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Salary

How much does a Principal Architect make?

The average salary for a Principal Architect is $191,155 per year in the US.

Principal Architects play a key role in shaping technology strategies within organizations. They earn a solid income, reflecting their expertise and responsibility. The average yearly salary for a Principal Architect is around $191,155. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and the specific industry.

The salary range for Principal Architects shows a broad spectrum. At the lower end, some earn around $122,500. As experience grows, the salary can reach up to $317,470. This range highlights the potential for significant earnings in this role. Factors like company size, project complexity, and geographic location also influence these figures.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Principal Architect?

Principal Architect jobs offer high salaries in many cities. San Francisco, CA, leads with an average salary of $249,244. Other top-paying cities include San Jose, CA, and Austin, TX, with average salaries over $200,000. These cities provide excellent opportunities for those seeking rewarding careers in architecture.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Principal Architect jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $249,244 and Chicago, IL with the lowest at $178,071.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $249,244
    In San Francisco, tech giants like Google and Salesforce offer exciting opportunities. The city's vibrant tech scene provides a dynamic environment for innovation. Professionals here enjoy a high quality of life and a collaborative work culture.
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  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $231,872
    San Jose, known as the heart of Silicon Valley, is home to many tech companies. Working here means being at the forefront of tech innovation. The city offers a strong network of tech professionals and a competitive salary.
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  3. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $212,270
    Austin is a growing tech hub with companies like Dell and Apple. The city offers a mix of big company opportunities and startups. Austin's lively atmosphere and lower cost of living make it an attractive place to work.
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  4. Charlotte, NC
    Average Salary: $206,669
    Charlotte is a financial and tech center with companies like Bank of America. The city offers a blend of traditional finance and modern tech. Professionals here enjoy a growing job market and a friendly community.
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  5. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $206,326
    San Diego is a top tech city with companies like Qualcomm and biotech firms. The city offers a great quality of life with beautiful beaches and a mild climate. It's a great place for those who enjoy outdoor activities.
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  6. Atlanta, GA
    Average Salary: $192,908
    Atlanta is a major tech hub with companies like Coca-Cola and Delta. The city offers a mix of corporate and startup opportunities. Atlanta's growing economy and affordable living make it a great choice for tech professionals.
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  7. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $186,665
    Washington, DC, is a political and tech hub with companies like Amazon and Google. The city offers a unique blend of politics and tech. Professionals here enjoy a vibrant culture and many networking opportunities.
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  8. Houston, TX
    Average Salary: $180,917
    Houston is a key energy and tech city with companies like ExxonMobil and Shell. The city offers a strong job market and a lower cost of living. Houston's diverse economy provides many opportunities for tech professionals.
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  9. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $180,437
    Seattle is a tech powerhouse with companies like Microsoft and Amazon. The city offers a strong tech community and a high quality of life. Seattle's mild climate and natural beauty make it a desirable place to work.
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  10. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $178,071
    Chicago is a major tech and finance hub with companies like Google and IBM. The city offers a mix of big company and startup opportunities. Chicago's rich culture and vibrant community make it an exciting place to work.
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What are the best companies a Principal Architect can work for?

Principal Architect roles at top companies offer competitive salaries. Companies like NVIDIA and Piper Companies lead the way, with average salaries reaching $341,279 and $229,667, respectively. Other notable employers include Amazon Web Services, ServiceNow, and Google, all providing attractive pay packages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Principal Architect jobs, highlighting NVIDIA with the highest at $341,279 and HAZEN AND SAWYER with the lowest at $127,667.
  1. NVIDIA
    Average Salary: $341,279
    NVIDIA offers exciting Principal Architect roles. They focus on creating cutting-edge technology. The company has offices in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. They work on graphics, AI, and data centers.


  2. Piper Companies
    Average Salary: $229,667
    Piper Companies provides top-tier Principal Architect positions. They work on financial services and technology. The company operates in the U.S. and Canada. They focus on innovation and client solutions.


  3. Amazon Web Services
    Average Salary: $224,400
    Amazon Web Services offers high-paying Principal Architect jobs. They work on cloud computing. The company has offices worldwide. They focus on scalability and reliability.


  4. ServiceNow
    Average Salary: $205,550
    ServiceNow provides rewarding Principal Architect roles. They focus on enterprise cloud computing. The company has offices in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. They work on workflow automation and IT management.


  5. Google
    Average Salary: $201,136
    Google offers competitive Principal Architect positions. They focus on technology and innovation. The company has offices worldwide. They work on search, AI, and cloud computing.


  6. Cognizant Technology Solutions
    Average Salary: $162,835
    Cognizant Technology Solutions provides Principal Architect roles. They focus on IT services and consulting. The company has offices in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. They work on digital transformation.


  7. United Airlines
    Average Salary: $161,768
    United Airlines offers Principal Architect positions. They focus on aviation technology. The company operates in the U.S. and internationally. They work on flight operations and customer experience.


  8. Arcadis
    Average Salary: $153,699
    Arcadis provides Principal Architect roles. They focus on infrastructure and sustainability. The company has offices worldwide. They work on engineering, design, and consulting.


  9. Qlik
    Average Salary: $148,594
    Qlik offers Principal Architect positions. They focus on data analytics. The company has offices in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. They work on data management and business intelligence.


  10. HAZEN AND SAWYER
    Average Salary: $127,667
    HAZEN AND SAWYER provides Principal Architect roles. They focus on environmental engineering. The company has offices in the U.S. They work on water resources and infrastructure projects.

How to earn more as a Principal Architect?

A Principal Architect can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. First, gaining experience in multiple industries allows an architect to bring a wide range of skills to the table. This versatility makes them more valuable to employers. Second, obtaining advanced certifications can lead to higher-paying positions. Certifications in specialized areas such as sustainable design or project management can set an architect apart.

Networking plays a crucial role in career advancement. Building strong relationships with other professionals can lead to new job opportunities and higher salaries. Attending industry conferences and joining professional organizations can help expand one's network. Another factor is taking on leadership roles within projects. Demonstrating the ability to manage teams and deliver projects on time and within budget can lead to promotions and salary increases. Finally, staying current with the latest design software and technologies can make an architect more efficient and effective, which can result in higher pay.

Here are five factors to consider for earning more as a Principal Architect:

  1. Gain experience in multiple industries.
  2. Obtain advanced certifications.
  3. Build a strong professional network.
  4. Take on leadership roles within projects.
  5. Stay current with the latest design software and technologies.

Currently 129 Principal Architect job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Principal Architect in the US?

Learn what a Principal Architect does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Principal Architect today.
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Principal Architect
129 Job Openings