Software Engineer vs Data Architect: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Software Engineer
Design, develop and maintain software systems and applications.
Data Architect
Design enterprise data systems, lakes, and pipelines for scalability and governance.
Data Architect earns more on average — the national median is $14,635/year (11%) higher than a Software Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Software Engineer vs Data Architect — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Software Engineer | Data Architect | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $194,950 | $223,662 | Software $28,712 |
| New York, NY | $166,830 | $176,070 | Software $9,240 |
| Seattle, WA | $189,468 | $213,160 | Software $23,692 |
| Austin, TX | $148,834 | $169,668 | Software $20,834 |
| Chicago, IL | $149,966 | $163,518 | Software $13,552 |
| Boston, MA | $176,542 | $192,776 | Software $16,234 |
| London, UK | £73,942 | £114,371 | Software $40,429 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$126,152 | CA$200,067 | Software $73,915 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Software Engineer or Data Architect earn more?+
A Data Architect earns more on average. The national median salary for a Software Engineer is $135,980/year, compared to $150,615/year for a Data Architect — a difference of $14,635 (11%).
Which has better career growth — Software Engineer or Data Architect?+
Software Engineer roles are growing at 25% YoY while Data Architect demand is growing at 28% YoY. Data Architect has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Software Engineer to Data 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 — Software Engineer or Data Architect?+
Data Architect has a lower AI automation risk (28% vs 48%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.