What Database Architects do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Database Architects this way: "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."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Provide technical support to junior staff or clients"; "Set up database clusters, backup, or recovery processes"; "Identify, evaluate and recommend hardware or software technologies to achieve desired database performance"; "Plan and install upgrades of database management system software to enhance database performance"; "Identify and correct deviations from database development standards".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is bachelor's degree. Work experience in a related occupation is typically less than 5 years.
Job outlook for Database Architects
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 69,500 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 76,000 in 2035, an increase of 6,500 jobs (+9.4%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 3,900 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 5.6% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $139,500, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Database Architects earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $130,008 in New York to $138,821 in New Jersey, a gap of $8,814 (1.07 times). 0 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $139,500 and 2 average at or below it.
New Jersey employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 7,170, which is 54.6% of the 13,130 counted across them. New York follows with 5,960.
Highest-paying states
New Jersey ($138,821) and New York ($130,008) lead the ranking, while New York ($130,008) and New Jersey ($138,821) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Occupations related to Database Architects
Computer Network Architects and Network and Computer Systems Administrators belong to the same detailed SOC group. Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (15-1000) include Software Developers, Information Security Analysts, Web and Digital Interface Designers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers.
Frequently asked questions about Database Architects
What is the national median wage for Database Architects?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $139,500. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $130,008 to $138,821.
Which state pays Database Architects the most?
New Jersey, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $138,821. New York is next at $130,008.
What is the job outlook for Database Architects?
BLS projects employment to grow by 9.4% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 3,900 openings a year.
What education do Database Architects need?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree, with work experience in a related occupation of less than 5 years, according to BLS.