As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Architect IV in the United States is $145,647 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $70.
However, a Software Architect IV's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Software Architect IV'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 Software Architect IV'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Software Architect II | 2-4 years | $94,494 |
| Software Architect III | 4-7 years | $128,653 |
| Software Architect IV | 7+ years | $145,647 |
| Software Architect V | 7-10 years | $176,710 |
| Software Architect VI | 10-12 years | $221,815 |
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 Software Architect IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 4.62% |
| Agile | 3.7% |
| Enterprise Architecture | 1.65% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Architecture Software
|
$150,016 |
3%
|
|
Innovation
|
$150,016 |
3%
|
|
Insight
|
$148,560 |
2%
|
|
Product Management
|
$148,560 |
2%
|
|
Software Engineering
|
$148,560 |
2%
|
|
Networking
|
$148,560 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Software Architect IVs enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree 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 Software Architect IV with a Bachelor's Degree is between $145,673 and $154,268).
Software Architect IV Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.7% |
| High School | 4.0% |
| Associates | 2.6% |
| Bachelors | 50.0% |
| Masters | 40.7% |
| Doctorate | 2.0% |
Understanding how a Software Architect IV'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 January 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Software Architect IV, 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 V | $166,816 | 15% |
| Software Architect V | $176,710 | 21% |
| Backend Developer V | $151,035 | 4% |
| Midrange Programmer V | $143,827 | -1% |
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Software Architect IV and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Software Architect IV job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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A Software Architect IV'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 IV earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Software Architect IV is $183,705.
The highest pay for Software Architect IV is $164,024.
The lowest pay for Software Architect IV is $123,952.
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 highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Typically requires 7+ years of related experience.
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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