Database architects
SOC Code: 15-1243Also known as:
ADP Planner (Automatic Data Processing Planner), Big Data Architect, Big Data Engineer, Cloud Architect, Cloud Infrastructure Architect
Median Annual Salary
$135,980
+8.7% growth (2024-2034)
4K
Openings/Year
67K
Current Jobs
What Database architects Do
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.
💰 Salary
$135,980
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+8.7%
Much faster than average
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
4K
Projected average per year
👔 Work Experience
Less than 5 years
Required before entry
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
66,900
Projected Employment (2034)
72,700
Related Careers
Database administrators
$104,620 •
-0.7% growth
Database architects
$135,980 •
+8.7% growth
Software developers
$133,080 •
+15.8% growth
Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Complex Problem Solving
Judgment and Decision Making
Reading Comprehension
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Database architects
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a database architects:
Computer Science
79,857 degrees awarded •
1,001 colleges offer this program
Computer and Information Sciences, General
67,926 degrees awarded •
882 colleges offer this program
Information Technology
42,322 degrees awarded •
668 colleges offer this program
Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance
38,088 degrees awarded •
841 colleges offer this program
Information Science/Studies
22,425 degrees awarded •
380 colleges offer this program
Computer Engineering, General
13,508 degrees awarded •
303 colleges offer this program
Management Information Systems, General
10,310 degrees awarded •
319 colleges offer this program
Data Science, General
7,668 degrees awarded •
243 colleges offer this program
Computer Software Engineering
5,994 degrees awarded •
135 colleges offer this program
Data Modeling/Warehousing and Database Administration
4,139 degrees awarded •
118 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Database architects
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become database architects.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do database architects make?
The median annual salary for database architects is $135,980.
What education do database architects need?
Most database architects positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Computer Science, Computer and Information Sciences, General, Information Technology.
Is becoming database architects a good career choice?
Database architects is projected to see +8.7% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 4,000 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for database architects?
Top colleges for aspiring database architects include
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus, New York University, Columbia University in the City of New York, The University of Texas at Austin.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to database architects?
Database architects may also be known as: ADP Planner (Automatic Data Processing Planner), Big Data Architect, Big Data Engineer, Cloud Architect, Cloud Infrastructure Architect, Computer Architect, Data Analyst, Data Architect, Data Engineer, Data Governance Analyst, Data Integration Specialist, Data Management IT Specialist (Data Management Information Technology Specialist), Data Manager, Data Miner, Data Modeler, Data Modeling Specialist, Data Officer, Data Privacy Officer, Data Recovery Planner, Data Storage Specialist.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.