What is a solutions architect and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted Expert
Christy Graves
introduction image

A solutions architect designs and implements technology solutions for businesses. They work with clients to understand their needs and then develop technical solutions that meet those needs. This includes designing software architectures, developing project plans, and overseeing the implementation of technology solutions. Solutions architects must have a strong understanding of a variety of technologies, including databases, cloud computing, and security protocols. They must also have excellent communication skills to work with clients, developers, and other stakeholders.

What general advice would you give to a Solutions Architect?

Christy Graves

Professor/Program Manager, Seminole State College of Florida

I would advise the graduate to learn from everyone they work with within the workplace environment. Even though a degree in architectural engineering technology is valuable, it's impossible to learn everything you need to know to be successful in the industry by taking classes in school and earning a degree. Do not be afraid to ask others for help when you aren't sure about the task you've been assigned to do. In addition, keep up with new technology. Remember, learning should be a lifetime pursuit. It shouldn't end with earning a degree.
ScoreSolutions ArchitectUS Average
Salary
8.0

Avg. Salary $116,327

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
5.9

Growth Rate 3%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.1
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.51%

Asian 11.99%

Black or African American 6.24%

Hispanic or Latino 8.82%

Unknown 4.70%

White 67.73%

Gender

female 13.42%

male 86.58%

Age - 43
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43
Stress Level
5.9

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
8.3

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
5.3

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a Solutions Architect?

Pros

  • High-paying salary and opportunities for advancement

  • Ability to make a significant impact on an organization's success

  • Opportunities for professional development and continuing education

  • Growing field with high demand

  • Opportunities to travel and work on global projects

Cons

  • High-pressure work environment with tight deadlines and high expectations

  • Long hours and potential for on-call availability

  • Constantly evolving industry requires ongoing learning and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and tools

  • Requires the ability to balance technical expertise with business strategy and objectives

  • May require working with legacy systems or outdated technologies.

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Solutions Architect career paths

Key steps to become a solutions architect

  1. Explore solutions architect education requirements

    Most common solutions architect degrees

    Bachelor's

    66.0 %

    Master's

    23.8 %

    Associate

    5.6 %
  2. Start to develop specific solutions architect skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Cloud11.03%
    Java5.96%
    AWS5.47%
    Infrastructure5.38%
    Analytics4.98%
  3. Complete relevant solutions architect training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New solutions architects learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a solutions architect based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real solutions architect resumes.
  4. Gain additional solutions architect certifications

    Solutions architect certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific solutions architect certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for solutions architects include The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF) and Certified Scrum Master (CSM).

    More About Certifications
  5. Research solutions architect duties and responsibilities

    • Manage a staff of 15 to 25 resources Sr.
    • Coordinate with scrum masters and development leads to identify risks, gaps and come up with mitigation plan.
    • Lead SDLC implementation activities including training, orientation, workshop facilitation, and resource coordination.
    • Provide strategic direction for VMWARE storage integration for SAN & NAS technology.
  6. Get solutions architect experience

  7. Prepare your solutions architect resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your solutions architect resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a solutions architect resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Solutions Architect Resume templates

    Build a professional Solutions Architect resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Solutions Architect resume.
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  8. Apply for solutions architect jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a solutions architect job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Solutions Architect Job

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Average solutions architect salary

The average Solutions Architect salary in the United States is $116,327 per year or $56 per hour. Solutions architect salaries range between $87,000 and $154,000 per year.

Average Solutions Architect Salary
$116,327 Yearly
$55.93 hourly

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How do solutions architects rate their job?

4.5/5

Based On 2 Ratings

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

Solutions Architect reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2023
Pros

Management your art to come thru in building form

Cons

Require tertiary title to advance


profile
4.0
A zippia user wrote a review on Oct 2019
Pros

Good pay, good communication with other people

Cons

Less technical, but with some traveling sometimes


profile
5.0
A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2019
Pros

long term analysis

Cons

redesigning due to lack of understanding the requirements


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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