As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Computer Architect in the United States is $143,279 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $69.
However, a Computer Architect's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Computer Architect'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 Computer Architect'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Computer Architect | $138,248 |
| Intermediate Level Computer Architect | $139,086 |
| Senior Level Computer Architect | $139,925 |
| Specialist Level Computer Architect | $142,105 |
| Expert Level Computer Architect | $147,243 |
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 Computer Architects. 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
|
$147,577 |
3%
|
|
Innovation
|
$147,577 |
3%
|
|
Insight
|
$146,145 |
2%
|
|
Product Management
|
$146,145 |
2%
|
|
Software Engineering
|
$146,145 |
2%
|
|
Networking
|
$146,145 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Computer Architects 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 Computer Architect with a Bachelor's Degree is between $145,673 and $154,268).
Computer Architect 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 Computer Architect'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, 2026Salaries for a Computer Architect can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $131,047 in 2023 to around $128,087 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Computer Architect salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $131,047 |
| 2024 | $129,954 |
| 2025 | $128,087 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Computer Architect and their salaries, click below for more details.
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