What do software architects do?

They design system architectures, make technology selection decisions, create technical roadmaps, review code and designs, mentor engineers, and ensure non-functional requirements (scalability, security, performance) are met.

What salary can software architects expect?

Software architect salaries range from $150k for mid-level to $250k+ total compensation for senior architects at major tech companies. It's one of the highest-paying individual contributor tracks.

How do you become a software architect?

Typically 8–15+ years of engineering experience, demonstrated ability to design complex systems, strong communication skills, and breadth across multiple technology domains. There's no single certification - experience and judgment matter most.

1,958+ JobsUpdated May 6, 2026

Software Architect Jobs

Software architects make the highest-level technical decisions - choosing tech stacks, designing system architectures, setting engineering standards, and mentoring teams. These senior positions require deep engineering experience and the ability to balance technical excellence with business needs.

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Salary Range

$60k – $338k

Top Companies

Leidos, LIGHTFEATHER IO LLC, Wellness Coach, Procom, NextLink Labs, TobogganLabs +35 more

Job Types

76% Full Time, 24% Contract

Top Locations

Washington, District of Columbia, CA, Bethesda, Toronto, Ontario, California

Work Model

76% On-Site, 20% Hybrid, 4% Remote

Experience Levels

38% Senior, 24% Mid Level, 14% principal

We found 1,958 software architect jobs currently hiring in locations including Washington, District of Columbia, CA, Bethesda. Salaries range from $60k to $338k based on experience, location, and company size. Work arrangements include On-Site (76%), Hybrid (20%), Remote (4%). Top employers include Leidos, LIGHTFEATHER IO LLC, Wellness Coach and 38 other companies.

Companies Hiring for Software Architect Jobs

Leidos4 jobs

LIGHTFEATHER IO LLC2 jobs

Wellness Coach2 jobs

Procom2 jobs

NextLink Labs2 jobs

TobogganLabs2 jobs

+35 more companies hiring. Sign up to see all.

Career Path & Salary Progression

Junior

$83k–$188k

5 jobs

Mid Level

$86k–$180k

12 jobs

Senior

$120k–$130k

19 jobs

Lead

Salary varies

4 jobs

Staff

Salary varies

1 job

Director+

Salary varies

1 job

Latest Jobs Added

Software Engineer II - Machine Learning (B3617)

TD Bank

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Software Architect Jobs

Companies Hiring for Software Architect Jobs

Career Path & Salary Progression

Latest Jobs Added

Software Engineer II - Machine Learning (B3617)

AI/ML Platform Engineer

Software Engineering Associate

Software Engineer, Senior Associate

Lead GCP Cloud Engineer

Frontend Lead Engineer

Senior Security Engineer

Software Developer

Senior Backend Developer – Java / Camunda / Azure

Network Engineer - Top Secret Clearance

Senior DevOps Lead / Infrastructure Engineer

Senior iOS Developer – AI/ML, Apple Health, and In-App Purchases

Systems Engineer, Journeyman

MID-level Java Full Stack Software Developer

Android Developer with Security Clearance

Remote Senior Software Engineer for AI Automation and Tool Development

Senior Software Developer - AI (Golang)

Senior Software Engineer, Observability and Telemetry

Junior .NET Developer: Hybrid in DC Metro

Cloud Engineer, GCP and Kubernetes w IaC: Terraform

Senior Full-Stack Engineer (Ruby on Rails & React) — Canada

Systems Administrator, Microsoft M365 (Contract)

Solutions Engineer - India

Cloud Engineer, GCP and Kubernetes w IaC: Terraform

PHP & Software Developer II for Video Sharing Platforms

Senior DevOps Lead / Infrastructure Engineer

Distinguished, Software Engineer -AI/ML Engineer- Walmart Connect

Cloud & Data Engineer

Senior GCP Cloud Engineer

Développeur·euse principal·e (Santé) - Staff Developer (Healthcare)

Consultant principal / Responsable de l'IA - Principal Consultant / Head of AI

Senior Full-Stack Engineer (Ruby on Rails & React) — Canada

Principal Software Architect (Python)

Principal Network Engineer

Front-End Architect

Senoir .Net Angular Developer

Data Engineer Jobs

Principal Software Engineer - Wildfire Backend DevOps 🏆

Senior Microsoft 365 / Intune Engineer

Senior Full Stack Node-React Developer

Staff Cloud Engineer (AWS)

Senior Full Stack Node-React Developer

Principal Software Engineer (Prisma Access)

Software Engineer – Aviation Messaging Systems (MUST BE LOCAL)

Site Reliability Engineer

Principal Network Engineer

Lead Data Engineer - Financial Data, Compliance & Business Intelligence

Lead Site Reliability Engineer

Senior .NET Developer Backend and AI In Office Required - Boston, MA

Senior UX Product Designer, Homes.com

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