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Systems Architecture Senior Director Salary in the United States

How much does a Systems Architecture Senior Director make in the United States?

As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Systems Architecture Senior Director in the United States is $234,947 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $113.

However, a Systems Architecture Senior Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $267,623
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $218,727 to $252,051
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $203,960
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View as table View as graph 25% $218,727 10% $203,960 90% $267,623 75% $252,051 $234,947 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Systems Architecture Senior Director Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $252,051 $21,004 $4,847 $121
Average $234,947 $19,579 $4,518 $113
25th Percentile $218,727 $18,227 $4,206 $105
Check out Systems Architecture Senior Director Job Openings in the United States
Architecture Director

BTAS, Inc. - COLORADO SPRINGS, CO

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Aerospace Corporation - ALBUQUERQUE, NM

Enterprise Systems Engineer

Noblis - BETHESDA, MD

Senior Systems Manager

UICGS and Bowhead Family of Companies - ARLINGTON, VA

Search More Systems Architecture Senior Director Jobs in the United States

Key Factors That Influence Systems Architecture Senior Director Salaries

A Systems Architecture Senior Director'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 Architecture Senior Director Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Systems Architecture Senior Director'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 Architecture Manager (5+ years): $152,642
  • Systems Architecture Senior Manager (5+ years): $181,775
  • Systems Architecture Director (5+ years): $206,655
  • Systems Architecture Senior Director (5+ years): $234,947
  • SVP of Systems Architecture (5+ years): $294,968
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Systems Architecture Manager5+ years$152,642
Systems Architecture Senior Manager5+ years$181,775
Systems Architecture Director5+ years$206,655
Systems Architecture Senior Director5+ years$234,947
SVP of Systems Architecture5+ years$294,968
$152,642 Systems A...
$181,775 Systems A...
$206,655 Systems A...
$234,947 Systems A...
$294,968 SVP of Sy...
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What Am I Worth?

How Do Systems Architecture Senior Director 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 Architecture Senior Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $260,133.
  • California: $259,147.
  • Massachusetts: $255,693.

Top Paying Cities for Systems Architecture Senior Directors

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: $296,339
  • San Francisco: $293,425
  • Oakland: $286,917

Systems Architecture Senior Director Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Systems Architecture Senior Director'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, 2026

Systems Architecture Senior Director Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Systems Architecture Senior Director, 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 Architecture Senior Director Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
SVP of Systems Architecture $294,968 26%
SVP of Enterprise Infrastructure $341,449 45%

Most common benefits for Systems Architecture Senior Director

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Systems Architecture Senior Director

Here are companies hiring for Systems Architecture Senior Director and their salaries, click below for more details.

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Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Systems Architecture Senior Director job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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FAQ about Systems Architecture Senior Director

1. Where can a Systems Architecture Senior Director earn the most?

A Systems Architecture Senior Director'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 Architecture Senior Director earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Systems Architecture Senior Director is $296,339.

2. What is the highest pay for Systems Architecture Senior Director?

The highest pay for Systems Architecture Senior Director is $267,623.

3. What is the lowest pay for Systems Architecture Senior Director?

The lowest pay for Systems Architecture Senior Director is $203,960.

4. What are the responsibilities of Systems Architecture Senior Director?

Directs the architectural design, development, and deployment of an infrastructure to support specific IT applications and platforms. Leads the strategy, management, and implementation of the systems architecture function. Ensures that systems are designed to consider functional requirements, scalability, and security. Evaluates system solutions based on user needs, cost, and required integration with existing applications, systems, or platforms. Identifies and researches potential technology products to enhance solution delivery. Participates in creating strategies and policies to meet overall business goals. Oversees implementation of architecture system and advises adjustments to top management. May require a master's degree. Typically reports to top management. Manages a departmental function within a broader corporate function. Develops major goals to support broad functional objectives. Approves policies developed within various sub-functions and departments. Typically requires 8+ years of managerial experience. Comprehensive knowledge of the overall departmental function.

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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