upper level job

Systems Architect II Salary in the United States

How much does a Systems Architect II make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Systems Architect II in the United States is $94,113 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $45.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $110,828
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $84,447 to $102,862
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $75,647

Key Factors That Influence Systems Architect II Salaries

A Systems Architect II'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 Architect II Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Systems Architect II'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:

  • Systems Architect I (0-2 years): $81,942
  • Systems Architect II (2-4 years): $94,113
  • Systems Architect III (4-7 years): $119,067
  • Systems Architect IV (7+ years): $140,213
  • Systems Architect V (7-10 years): $168,114
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Systems Architect I0-2 years$81,942
Systems Architect II2-4 years$94,113
Systems Architect III4-7 years$119,067
Systems Architect IV7+ years$140,213
Systems Architect V7-10 years$168,114

Top Paying Cities for Systems Architect IIs

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: $118,705
  • San Francisco: $117,405
  • Oakland: $114,931

Systems Architect II Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Systems Architect II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $105,175. While startup companies pay approximate $88,967.

Systems Architect II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $88,967
Growth Stage 51~500 $94,092
Established 501~5000 $101,560
Enterprise 5000+ $105,175

Systems Architect II Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Systems Architect II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 63% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Systems Architect positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Systems Architect II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Systems Architect II

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$122,347$59.030%
Pharmaceuticals$120,465$58.028%
Internet$117,641$57.025%
Aerospace & Defense$112,936$54.020%
Software & Networking$112,936$54.020%

Systems Architect II Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Systems Architect II'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 September 01, 2026
$84,447
Average $94,113/year
$102,862
$7,037
Average $7,843/month
$8,572
$1,624
Average $1,810/week
$1,978
$41
Average $45/hour
$49
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $102,862 $8,572 $1,978 $49
Average $94,113 $7,843 $1,810 $45
25th Percentile $84,447 $7,037 $1,624 $41

Systems Architect II Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Systems Architect II, 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.

Systems Architect II Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Systems Architect III $119,067 27%
Cloud Architecture Analyst III $122,425 30%
Enterprise Infrastructure Architect III $129,554 38%
Enterprise Operations Supervisor $105,101 12%

Most common benefits for Systems Architect II

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

Common company salaries for Systems Architect II

Here are companies hiring for Systems Architect II and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Systems Architect II Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Systems Architect II 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 Systems Architect II

1. Where can a Systems Architect II earn the most?

A Systems Architect II'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 Systems Architect II earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Systems Architect II is $118,705.

2. What is the highest pay for Systems Architect II?

The highest pay for Systems Architect II is $110,828.

3. What is the lowest pay for Systems Architect II?

The lowest pay for Systems Architect II is $75,647.

4. What are the responsibilities of Systems Architect II?

Responsible for the architectural design, development, and deployment of an infrastructure to support specific IT applications and platforms. Designs systems to consider functional requirements, scalability, and security. Defines system solutions based on user needs, cost, and required integration with existing applications, systems, or platforms. Researches, identifies, selects, and tests technology products required for solution delivery. Establishes, implements, and documents technology integrations or migration strategies. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2-4 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Systems Architect II?

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Systems Architect II roles, with salaries approximately 30% 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
lower level job