How much does a database architect make?
Answer: A typical database architect in the United States makes $139,500 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 67,000 people work in this job. Well above the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Database architect pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| 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 |
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.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a database architect 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. Excludes “Database Administrators” (15-1242).
What's a typical day like?
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.
How to get this job
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.
Usually a bachelor's degree (preparation level 4 of 5)
Good for people who like keeping things organized and figuring things out.
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.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Computer and Mathematical jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
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