Data Scientist vs Solutions Architect: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Data Scientist
Analyse large datasets and build predictive models to drive decisions.
Solutions Architect
Design technical solutions to meet customer business requirements.
Data Scientist earns more on average — the national median is $3,650/year (3%) higher than a Solutions Architect. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Data Scientist vs Solutions Architect — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Data Scientist | Solutions Architect | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $176,777 | $166,946 | Data +$9,831 |
| New York, NY | $135,980 | $142,757 | Data $6,777 |
| Seattle, WA | $173,186 | $165,593 | Data +$7,593 |
| Austin, TX | $130,733 | $130,504 | Data +$229 |
| Chicago, IL | $132,415 | $128,220 | Data +$4,195 |
| Boston, MA | $156,115 | $149,219 | Data +$6,896 |
| London, UK | £78,216 | £88,896 | Data $10,680 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$134,265 | CA$151,769 | Data $17,504 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Data Scientist or Solutions Architect earn more?+
A Data Scientist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Data Scientist is $120,230/year, compared to $116,580/year for a Solutions Architect — a difference of $3,650 (3%).
Which has better career growth — Data Scientist or Solutions Architect?+
Data Scientist roles are growing at 36% YoY while Solutions Architect demand is growing at 24% YoY. Data Scientist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Data Scientist to Solutions Architect?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Data Scientist or Solutions Architect?+
Solutions Architect has a lower AI automation risk (30% vs 40%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.