As of November 01, 2025, the average salary for a Systems Architecture Design Director in the United States is $206,663 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $99.
However, a Systems Architecture Design Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Systems Architecture Design Director'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Systems Architecture Design Director'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Systems Architecture Design Director | $196,627 |
| Intermediate Level Systems Architecture Design Director | $198,096 |
| Senior Level Systems Architecture Design Director | $200,054 |
| Specialist Level Systems Architecture Design Director | $202,502 |
| Expert Level Systems Architecture Design Director | $204,950 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Systems Architecture Design Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Systems Architecture Design Directors enter the field with a Master's Degree or MBA degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Systems Architecture Design Director with a Master's Degree or MBA is between $208,495 and $218,586.
Systems Architecture Design Director Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.3% |
| High School | 3.9% |
| Associates | 3.3% |
| Bachelors | 44.9% |
| Masters | 42.0% |
| Doctorate | 5.4% |
Understanding how a Systems Architecture Design Director'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 November 01, 2025Salaries for a Systems Architecture Design Director can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $192,310 in 2023 to around $183,988 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Systems Architecture Design Director salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $192,310 |
| 2024 | $187,151 |
| 2025 | $183,988 |
| 2026 |
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|
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $206,663 | 59.2% |
| Bonus | $57,690 | 16.5% |
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security | $14,286 | 4.1% |
| 401K/403B | $10,500 | 3.0% |
| Disability | $5,287 | 1.5% |
| Healthcare | $8,352 | 2.4% |
| Pension | $13,500 | 3.9% |
| Time Off | $32,536 | 9.3% |
| Total Compensation | $348,814 | 100% |
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