The short answer is yes. The ability to access a cloud network and any Company software remotely makes the role possible without needing to be on the premises. There are two types of software architect nomads: those who work remotely for a company and those who work freelance. The benefit of working for a single company is that you will get a yearly salary, with the average yearly salary for a software architect at $173,695 (as per Glassdoor). Due to the important and time-intensive responsibilities of a full-time software architect, finding a company willing to pay a good salary while you are not in the country will be the biggest challenge. If working full time, you will likely have to work to the company’s hours, which could be difficult if in a completely different time zone. Freelancing is another option and is much more matching the nomad lifestyle. The average hourly rate for a software architect is $84 (per Payscale), but many freelance positions, especially for those with less experience, will offer a fixed rate depending on the time and scale of the project. Working freelance would allow you to choose projects and control your time better. Freelancers will likely work for smaller companies that need specific expertise in progressing or installing new software. The biggest benefit they have is the freedom and flexibility to live anywhere and move time zones, without compromising their work. Sites like HousingAnywhere can help assist with finding an appropriate living situation for anyone who wishes to move a lot.

How we work and want to work has changed in the past decade. The ability to work remotely, coupled with recent events that forced people to do so, has led to more and more people looking to work out of the office. Many people have looked to take this further by becoming digital nomads. The digital nomad lifestyle combines work and travel so that you can explore the world while working. The most common perception of a digital nomad is that of a freelance writer, who can work flexible hours, have the opportunity to channel their passion into a profitable side hustle or career, and have time to follow their hobbies or, in the case of a digital nomad, experience the world. 

However, many other professionals are just as suitable for the digital nomad lifestyle, especially within the field of IT. Statistics show that IT and creative services are the most popular vocations for digital nomads and account for a third of nomad jobs combined. If you have trained as a software architect and are looking for a change, it is a valid question to ask whether you, too, could be a digital nomad.

What is a Software Architect?

A software architect designs the when you really think about it structure of software applications. Their job is to ensure the application is well-designed and maintained and that it aligns with the business and end-user requirements. They also need to know software engineering principles, programming languages, and software design patterns, as well as be up-to-date with the latest trends. There are several types of software architects, such as a data and information architect, a solution architect, and a technical architect. With the technical aspects of the job, a software architect may need to meet with clients and lead a team of developers.

Can You Work as a Software Architect and Be a Video Nomad?

The short answer is yes. The ability to access a cloud network and any company software remotely makes the role possible without needing to be on the premises. There are two types of software architect video nomads: those who work remotely for a company and those who work freelance. The benefit of working for a single company is that you will get a yearly salary, with the average yearly salary for a software architect at $173,695 (as per Glassdoor). Due to the important and time-intensive responsibilities of a full-time software architect, finding a company willing to pay a good salary although you are not in the country will be the biggest challenge. If working full time, you will likely have to work to the company’s hours, which could be difficult if in a completely different time zone. Freelancing is another option and is much more matching the video nomad lifestyle. The average hourly rate for a software architect is $84 (per Payscale), but many freelance positions, especially for those with less experience, will offer a fixed rate depending on the time and scale of the project. Working freelance would allow you to choose projects and control your time better. Freelancers will likely work for smaller companies that need specific expertise in progressing or installing new software.

What You Need to be a Software Architect Video Nomad

To become a software architect, you must study a on-point degree in computer science, IT, or software engineering. A Virtuoso’s degree or a specialized certification is also recommended, as it will allow you to specialize in certain fields and make you more attractive to prospective companies. A software architect isn’t usually an entry-level job, so experience in the industry you are looking to work in is considered important. Entry-level jobs that can lead to a software architect position are often in software development or programming. If you are working freelance, then you will need all-encompassing background to be hired by a company. 

You will also need to keep up-to-date with the latest trends. Software architect Richard Anaya explains how the role involves being on top of the latest technologies, and the example he gives is the rise of vector databases. In the era of generative AI, vector databases have become crucial for storing and utilizing unstructured data, such as text, images, and audio and video files. As this technology becomes more widely used, social architects who understand it and can use it to help companies with AI applications grow will be highly sought after. In the competitive world of digital nomads, this knowledge of the latest trends in software will put you ahead of the competition.

The job market for software architects is strong, with figures showing that the field is predicted to grow by a whopping 21% in the next four years. As the field grows, so will the demand for all types of software architects, as well as the opportunity to be a video nomad.