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Hourly Wage for Software Architect I Salary in the United States

What is the highest and lowest hourly pay for Software Architect I?

As of April 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Software Architect I in the United States is $36, which translates to an annual salary of about $75,194.

However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $42 per hour
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $34 to $39 per hour
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $32 per hour
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View as table View as graph 25% $34 10% $32 90% $42 75% $39 $36 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Software Architect I Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $81,128 $6,761 $1,560 $39
Average $75,194 $6,266 $1,446 $36
25th Percentile $71,069 $5,922 $1,367 $34
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Key Factors That Influence Software Architect I Salaries

A Software 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 Software Architect Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Software 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:

  • Software Architect I (0-2 years): $75,194
  • Software Architect II (2-4 years): $94,464
  • Software Architect III (4-7 years): $128,663
  • Software Architect IV (7+ years): $145,668
  • Software Architect V (7-10 years): $176,776
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Software Architect I0-2 years$75,194
Software Architect II2-4 years$94,464
Software Architect III4-7 years$128,663
Software Architect IV7+ years$145,668
Software Architect V7-10 years$176,776
$75,194 Software ...
$94,464 Software ...
$128,663 Software ...
$145,668 Software ...
$176,776 Software ...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Software 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: $94,842
  • San Francisco: $93,910
  • Oakland: $91,827

Software Architect I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Software 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 April 01, 2026

Salary Trends for Software Architect I

Salaries for a Software Architect I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary from $78,974 in 2023 to around $78,974 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Software Architect I salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Software Architect I Over Time

2023
$???
2024
$78,974
2025
$???
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2023
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2024 $78,974
2025
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2026
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Most common benefits for Software Architect I

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Software Architect I

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

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FAQ about Software Architect I

1. What are the responsibilities of Software Architect I?

Responsible for the structural design and development of new software systems or extensive software revisions for external customers. Analyzes software requirements and defines system components to ensure efficient and scalable software architecture. Designs and implements software solutions to consider business and technical needs and ensures compatibility with existing systems. Creates and maintains architecture documentation such as design specifications and diagrams to guide future maintenance and development. Works with non-technical stakeholders to analyze requirements and understand constraints, dependencies, and business needs. Has in-depth knowledge of software development processes and methodologies. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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