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Systems Architecture Design Specialist I Salary in the United States

How much does a Systems Architecture Design Specialist I make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Systems Architecture Design Specialist I in the United States is $81,990 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.

However, a Systems Architecture Design Specialist I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $87,530
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $74,090 to $84,890
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $66,897
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View as table View as graph 25% $74,090 10% $66,897 90% $87,530 75% $84,890 $81,990 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Systems Architecture Design Specialist I Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $84,890 $7,074 $1,633 $41
Average $81,990 $6,833 $1,577 $39
25th Percentile $74,090 $6,174 $1,425 $36
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Key Factors That Influence Systems Architecture Design Specialist I Salaries

A Systems Architecture Design Specialist 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 Architecture Design Specialist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Systems Architecture Design Specialist 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 Architecture Design Specialist I (0-2 years): $81,945
  • Information Systems Architect II (2-4 years): $94,133
  • Information Systems Architect III (4-7 years): $119,077
  • Information Systems Architect IV (7+ years): $140,216
  • Information Systems Architect V (7-10 years): $168,112
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Systems Architecture Design Specialist I0-2 years$81,945
Information Systems Architect II2-4 years$94,133
Information Systems Architect III4-7 years$119,077
Information Systems Architect IV7+ years$140,216
Information Systems Architect V7-10 years$168,112
$81,945 Systems A...
$94,133 Informati...
$119,077 Informati...
$140,216 Informati...
$168,112 Informati...
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What Am I Worth?

How Do Systems Architecture Design Specialist I 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 Systems Architecture Design Specialist Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $90,790.
  • California: $90,390.
  • Massachusetts: $89,190.

Top Paying Cities for Systems Architecture Design Specialist 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: $103,390
  • San Francisco: $102,290
  • Oakland: $100,090

Systems Architecture Design Specialist I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Systems Architecture Design Specialist I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $91,783. While startup companies pay approximate $77,646.

Systems Architecture Design Specialist I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$77,646
Growth Stage51~500$82,120
Established501~5000$88,633
Enterprise5000+$91,783

Systems Architecture Design Specialist I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Systems Architecture Design Specialist 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 Architecture Design Specialist positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Systems Architecture Design Specialist I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Systems Architecture Design Specialist I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Internet$96,748$47.018%
Financial Services$94,288$45.015%
Aerospace & Defense$91,829$44.012%
Software & Networking$91,829$44.012%
Biotechnology$90,189$43.010%

Systems Architecture Design Specialist I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Systems Architecture Design Specialist 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 August 01, 2026

Systems Architecture Design Specialist I Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Systems Architecture Design Specialist 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 Architecture Design Specialist 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 $107,190 31%
IT Infrastructure Operations Supervisor $105,200 28%

Salary Trends for Systems Architecture Design Specialist I

Salaries for a Systems Architecture Design Specialist I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $95,679 in 2023 to around $92,985 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Systems Architecture Design Specialist I salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Systems Architecture Design Specialist I Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$95,679
2024
$94,539
2025
$92,985
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $95,679
2024 $94,539
2025 $92,985
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Systems Architecture Design Specialist I

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Systems Architecture Design Specialist I

Here are companies hiring for Systems Architecture Design Specialist I and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Systems Architecture Design Specialist I Job

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

United States
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FAQ about Systems Architecture Design Specialist I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Systems Architecture Design Specialist I?

The Internet industry offers the highest average compensation for Systems Architecture Design Specialist I roles, with salaries approximately 18% above the market median.

2. What does a systems architect do?

A Systems Architect designs systems to adapt to change and ensures teams can meet compliance, adopt new technologies, and manage product operations. They also mentor Agile team members, fostering collaboration and innovation. The salary for this role ranges from $72,190 to $86,890, with a midpoint of $78,990, reflecting the expertise required in this dynamic field.

3. What is the highest salary of a System Architect?

The highest salary for a Systems Architecture Design Specialist is $86,890 per year. The salary range for this role typically falls between a minimum of $72,190 and a midpoint of $78,990.

4. Which architecture has highest salary?

The salary data for a Systems Architecture Design Specialist indicates a range from $72,190 to $86,890, with a mid-salary of $78,990. While sectors like construction, real estate, and infrastructure offer high salaries for architects, this specific role has a competitive salary range reflecting its importance in the industry.

5. What is the highest paying job in the world?

While CEO positions are often cited as the highest paying jobs, specialized roles like Systems Architecture Design Specialists also command impressive salaries. The salary range for this role is between $72,190 and $86,890, with a mid-salary of $78,990. These professionals design complex systems, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in technology solutions.

6. Are design systems worth it?

Design systems are indeed worth the investment. They enhance efficiency in product development, ensure a seamless user experience, and can lead to increased revenue. For businesses aiming to maintain consistent branding and reduce development costs, the potential return on investment is significant, especially considering the salary range for a Systems Architecture Design Specialist, which is between $72,190 and $86,890.

7. What is the lowest paid architect?

The lowest-paid Systems Architecture Design Specialists earn a minimum salary of $72,190. In comparison, the median salary for this role is $78,990, while the highest earners can make up to $86,890.

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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