How to become a Software Architect

Becoming a Software Architect is an in-demand career path. It requires deep expertise in Software Architecture and a strong network to carry you along. Here are some resources to help you on your journey.

Find mentors at
Airbnb
Amazon
Meta
Microsoft
Spotify
Uber

Why should you become a
Software Architect?

Demand for experts in Software Architecture is growing rapidly. Companies are looking for people with deep expertise in the field of Software Architecture to help them build their products and services.

As a result, Software Architects are in high demand and command high salaries. According to leading sources, the median salary for a Software Architect is $135,000 and a senior Software Architect can earn up to $150,000. Even entry-level positions can command great salaries.

No wonder that interest in a career in Software Architecture is growing rapidly. Explore the resources below to learn more about how to become a Software Architect.

Software Architect

Your Software Architect Journey

Everything you need to start your career in Software Architecture.

Best books to build Software Architecture understanding

A well-written and thorough book can be an amazing path to build deeper understanding and also act as a handbook as you discover the internet's vast resources.

These are our and our experts top picks to get started building career-relevant skills.

Fundamentals of Software Architecture: An Engineering Approach

Fundamentals of Software Architecture: An Engineering Approach

Salary surveys worldwide regularly place software architect in the top 10 best jobs, yet no real guide exists to help developers become architects. Until now. This book provides the first comprehensive overview of software architecture’s many aspects. Aspiring and existing architects alike will …

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Software Architecture in Practice

Software Architecture in Practice

The award-winning and highly influential Software Architecture in Practice, Third Edition, has been substantially revised to reflect the latest developments in the field. In a real-world setting, the book once again introduces the concepts and best practices of software architecture―how a softwa…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Patterns of Enterprise Application Architecture

Patterns of Enterprise Application Architecture

Developers of enterprise applications (e.g reservation systems, supply chain programs, financial systems, etc.) face a unique set of challenges, different than those faced by their desktop system and embedded system peers. For this reason, enterprise developers must uncover their own solutions. …

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Domain-Driven Design: Tackling Complexity in the Heart of Software

Domain-Driven Design: Tackling Complexity in the Heart of Software

Domain-Driven Design fills that need. This is not a book about specific technologies. It offers readers a systematic approach to domain-driven design, presenting an extensive set of design best practices, experience-based techniques, and fundamental principles that facilitate the development of …

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Clean Architecture: A Craftsman's Guide to Software Structure and Design

Clean Architecture: A Craftsman's Guide to Software Structure and Design

Martin’s Clean Architecture doesn’t merely present options. Drawing on over a half-century of experience in software environments of every imaginable type, Martin tells you what choices to make and why they are critical to your success. As you’ve come to expect from Uncle Bob, this book is packe…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

The Software Architect Elevator: Redefining the Architect's Role in the Digital Enterprise

The Software Architect Elevator: Redefining the Architect's Role in the Digital Enterprise

As the digital economy changes the rules of the game for enterprises, the role of software and IT architects is also transforming. Rather than focus on technical decisions alone, architects and senior technologists need to combine organizational and technical knowledge to effect change in their …

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Courses to deepen your Software Architecture skills

These days, courses are no longer a sequence of videos. They are usually accompanied by projects and a learning community, keeping you accountable and on the path.

Our experts recommend these courses, from free selections to paid programs.

Your First 90 Days as a new Engineering Manager

So you got the job of a data or software engineering manager - what do you do and where do you start? Most companies don't have training programs for managers, or for people who want to move into management. This course will help put you on the right path - we outline what to do for your first 9…

Available on udemy.com

Design Patterns in Swift

Design Patterns are reusable solutions to common programming problems. They were popularized with the 1994 book Design Patterns: Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software by Erich Gamma, John Vlissides, Ralph Johnson and Richard Helm (who are commonly known as a Gang of Four, hence the GoF a…

Available on udemy.com

Software Architecture case studies

Become an even better Software Architect by learning from real-world architecture case studies.

Available on udemy.com

Software Design and Architecture Specialization

Mindful Strategies for Quality Software. Think like an expert architect and create quality software using design patterns and principles.

Available on coursera.org

Get help with your learning journey

Learning through online courses can be challenging. Get 1:1 guidance from an experienced mentor who can help you stay accountable and answer your questions along the way.

Introduction to Software Architecture

The Introduction to Software Architecture training course is designed to demonstrate the skills and knowledge required to transition into a software leadership role as an architect. The course begins by examining the roles and responsibilities of a software architect. Next, it explores common el…

Available on pluralsight.com

Software Architecture Course

The Software architecture course is designed to equip learners with the knowledge and skills required for software architect training. It delves into the principles and practices of creating robust, scalable, and maintainable Software architectures. The course begins with an introduction to Soft…

Available on provider

Reach goals faster with long-term guidance

Reach goals faster with long-term guidance

One-off advice can be helpful – but partnering with a dedicated expert means faster decisions, fewer mistakes, and real momentum on your most important projects.

Save money with targeted expertise

Save money with targeted expertise

Instead of dropping thousands on bootcamps or generic tools, you get curated advice, tailored learning plans, and real accountability – all from someone who's already done what you're trying to do.

Stay on track with regular check-ins

Stay on track with regular check-ins

Weekly or monthly sessions give structure to your growth. No more second-guessing or getting stuck – just small, consistent steps toward real progress, with someone keeping you accountable.

Make confident moves with real-world feedback

Make confident moves with real-world feedback

Experts don't just answer questions – they help you practice interviews, review your resume or portfolio, and offer industry-specific insights you won't get from a course or blog post.

Still not convinced? Don't just take our word for it

We've already delivered 1-on-1 mentorship to thousands of students, professionals, managers and executives. Even better, they've left an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 for our mentors.

Find a mentor

Ready to take the next step toward becoming a Software Architect?

Don't just guess your way there. Work with someone who's done it – and help get there 2x faster.

Personalized guidance

Leadership-level feedback

Flexible support formats

Ready to see what a Software Architect mentor can do for you?

Start with a discovery call or browse trainers to see who fits your needs.

Tailored training plans for your team’s goals

Flexible formats and scheduling

Get started with a free trial

Find a mentor
End CTA