Application Architect Salary: Your 2025 Guide

Application architects work with software applications, usually oversee a team of developers, and must be proficient in technical skills such as coding languages and workplace skills such as leadership and communication to be successful project managers.

An application architect can make an average annual salary of $188,846, with industries such as transportation and logistics and media and communication paying the highest salaries for application architects [1].

Learn more about what factors can contribute to an application architect's salary in the field.

What is an application architect?

Application architects oversee the design and implementation of software applications. You may be responsible for working with a team to determine end users’ needs for a particular application or software.

As an application architect, you might establish software requirements, supervise the work of team members, test software, and troubleshoot and fix software bugs.

The role of an application architect is usually a senior position, so you may have to gain experience in software development or information technology roles before qualifying for a position as an application architect.

How much does an application architect make?

The estimated salaries for application architects can vary, with job listing sites showing the average annual pay for application architects ranging from $117,352 to $147,489 as of December 2024 [1, 2]. The table shows salary ranges from different organizations that track application architect salaries [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]:

Factors that may affect application architect salary

Several factors can affect how much you can earn as an application architect, including your education level, experience in the field, demand for application architects in your area, and your cost of living. Some industry sectors will offer more than others, depending on your particular interests or specialties.

Discover how these factors can impact your application architect's salary.

Education

You usually need at least a bachelor’s degree to become an application architect, and your choice of major can help you get a position in the field. Application architects typically major in computer science, computer engineering, business, electrical engineering, or other related fields.

The average application architect's salaries based on education level are as follows [6]:

• Bachelor’s degree: $115,214

• Master’s degree: $124,701

• Doctorate degree: $134,249

Experience

Your previous experience as an application architect can affect your salary, and having more experience can lead to higher annual income. Below, find the average annual salaries you could earn based on your years of experience [1]:

• 0–1 year: $127,473

• 1–3 years: $126,471

• 4–6 years: $135,483

• 7–9 years: $143,793

• 10–14 years: $155,029

• 15+ years: $168,862

Industry

Application architects can earn more in certain industries than others. Review the following five highest-paying industries for application architects based on annual salary as well as stocks, cash, bonuses, and other benefits [1]:

• Transportation and logistics: $185,830

• Media and communication: $182,853

• Financial services: $167,974

• Management and consulting: $162,307

• Insurance: $157,779

The top five industries for application architects based only on salary and not additional compensation are [2]:

• Health care: $152,691

• Retail: $123,010

• Manufacturing: $121,289

• Technology: $119,599

• Professional: $110,355

Location

Where you live can affect your earnings as an application architect due to the cost of living in your area, the demand for in-person work, and other regional factors.

The five highest-paying states for application architects are as follows [2]:

• Washington: $145,533

• California: $142,605

• Oregon: $134,228

• Pennsylvania: $132,563

• Nevada: $130,704

Some cities may have higher salaries for application architects compared to others based on the cost of living or the number of application architect positions in the area. You can earn more if you live in these areas or are willing to relocate [2]:

• San Francisco, CA: $149,077

• Seattle, WA: $146,488

• Phoenix, AZ: $124,693

• Boston, MA: $121,176

• Austin, TX: $118,707

Skills

You can boost your potential salary with skills that can help you as you pursue an application architect career. Consider on-the-job training or coursework to acquire or expand your skills.

It’s important to have skills related to developing software using a variety of computer languages, understanding web applications, and working with large-scale software projects.

Discover the five most popular skills for application architects and how much of a potential increase they could add to your salary [4]:

• Cloud computing: 10 percent

• JavaScript: 8 percent

• Software architecture: 2 percent

• Enterprise application integration: 2 percent

• Java/J2EE: 2 percent

• RESTful web services: 2 percent

You can also consider workplace skills that could be important to your daily work as an application architect, such as communication or collaboration with coworkers, to ensure your team members are working together to accomplish your projects and goals.

Related job titles

Other positions in the field can help you gain additional experience as an application architect or better align with your interests and career goals.

A computer and information systems manager plans and coordinates computer-related projects for a company or organization. You can plan the maintenance and repair of computer hardware and software, oversee the work of other information technology professionals, or work with vendors that supply your company or organization. You can earn a median annual salary of $169,510 in this position [7].

A software developer designs and implements applications and programs. You may recommend software upgrades, design and develop software to meet your company's or organization's needs, or create different aspects of a computer system. As a software developer, expect to earn a median annual salary of $130,160 [8].

Job outlook for application architects

While specific job growth data for application architects doesn’t exist, data suggests that jobs similar to this position are growing.

Computer and information systems managers' positions will grow by 17 percent between 2023 and 2033 [7], and software developer positions are also likely to grow by 17 percent over the same time period [8].

This growth is much faster than the national average of 4 percent. 

Getting started as an application architect on Coursera

As an application architect, you can enjoy a high-paying role overseeing software design and development. Learning more about application architects could be a fulfilling career step if you want to build on your existing skills or add a new skill to your professional portfolio. Earning a Professional Certificate may also boost your portfolio expertise and earning potential.

Check out some courses and programs if you want to start a career as an application architect or continue your training in the field.

Consider the IBM Back-End Development Professional Certificate on Coursera. You can develop the skills needed for daily work as a back-end developer, learning how to write applications with programming languages and how to scale these applications.