Modeled career paths · Architecture

Where does a Architect go next?

What employers are asking a Architect for, what they pay, and where people go next. From live postings and Startline’s modeled career map: what the ads say, never estimated.

What employers ask a Architect for

Live postings for this role in October 2026, most asked for first. Stated pay is typically around $205k a year.

  • Python development
  • B2B SaaS experience
  • Cross-functional leadership
  • AWS
  • Advanced degree
  • Retention and renewals
  • Azure
  • Google Cloud

Pay is what the ad states, never estimated. Only competencies in Startline’s catalogue are counted.

Management path
Project Architect+27% typical comp change · ~3.0y typical
64% of modeled moves out of Architect go here
leadership branch100% of modeled exits move upward from there
Associate Principal, Architecture+71% typical comp change · ~3.0y typical
21% of modeled moves out of Architect go here
leadership branch84% of modeled exits move upward from there
Construction Project Manager+34% typical comp change · ~7.0y typical
reachable via Site Superintendent. 5% joint modeled share
leadership branch89% of modeled exits move upward from there
Higher-growth opportunity
Principal Architect+144% typical comp change · ~6.0y typical
reachable via Project Architect. 16% joint modeled share
executive stepno modeled onward moves above the evidence floor
Career pivot
Site Superintendent+5% typical comp change · ~4.0y typical
7% of modeled moves out of Architect go here
pivot86% of modeled exits move upward from there
Senior Planner-6% typical comp change · ~4.0y typical
7% of modeled moves out of Architect go here
pivot86% of modeled exits move upward from there

What this page cannot know is which of these fit you. That is what the free list is for.