A solution architect is a role in IT that assesses a business’s needs and shows how IT support can bring better business outcomes. This position will align IT strategy to help every business meet their goals. They also act as the liaison between the business department and the IT department, relaying information that each party may need to know. A solutions architect may develop cloud infrastructure, adopt new security measures, make a business more efficient, with IT solutions, and more. Part of being a good solution architect is finding the right fit for each and every customer.
Sample job description
Average salary and compensation
The average salary for a solutions architect is $129,100 per year in the United States. Salary may vary depending on where you are located, the size of the company you’re working for, and how experienced you are.
| Location | Salary Low | Salary High |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix, Arizona | $135,900 | $166,150 |
| Los Angeles, California | $153,300 | $187,450 |
| Denver, Colorado | $127,800 | $156,200 |
| Washington, DC | $155,650 | $190,250 |
| Miami, Florida | $127,200 | $155,500 |
| Orlando, Florida | $117,350 | $143,400 |
| Tampa, Florida | $118,500 | $144,850 |
| Atlanta, Georgia | $124,300 | $151,950 |
| Chicago, Illinois | $142,900 | $174,650 |
| Boston, Massachusetts | $154,500 | $188,850 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota | $123,150 | $150,500 |
| New York City, New York | $162,650 | $198,800 |
| Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | $132,450 | $161,850 |
| Dallas, Texas | $128,950 | $157,600 |
| Houston, Texas | $128,350 | $156,900 |
| Seattle, Washington | $148,700 | $181,750 |
| National Average | $116,150 | $142,000 |
Sample interview questions
- In your experience as a solution architect, tell me about your most innovative solution.
- How would you protect against an injection attack?
- Describe your security protocols.
- As a solution architect, how do you support functional analysts?
- What goals do you set for yourself as a solution architect?
- How would coworkers at your old job describe you?
- Are you comfortable speaking about technical topics?
- Explain to me what your ideal day at work would look like.
- What is your desired salary range?
- What is your most prized professional achievement?
- What qualities make you a good fit for the job?
- What skills do you think a solution architect should possess?
- What is your reason for leaving your previous job?
- Tell me about your favorite part of being a solution architect.
- How many years of experience do you have as a solution architect?
- What are the strengths that aid you in fulfilling your role of solution architect? What about weaknesses?
- Have you ever had a project be unsuccessful? Tell me about it.
- Are you fluent in any coding languages? If so, what are they?
- What educational background do you have that prepares you to be a solution architect?
- Tell me about the projects in your portfolio.
- How would you improve our existing software? How would you go about implementing those changes?
