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Systems Architecture Design Specialist III Salary in the United States

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

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Systems Architecture Design Specialist III in the United States is $119,090 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $57.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $136,475
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $110,990 to $128,190
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $103,615
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Systems Architecture Design Specialist III Salaries

A Systems Architecture Design Specialist III'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 III'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:

  • Information Systems Architect I (0-2 years): $81,940
  • Information Systems Architect II (2-4 years): $94,094
  • Systems Architecture Design Specialist III (4-7 years): $119,056
  • Information Systems Architect IV (7+ years): $140,210
  • Information Systems Architect V (7-10 years): $168,116
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Information Systems Architect I0-2 years$81,940
Information Systems Architect II2-4 years$94,094
Systems Architecture Design Specialist III4-7 years$119,056
Information Systems Architect IV7+ years$140,210
Information Systems Architect V7-10 years$168,116
View as Graph

How Do Systems Architecture Design Specialist III 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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $131,890.
  • California: $131,390.
  • Massachusetts: $129,590.

Top Paying Cities for Systems Architecture Design Specialist IIIs

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: $150,190
  • San Francisco: $148,590
  • Oakland: $145,390

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

Systems Architecture Design Specialist III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $132,952. While startup companies pay approximate $112,576.

Systems Architecture Design Specialist III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $112,576
Growth Stage 51~500 $119,035
Established 501~5000 $128,375
Enterprise 5000+ $132,952

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

For Systems Architecture Design Specialist III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 130% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 48% above the average. In contrast, Systems Architecture Design Specialist positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Systems Architecture Design Specialist III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Systems Architecture Design Specialist III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$176,253$85.048%
Pharmaceuticals$159,581$77.034%
Software & Networking$159,581$77.034%
Internet$150,053$72.026%
Biotechnology$145,290$70.022%

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

Understanding how a Systems Architecture Design Specialist III'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 October 01, 2026
$110,990
Average $119,090/year
$128,190
$9,249
Average $9,924/month
$10,683
$2,134
Average $2,290/week
$2,465
$53
Average $57/hour
$62
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $128,190 $10,683 $2,465 $62
Average $119,090 $9,924 $2,290 $57
25th Percentile $110,990 $9,249 $2,134 $53

Systems Architecture Design Specialist III Salary Growth & Career Path

Systems Architecture Design Specialist III

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Systems Architecture Design Specialist III, 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
Information Systems Architect IV $140,300 18%
Cloud Computing Analyst IV $147,500 24%
Business Infrastructure Architect IV $144,390 21%
IT Infrastructure Operations Supervisor $105,100 -12%

Most common benefits for Systems Architecture Design Specialist III

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

Common company salaries for Systems Architecture Design Specialist III

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

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FAQ about Systems Architecture Design Specialist III

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

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Systems Architecture Design Specialist III roles, with salaries approximately 48% above the market median.

2. What is the highest paid design job?

One of the highest paid design jobs is the Systems Architecture Design Specialist, with a salary range from $113,290 to $136,690. The average salary for this role is approximately $124,390. This position is highly sought after in the design field, reflecting its importance in creating effective systems and solutions.

3. Can architects make 200k?

Architects typically earn between $113,290 and $136,690, with a mid-salary of $124,390. While some positions may offer higher salaries, reaching $200k is not common for Systems Architecture Design Specialists based on current salary data.

4. Does system architect do coding?

System architects play a crucial role in aligning business strategies with technical solutions. They require a blend of business acumen and advanced coding skills, particularly for system integration tasks. The salary for a Systems Architecture Design Specialist ranges from $113,290 to $136,690, reflecting the expertise needed in both areas.

5. How much do computer systems engineers architects make in the US?

In the US, the salary for Systems Architecture Design Specialists typically ranges from a minimum of $113,290 to a maximum of $136,690, with a mid-salary of $124,390. This reflects a more focused range compared to broader estimates, highlighting the specialized nature of this role in the tech industry.

6. What is the highest paid architecture?

The highest paid architecture roles include Principal Architect, with salaries ranging from $145,000 to $194,500, and Architect Manager, earning around $167,000. In comparison, a Systems Architecture Design Specialist has a salary range of $113,290 to $136,690, with a mid-salary of $124,390, making it a competitive option in the architecture field.

7. What does a System Architect do?

A system architect is responsible for designing, configuring, operating, and maintaining computer and networking systems. They analyze processes and outcomes to recommend the optimal combination of IT systems and components to meet specific business goals. The salary for this role ranges from $113,290 to $136,690, with a midpoint of $124,390.

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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