As of September 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Software Architect V in the United States is $85, which translates to an annual salary of about $176,890.
However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:
Software Architect V Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $194,503 | $16,209 | $3,740 | $94 |
| Average | $176,890 | $14,741 | $3,402 | $85 |
| 25th Percentile | $161,369 | $13,447 | $3,103 | $78 |
A Software Architect V'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Software Architect V'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 III | 4-7 years | $128,680 |
| Software Architect IV | 7+ years | $145,703 |
| Software Architect V | 7-10 years | $176,890 |
| Software Architect VI | 10-12 years | $221,987 |
| Software Architect Supervisor | 12+ years | $134,113 |
Software Architect V salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $197,682. While startup companies pay approximate $167,219.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $167,219 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $176,851 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $190,887 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $197,682 |
Understanding how a Software Architect V'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $194,503 | $16,209 | $3,740 | $94 |
| Average | $176,890 | $14,741 | $3,402 | $85 |
| 25th Percentile | $161,369 | $13,447 | $3,103 | $78 |
Salaries for a Software Architect V can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary from $163,515 in 2023 to around $163,515 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Software Architect V salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2023 | View More |
| 2024 | $163,515 |
| 2025 |
View More
|
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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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. Works autonomously. Goals are generally communicated in "solution" or project goal terms. May provide a leadership role for the work group through knowledge in the area of specialization. Works on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge. Typically requires 10+ years of related experience.
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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