Group Architect, IT

What does a group architect in IT do? – Tasks and work environment

A group architect in IT is responsible for designing and coordinating the overall IT architecture within larger organizations or groups. The role involves creating strategic frameworks and guidelines that ensure IT solutions support business goals, processes, and long-term strategies. Tasks often include analyzing existing systems, identifying areas for improvement, leading architecture projects, and advising management and various business units. The work is primarily office-based, often involving close contact with IT specialists and management, and may require travel between different offices or subsidiaries.

Salary development over time

The salary for a group architect in IT has steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 52 700 SEK per month, rising to 55 100 SEK in 2023 and reaching 56 800 SEK in 2024. This development corresponds to a total increase of approximately 7.8% over three years, which is higher than the average for the IT industry as a whole. Factors driving this positive salary trend include increased demand for strategic IT expertise, digitalization waves, and the growing need to coordinate complex IT environments within larger companies. The trend indicates that specialized roles with responsibility for overall architecture and long-term development are increasingly rewarded in the job market.

Group architect, IT salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 56 800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 39,500 SEK/month (male, private sector employee, less than 9 years of education)
• Highest salary: 71,600 SEK/month (male, private sector employee)
• Highest salary for women: 67,800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary for women: 42,200 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 342 SEK/hour
• Gender difference: Women earn 90% of what men do
• Regional differences: Salary variations occur, especially between metropolitan regions and other parts of the country

Education and qualifications

To work as a group architect in IT, a solid academic background in computer science, systems science, or similar technical degrees is often required, complemented by several years of professional experience in IT architecture or system development. Certifications in frameworks such as TOGAF or similar are advantageous, as well as experience in business development and project management. Combining technical expertise with an understanding of business processes is central to the role.

• Formal education: Master of Science in Engineering, systems science, or computer science (3–5 years)
• Certifications: TOGAF, ITIL, or equivalent
• Internship/trainee: Relevant internship in IT architecture or system development recommended
• Prerequisites: Several years of experience in complex IT projects and architecture
• Tips for choosing: Select education focusing on both technology and business management

Common benefits and compensation

Common benefits for IT group architects include occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexible working hours, and remote work options. Further, opportunities for skills development through courses and conferences, as well as bonus programs and extra vacation days, are often offered depending on the employer and the level of responsibility.

Competition and challenges

The competition for roles as an IT group architect is intense, as the role demands high levels of both technical and strategic competence. Challenges include staying updated on new technical frameworks, ensuring IT structures keep pace with organizational changes, and managing complex stakeholder landscapes. Since the role often involves responsibility for long-term decisions affecting the entire organization, strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills are required. At the same time, it is a career with good opportunities for specialization and advancement for driven and curious individuals.

Tips for aspiring IT group architects

To succeed as an IT group architect, it is beneficial to combine analytical skills with an interest in both technology and business strategy. Building a strong foundation in system development and IT architecture, preferably through participating in large projects with complex technical challenges, is recommended. Being communicative and pedagogical is crucial, as the role often requires explaining technical solutions to different parts of the organization. Additionally, strategic thinking and willingness to take responsibility for the whole are important, along with developing collaboration skills and trust within the organization. Keeping up with new frameworks and methods, and actively pursuing certifications, provide an advantage in the job market. Curiosity and a willingness to learn new things enable adaptation to rapid changes, which is valuable in this fast-evolving industry.

Key facts about a group architect, IT

• Education level: Master of Science in Engineering or systems science (3–5 years)
• Work environment: Office-based, often hybrid/remote
• Typical employment: Permanent, full-time
• Demand: 179 job openings in the current period
• Special expertise: IT architecture, business strategy, and communication

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years in the role of IT group architect, there are opportunities to advance to managerial positions such as IT architecture manager or CTO (Chief Technology Officer), or to specialize in areas like information security or digital transformation. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, there is no specific assessment for this job title, but within the group of system analysts and IT architects, signs of continued high demand are evident, with 179 job openings currently. The ongoing digitalization and need for strategic IT competence suggest that the profession will continue to offer good career opportunities, although competition for the most qualified roles remains high.

Common questions about a group architect, IT

• What is the average salary of a group architect, IT?
  - The average salary is 56 800 SEK per month.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for a group architect, IT?
  - The highest salary is 71,600 SEK and the lowest is 39,500 SEK per month.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 52 700 SEK while men earn 58 700 SEK.
• What education is required to become a group architect, IT?
  - Master of Science in Engineering, systems science or similar academic degree (3–5 years) plus certifications and experience.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - The outlook is positive with high demand, although specific assessments are lacking for this title.
• What are the most common benefits?
  - Occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexible working hours, and remote work options are common.
• How many job openings are available in the profession?
  - There are 179 job openings in the fields of system analyst and IT architect.