As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an It Systems Architect in the United States is $163,627 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $79.
However, an It Systems Architect's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An It Systems 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 an It Systems 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 |
|---|---|
| Systems A... Level It Systems Architect | $116,471 |
| Systems A... Level It Systems Architect | $137,156 |
| It System... Level It Systems Architect | $164,449 |
| Systems A... Level It Systems Architect | $132,637 |
| Systems A... Level It Systems Architect | $149,293 |
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 It Systems Architects. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 5.34% |
| Software Development | 2.75% |
| Python | 1.44% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Partnering
|
$173,445 |
6%
|
|
Systems Architecture
|
$171,808 |
5%
|
|
Commitment
|
$170,172 |
4%
|
|
Microservices
|
$168,536 |
3%
|
|
Enterprise Architecture
|
$168,536 |
3%
|
|
AWS
|
$168,536 |
3%
|
For It Systems Architect roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, It Systems Architect positions in Retail & Wholesale or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view It Systems Architect as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $179,990 | $87.0 | 10% |
| Energy & Utilities | $179,990 | $87.0 | 10% |
| Financial Services | $179,990 | $87.0 | 10% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $179,990 | $87.0 | 10% |
| Software & Networking | $179,990 | $87.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many It Systems 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 an It Systems Architect with a Bachelor's Degree is between $166,206 and $173,760).
It Systems Architect Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 2.6% |
| High School | 11.9% |
| Associates | 6.7% |
| Bachelors | 49.5% |
| Masters | 27.3% |
| Doctorate | 2.1% |
Understanding how an It Systems 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 September 01, 2026Salaries for an It Systems Architect can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $165,400 in 2023 to around $164,631 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of It Systems Architect salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $165,400 |
| 2024 | $165,832 |
| 2025 | $164,631 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for It Systems Architect roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.
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