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Software Architect
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Software

Software Architect salary in Software startups in 2026

How much does a Software Architect expect to make in Software startups? The average expected salary for Software Architects in Software startups is 183k per year, with a range from 94k to 276k. These amounts were gathered from Wellfound self-reported data and represent the median salary range. The salary range for Software Architects in Software startup varies depending on factors such as location, experience, skills, and startup stage.

183.0k

Average Salary

6 years

Average years of experience

Hiring data hero image

Salary

By quarter
The average salary for a Software Architect in Software startups is $183,021, which is 37.6% higher than the average salary of $133,042 in Software startups. Software Architect salaries in Software are based on exclusive Wellfound data. All data is updated on a weekly basis. Factors that may influence salary include: location, years of experience, title, size of company, and skill-set.

Top of market

$238,125/yr

Range $177k - $276k

Average

$183,021/yr

Range $110k - $223k

Below Average

$152,583/yr

Range $94k - $175k


Top Locations

The highest average salary a Software Architect in Software can get in Seattle, that is $275,500. This pay is 50.5% higher than the average Software Architect salary in Software startups, which is $183,021. Salaries will vary based on your location. The top-paying markets in the US, on average, are currently: Seattle (avg $275,500 per year), London (avg $245,000 per year), New York (avg $213,500 per year). Remote jobs often pay based on the location you reside in.
Seattle

$275.5k

London

$245k

New York

$213.5k

 

Industries

Use the filters above to discover compensation across companies similar to yours.

Tech Stack

The highest average salary a Software Architect in Software can get with Machine Learning, that is $200,000. This pay is 50.3% higher than the average salary in Software startups, which is $133,042. Salary range for specific skills will vary based on the supply and demand in the current market.
The top-paying Software Architect skills in Software startups of 2026 are:
  • 1. Machine Learning

    $200k

  • 2. Java

    $190k

  • 3. TypeScript

    $175k

  • 4. Node.js

    $175k

  • 5. Ruby on Rails

    $163k

  • 6. Kubernetes

    $160k

  • 7. Docker

    $160k

  • 8. Ruby

    $157k

  • 9. GraphQL

    $147.5k

  • 10. Amazon ECS

    $137k


Years of experience

Below Average

Average

Top of Market

The highest average salary a Software Architect in Software can get with 10+ years of experience, that is $95,000. This pay is 28.6% lower than the average salary in Software startups, which is $133,042. The salary range varies with years of experience and depends on other factors such as skill set, size of company, and industry.