Solutions Architect vs Data Architect: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Solutions Architect
Design technical solutions to meet customer business requirements.
Data Architect
Design enterprise data systems, lakes, and pipelines for scalability and governance.
Data Architect earns more on average — the national median is $34,035/year (29%) higher than a Solutions Architect. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Solutions Architect vs Data Architect — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Solutions Architect | Data Architect | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $166,946 | $223,662 | Solutions $56,716 |
| New York, NY | $142,757 | $176,070 | Solutions $33,313 |
| Seattle, WA | $165,593 | $213,160 | Solutions $47,567 |
| Austin, TX | $130,504 | $169,668 | Solutions $39,164 |
| Chicago, IL | $128,220 | $163,518 | Solutions $35,298 |
| Boston, MA | $149,219 | $192,776 | Solutions $43,557 |
| London, UK | £88,896 | £114,371 | Solutions $25,475 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$151,769 | CA$200,067 | Solutions $48,298 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Solutions Architect or Data Architect earn more?+
A Data Architect earns more on average. The national median salary for a Solutions Architect is $116,580/year, compared to $150,615/year for a Data Architect — a difference of $34,035 (29%).
Which has better career growth — Solutions Architect or Data Architect?+
Solutions Architect roles are growing at 24% YoY while Data Architect demand is growing at 28% YoY. Data Architect has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Solutions Architect to Data Architect?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: AWS.
Which is harder to automate — Solutions Architect or Data Architect?+
Data Architect has a lower AI automation risk (28% vs 30%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.