Computers and math
Database architect
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.
Median pay
$139,500
Growth to 2035
+9%
faster than average
Openings a year
3,900
Time to qualify*
2 years
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Database architect
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Bachelor's degree
- On-the-job training
- None
- Prior experience
- Less than 5 years
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Database architect: 43% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- 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.
Also called: Data Architect · Data Engineer · Data Officer · Database Analyst · Database Architect · Database Consultant · Database Developer · Database Programmer
Outlook and AI
Database architects held 69,500 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 76,000 by 2035 (+9%, faster than average; all jobs: +3.5%).
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