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Systems Architect III Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Systems Architect III in the United States is $119,067 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $57.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $136,492
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $110,978 to $128,188
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $103,613
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Systems Architect III Salaries

A Systems Architect III'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 III Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Systems Architect III'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
View as Graph

How Do Systems Architect III 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 Systems Architect IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $131,831.
  • California: $131,331.
  • Massachusetts: $129,581.

Top Paying Cities for Systems Architect IIIs

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: $150,179
  • San Francisco: $148,535
  • Oakland: $145,405

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

Systems Architect III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $133,062. While startup companies pay approximate $112,557.

Systems Architect III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $112,557
Growth Stage 51~500 $119,040
Established 501~5000 $128,489
Enterprise 5000+ $133,062

Systems Architect III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Systems Architect III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 130% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 48% above the average. In contrast, Systems Architect positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Systems Architect III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Systems Architect III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$176,219$85.048%
Pharmaceuticals$159,550$77.034%
Software & Networking$159,550$77.034%
Internet$150,024$72.026%
Biotechnology$145,262$70.022%

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

Understanding how a Systems Architect III'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
$110,978
Average $119,067/year
$128,188
$9,248
Average $9,922/month
$10,682
$2,134
Average $2,290/week
$2,465
$53
Average $57/hour
$62
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $128,188 $10,682 $2,465 $62
Average $119,067 $9,922 $2,290 $57
25th Percentile $110,978 $9,248 $2,134 $53

Systems Architect III Salary Growth & Career Path

Systems Architect III

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Systems Architect III, 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
Systems Architect IV $140,213 18%
Cloud Architecture Analyst IV $147,422 24%
Enterprise Infrastructure Architect IV $144,396 21%
Enterprise Operations Supervisor $105,101 -12%

Most common benefits for Systems Architect III

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

Common company salaries for Systems Architect III

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

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FAQ about Systems Architect III

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

A Systems Architect III'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 III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Systems Architect III is $150,179.

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

The highest pay for Systems Architect III is $136,492.

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

The lowest pay for Systems Architect III is $103,613.

4. What are the responsibilities of Systems Architect III?

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. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience.

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

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Systems Architect III roles, with salaries approximately 48% 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.

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