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Career overview · SOC 15-1243

Database Architects

Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.

Also called: Data Architect · Data Engineer · Data Officer · Database Analyst · Database Architect · Database Consultant

Median pay (national)
$135,980
$81,630–$209,990 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
64,770
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+8.7%
~4,000 openings/yr
Typical entry
Bachelor's degree

What the numbers say

Refit analysis ·Pay for database architects shows an unusually wide range: the top 10% earn $209,990 versus $81,630 at the bottom 10% — 2.6x. The median of $135,980 leaves roughly 54% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +8.7% from 2024 to 2034 — much faster than the 3% average for all occupations. Even so, BLS projects about 4,000 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 48 states with released data, Massachusetts pays the most for this role (median $161,160, +19% vs the national median), while Wyoming sits lowest at $62,760 — a 157% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Active Listening as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list. On the tools side, O*NET flags Amazon Web Services AWS software, Apache Kafka, Apache Spark, Microsoft Azure software as in-demand technologies for this role.

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Top skills employers ask for

Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Active Learning
  • Writing
  • Monitoring
  • Mathematics
  • Learning Strategies
  • Science

What they actually do

Core O*NET tasks for this role.

  • Develop and document database architectures.
  • Collaborate with system architects, software architects, design analysts, and others to understand business or industry requirements.
  • Develop database architectural strategies at the modeling, design and implementation stages to address business or industry requirements.
  • Design databases to support business applications, ensuring system scalability, security, performance, and reliability.
  • Develop data models for applications, metadata tables, views or related database structures.
  • Design database applications, such as interfaces, data transfer mechanisms, global temporary tables, data partitions, and function-based indexes to enable efficient access of the generic database structure.
  • Develop methods for integrating different products so they work properly together, such as customizing commercial databases to fit specific needs.
  • Create and enforce database development standards.
  • Document and communicate database schemas, using accepted notations.
  • Develop data model describing data elements and their use, following procedures and using pen, template or computer software.

Tools & technology

  • Amazon Web Services AWS software
  • Apache Kafka
  • Apache Spark
  • Microsoft Azure software
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Power BI
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Oracle Java
  • Python
  • Snowflake
  • Structured query language SQL
  • Tableau
  • AJAX
  • Amazon DynamoDB
  • Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud EC2

Knowledge areas

  • Computers and Electronics
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Design
  • Mathematics
  • English Language
  • Administration and Management
  • Education and Training
  • Customer and Personal Service