168,114

Top Paying Cities for Systems and Applications Architect Is

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: $103,360
  • San Francisco: $102,230
  • Oakland: $100,070

Systems and Applications Architect I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Systems and Applications Architect I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $91,583. While startup companies pay approximate $77,469.

Systems and Applications Architect I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $77,469
Growth Stage 51~500 $81,932
Established 501~5000 $88,435
Enterprise 5000+ $91,583

Systems and Applications Architect I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Systems and Applications Architect I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 38% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Internet and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 18% above the average. In contrast, Systems and Applications Architect positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Systems and Applications Architect I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Systems and Applications Architect I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Internet$96,701$46.018%
Financial Services$94,242$45.015%
Aerospace & Defense$91,784$44.012%
Software & Networking$91,784$44.012%
Biotechnology$90,145$43.010%

Systems and Applications Architect I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Systems and Applications Architect I'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
$74,080
Average $81,950/year
$84,860
$6,173
Average $6,829/month
$7,072
$1,425
Average $1,576/week
$1,632
$36
Average $39/hour
$41
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $84,860 $7,072 $1,632 $41
Average $81,950 $6,829 $1,576 $39
25th Percentile $74,080 $6,173 $1,425 $36

Systems and Applications Architect I Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Systems and Applications Architect I, 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.

Systems and Applications Architect I Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Information Systems Architect II $94,200 15%
Cloud Computing Analyst II $107,400 31%
Business Infrastructure Architect II $107,090 31%
IT Infrastructure Operations Supervisor $105,200 28%

Most common benefits for Systems and Applications Architect I

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

Common company salaries for Systems and Applications Architect I

Here are companies hiring for Systems and Applications Architect I and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Systems and Applications Architect I Job

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

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

FAQ about Systems and Applications Architect I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Systems and Applications Architect I?

The Internet industry offers the highest average compensation for Systems and Applications Architect I roles, with salaries approximately 18% above the market median.

2. Can architects make 200K?

While architects can earn high salaries, the typical range for a Systems and Applications Architect is between $72,150 and $86,850. Achieving a salary of $200K is rare and usually reserved for top positions like Partner or Principal in major firms.

3. What type of architect is the highest paid?

The highest-paid architect role is typically the Systems and Applications Architect. According to salary data, the minimum salary for this position is $72,150, the mid-range salary is $78,950, and the maximum salary can reach up to $86,850. This range reflects the demand and expertise required in this specialized field.

4. What is the lowest paid architect?

The lowest paid architect is the Systems and Applications Architect, with a minimum salary of $72,150. This role typically earns a mid-range salary of $78,950, while the maximum salary can reach up to $86,850.

5. Is architect a lot of math?

While math is important in architecture, particularly algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, it shouldn't deter anyone from pursuing this field. These skills help in understanding dimensions, quantities, and geometric relationships, which are essential for spatial thinking. In terms of salary, Systems and Applications Architects can expect to earn between $72,150 and $86,850, with a median salary of $78,950.

6. What state pays architects the most?

The state that typically pays Systems and Applications Architects the most offers a salary range from $72,150 to $86,850, with a median salary of $78,950. This range can vary based on factors such as experience, location, and the specific employer, but these figures provide a general idea of the compensation in this field.

7. Can architects make over 100k?

While some architects can earn over $100,000, the salary data for Systems and Applications Architects shows a range from $72,150 to $86,850. This indicates that many in this role earn below the $100,000 mark, with higher salaries typically found in more senior positions or specialized fields.

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst