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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Senior Systems Architect in Virginia is $169,165 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $81.
However, a Senior Systems Architect's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Senior Systems Architect Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $178,077 | $14,840 | $3,425 | $86 |
| Average | $169,165 | $14,097 | $3,253 | $81 |
| 25th Percentile | $156,917 | $13,076 | $3,018 | $75 |
Unissant - Ashburn, VA
Unissant - Ashburn, VA
Innovative Defense Technologies - Arlington, VA
Joint Research and Development, LLC - Arlington, VA
A Senior 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Senior 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 |
|---|---|
| Enterpris... Level Senior Systems Architect | $132,679 |
| Enterpris... Level Senior Systems Architect | $147,878 |
| Senior Sy... Level Senior Systems Architect | $170,015 |
| Enterpris... Level Senior Systems Architect | $157,480 |
| Enterpris... Level Senior Systems Architect | $180,491 |
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 Senior Systems Architects. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Senior Systems Architect roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Senior Systems Architect positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Senior Systems Architect as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $202,998 | $98.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Senior 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $178,077 | $14,840 | $3,425 | $86 |
| Average | $169,165 | $14,097 | $3,253 | $81 |
| 25th Percentile | $156,917 | $13,076 | $3,018 | $75 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Senior Systems Architect job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Bart & Associates
Ashburn, VA
Bart & Associates | Ashburn, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Description. Senior AI Systems Architect. At B&A, we foster and embrace a distinct set of values that we live by and inst... more
8 Days Ago
Serigor Inc.
Richmond, VA
Serigor Inc. | Richmond, VA
Job DescriptionJob DescriptionJob Title :Senior GIS Systems Architect (Remote)Location :Richmond, VADuration : 12MonthsJob Description :The Senior GIS Arch... more
9 Days Ago
Jobsonboard
Gore, VA
Jobsonboard | Gore, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Position Summary. We are seeking a senior-level Systems Engineer to support Enhanced 9-1-1 (E-911) implementation activit... more
9 Days Ago
Jobsonboard
Middletown, VA
Jobsonboard | Middletown, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Position Summary. We are seeking a senior-level Systems Engineer to support Enhanced 9-1-1 (E-911) implementation activit... more
9 Days Ago
Jobsonboard
Purcellville, VA
Jobsonboard | Purcellville, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Position Summary. We are seeking a senior-level Systems Engineer to support Enhanced 9-1-1 (E-911) implementation activit... more
9 Days Ago
Jobsonboard
Kernstown, VA
Jobsonboard | Kernstown, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Position Summary. We are seeking a senior-level Systems Engineer to support Enhanced 9-1-1 (E-911) implementation activit... more
9 Days Ago
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