The System Architect Role: Skills, Responsibilities & Salaries

Data has to move seamlessly through different parts of a software system, so building a strong, well-integrated structure is important.

System architects design the framework of IT systems and recommend the best technical solutions for projects. Their roles vary across industries, from cyber systems engineering to information systems architecture.

In this article, we’ll cover the skills, responsibilities, and certifications required to become a successful system architect.

Defining the system architect role

As companies build more networks, the demand for system architects will increase because they are the key people who plan how different devices will work within a system. To do so, they:

• Work on the overall vision of stakeholders and customers.
• Choose the right approach that aligns with business needs.
• Optimize the system for breaches and attacks.

One part of their job is creating secure and innovative networks. But they also need to manage resources and budgets. Simply put, they require both technical and business knowledge.

System architect vs. solution architect

Solution architects drive a business strategy and build a system that aligns with it. So, they require both business and coding knowledge. On the other side, system architects work on system integration and require advanced coding knowledge.

A business degree and a certification in coding can get you a solution architect role. However, for a system architect job, you most likely will require a degree related to the tech field.

System architect vs. software architect

A lot of people also confuse system architects with software architects. But they both work on different levels.

System architects design a solution, including a database, API, and cloud services, while software architects work on specific software components, such as app architecture. The system architect role leans more toward the creative and innovative side, but software architects, on the other hand, only require software development-related skills.

Skills needed to become a system architect

System architects are the backbone behind any system's success. That’s why their skills may vary depending on the organization and industry in which they work. But let’s look at the most common skills that almost every recruiter requires: 

Strong communication

Communication is the second most important skill among IT experts in 2024. As a system architect, you should also know how to effectively communicate your ideas and vision so that the stakeholders and team know what the finished project will look like.

Programming skills

In 2024, employers preferred candidates who knew Python and JavaScript. And since you'll be designing and integrating various components in a system, you must have a good grasp of modern programming languages.

Problem-solving

With good problem-solving skills, you can detect vulnerabilities and disruptions before they cause severe damage. The problems you'll be solving include:

• Cyber threats
• Network problems
• Downtime and disruptions
• Hardware failure

These problems appear after development is complete. However, you can minimize them if you know how to test the system at different stages and under various conditions during development.

Leadership skills

As a system architect, you frequently innovate and implement new system infrastructures, which is only possible when you have sound leadership skills, including negotiation and decision-making. These skills will help you communicate ideas and make critical decisions with stakeholders.

Certifications and education required

Now, if you want to start your career as a system architect, getting a degree in computer science or technical management is important. However, certifications are a great way to gain hands-on experience by working on real projects.

Here are two certifications you can take to get an entry-level role:

TOGAF 9 certification educates on the basics of how system architects work. In this certification, you'll learn about:

• Different practices and tools to structure an IT architecture.
• Methods to implement and manage the entire system.
• Detecting risks and integrating security.

Most recruiters prefer to hire candidates with this certificate. So, if you're completely new to the tech field, take this course — it will give you a good start.

MCSE (Microsoft Certified System Engineer certification) offers many courses on how to manage a data center. In this certification, you'll also learn about networking and visualization, which are the core of system management.

If you want to get certified with MCSE, you must have the following skills:

• Solid experience in designing and deploying applications.
• Basic knowledge of operating systems and networking. 
• Expertise in at least one programming language.

Responsibilities of a system architect

As a system architect, your role goes beyond meeting stakeholders' requirements. You must deliver results that align with customers' objectives and budget. To do so, you’re bound to some responsibilities.

Here are some of them, regardless of the industry you work in:

Define the system vision

When working on a new project, you have to describe the complete system infrastructure to help stakeholders understand what to expect. It includes:

• The components that will make a system, including servers, machinery, an operating system, and applications.
• The capacity to add or remove resources without any issues.
• The potential risks and attacks that can occur.
• The mitigation plan to manage the vulnerabilities.

If you're designing an online shopping app, explain how you'll protect users' personal data and how the number of users may affect the app’s performance.

Understand stakeholders requirements

Different stakeholders and customers have different project requirements. You must collaborate with them to analyze their expectations for the end product and once the product is done, take their feedback. If you think their feedback is valuable, incorporate it to enhance the product.

For example, customers may want an option to save their payment details. Once you know this, add this option because it will make it easier for them to shop again.

(Related reading: the product manager role & product development lifecycle.)

Strengthen the security

As a system architect, you also have to protect the system from attacks and breaches. To do so, integrate security in all the steps of the software development life cycle (SDLC). For example, make sure to perform security tests in the testing phase, otherwise, vulnerabilities may occur when the system is in use. This will help you:

• Win customer's trust with their system development.
• Detects threats earlier, which costs less than later identification.
• Reuse tested tools and strategies to minimize the costs and improve system protection.

Analyze existing systems

You would also have to analyze existing systems to identify the security holes. If it's possible to address those issues, extend the existing system. Otherwise, build a new system from scratch. 

For example, if your database system is vulnerable to DDoS attacks, try to fix those vulnerabilities. But if the system is outdated and cannot prevent them, design a more secure system.

(Related reading: the secure by design concept.)

Manage the budget

Every client has a different budget, which affects the outcome and security of the system. So, you must know how to deliver the quality while staying within budget. Here's how you can do so:

• Consider the size of the project. For example, large systems will need more resources.
• Choose maintenance tools that fit the budget.
• Set deadlines wisely. For example, shorter deadlines will require more staff and cost more.

(Related reading: IT spending & budget trends.)

Salary of a system architect

System architect is a high-paying role. However, your salary may fluctuate depending on your experience and skills. Location is another factor that may also affect your pay rate.

If you're based in the U.S, here are some latest salary reports to get an idea of how much you can expect from this role:

• Per Glassdoor's report, a system architect earns around $125,321 on average.
• Salary.com says that the salary of a system architect ranges between $125,038 and $152,926.
• ZipRecruiter's report shows that a system architect makes $224,334 annually.

Final thoughts

System architects think big about integrating multiple systems and ensuring smooth communication across various parts of an infrastructure. To get this role, you must have technical and business management skills, which come with experience.

However, if you're just starting out, get a certificate from a recognized institute and some hands-on experience to stand out.