Salary AI Book a Demo
upper level job

Software Architect I Salary in the United States

How much does a Software Architect I make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Architect I in the United States is $75,202 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $86,527
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $71,102 to $81,130
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $67,369
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

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 I 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): $75,202
  • Software Architect II (2-4 years): $94,423
  • Software Architect III (4-7 years): $128,676
  • Software Architect IV (7+ years): $145,696
  • Software Architect V (7-10 years): $176,867
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Software Architect I0-2 years$75,202
Software Architect II2-4 years$94,423
Software Architect III4-7 years$128,676
Software Architect IV7+ years$145,696
Software Architect V7-10 years$176,867
View as Graph

How Do Software Architect Is 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 Software Architect Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $83,264.
  • California: $82,948.
  • Massachusetts: $81,842.

Top Paying Cities for Software Architect I

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: $94,852
  • San Francisco: $93,814
  • Oakland: $91,837

Software Architect I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Software Architect I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $84,184. While startup companies pay approximate $71,218.

Software Architect I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $71,218
Growth Stage 51~500 $75,321
Established 501~5000 $81,295
Enterprise 5000+ $84,184

Software Architect I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Software Architect I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 48% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Software Architect positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software Architect I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Software Architect I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$94,002$45.025%
Internet$90,242$43.020%
Healthcare$86,482$42.015%
Energy & Utilities$82,722$40.010%
Financial Services$82,722$40.010%

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 August 01, 2026
$71,102
Average $75,202/year
$81,130
$5,925
Average $6,267/month
$6,761
$1,367
Average $1,446/week
$1,560
$34
Average $36/hour
$39
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $81,130 $6,761 $1,560 $39
Average $75,202 $6,267 $1,446 $36
25th Percentile $71,102 $5,925 $1,367 $34

Software Architect I Salary Growth & Career Path

Software Architect I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Software 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.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Applications Programmer II $95,213 27%
Software Architect II $94,423 26%
Backend Developer II $104,785 39%
Full Stack Developer II $105,753 41%

Most common benefits for Software Architect I

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

Common company salaries for Software Architect I

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

Find Your Next Software Architect I Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Software 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 Software Architect I

1. Where can a Software Architect I earn the most?

A Software Architect I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Software Architect I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Software Architect I is $94,852.

2. What is the highest pay for Software Architect I?

The highest pay for Software Architect I is $86,527.

3. What is the lowest pay for Software Architect I?

The lowest pay for Software Architect I is $67,369.

4. 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.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Software Architect I?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Software Architect I roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.

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