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: ADP Planner (Automatic Data Processing Planner), Big Data Architect, Big Data Engineer, Cloud Architect, Cloud Infrastructure Architect, Computer Architect
Median pay
$139,500
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$86,240 – $204,000
People employed
67,140
Holland code
CIE
Conventional · Investigative · Enterprising
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
- 2.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 3.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 4.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 5.Do you want a job with little physical risk?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Database Architects pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (45 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What database architects do
- 01Develop and document database architectures.
- 02Collaborate with system architects, software architects, design analysts, and others to understand business or industry requirements.
- 03Develop database architectural strategies at the modeling, design and implementation stages to address business or industry requirements.
- 04Design databases to support business applications, ensuring system scalability, security, performance, and reliability.
- 05Develop data models for applications, metadata tables, views or related database structures.
- 06Design 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.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Active Learning
- Writing
Knowledge
- Computers and Electronics
- Engineering and Technology
- Design
- Mathematics
- English Language
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Achievement Orientation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a bachelor's degree (O*NET Job Zone 4).
- Related work experience: over 4 years, up to and including 6 years.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from database architects
- Data Scientists85% · −14%
- Business Intelligence Analysts80% · group pay
- Computer and Information Systems Managers79% · +26%
- Computer Hardware Engineers78% · +16%
- Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists76% · group pay
Change into database architects
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Operations Research Analysts90% · $88,940
- Bioinformatics Technicians87% · $81,490
- Data Scientists84% · $120,230
- Business Intelligence Analysts82% · $120,230
- Statistical Assistants82% · $50,330
Majors that lead here
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Information Technology
- Information Science/Studies
- Computer Systems Analysis/Analyst
- Computer Science
- Data Modeling/Warehousing and Database Administration
- Cloud Computing
- Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance
- Computer Engineering, General
- Computer Software Engineering
- Systems Engineering
- Data Science, General
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.