Enterprise Architect vs IT Manager: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Enterprise Architect
Align IT architecture with business strategy at the enterprise level.
IT Manager
Oversee IT department operations, staff, and technology strategy.
IT Manager earns more on average — the national median is $58,560/year (50%) higher than a Enterprise Architect. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Enterprise Architect vs IT Manager — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Enterprise Architect | IT Manager | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $174,584 | $260,907 | Enterprise $86,323 |
| New York, NY | $138,849 | $206,737 | Enterprise $67,888 |
| Seattle, WA | $170,016 | $253,469 | Enterprise $83,453 |
| Austin, TX | $128,905 | $194,345 | Enterprise $65,440 |
| Chicago, IL | $126,306 | $186,335 | Enterprise $60,029 |
| Boston, MA | $150,648 | $234,529 | Enterprise $83,881 |
| London, UK | £92,059 | £138,371 | Enterprise $46,312 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$158,112 | CA$227,074 | Enterprise $68,962 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Enterprise Architect or IT Manager earn more?+
A IT Manager earns more on average. The national median salary for a Enterprise Architect is $116,580/year, compared to $175,140/year for a IT Manager — a difference of $58,560 (50%).
Which has better career growth — Enterprise Architect or IT Manager?+
Enterprise Architect roles are growing at 18% YoY while IT Manager demand is growing at 10% YoY. Enterprise Architect has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Enterprise Architect to IT Manager?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Leadership.
Which is harder to automate — Enterprise Architect or IT Manager?+
Enterprise Architect has a lower AI automation risk (25% vs 30%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.