How much does a database architect make?
a year · about $67 an hour
A typical database architect in the United States makes $139,500 a year, about $67 an hour, about 2.7× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
Architects talk with teams about what information a system must hold, then sketch a plan for its database. They connect systems, test for errors or slowdowns, and improve security and performance.
Did you know? Surprise: “Database Architect” is a job title approved for a U.S. Registered Apprenticeship, so some people can learn this work on the job.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $86,240 and $204,000How do you become one?
In the US, earn a bachelor’s degree in computer or information technology or a related field, and learn SQL. Build substantial related work experience; some employers prefer a master’s focused on data or database management.
School needed: Usually a bachelor's degree
Good for people who like keeping things organized and figuring things out
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, pay can differ with experience, specialized skills or credentials, the employer and industry, and location. Complex database designs or work with greater responsibility can also affect pay.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in California ($170,160), lowest in Oklahoma ($110,110).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $86,240 | $139,500 | $204,000 | about 67,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| California | $170,160 | about 6,000 |
| Massachusetts | $161,650 | about 3,000 |
| Virginia | $160,360 | about 5,000 |
| Arizona | $156,100 | about 1,000 |
| Colorado | $154,560 | about 2,000 |
Official definition: 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. Excludes “Database Administrators” (15-1242).
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/database-administrators.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-1243.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY