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.
Database Architects earn a median of $67.07/hr — about $139,500 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $41.46/hr; the top 10% earn $98.08/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)
What you'd actually do
- 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.
How you get there
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree. Overall preparation: considerable preparation (Job Zone 4 of 5).
The feel of the work
The work is mostly indoors; much of the day is spent working solo. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)
Working for yourself
About 1.4% of database architects are self-employed.
Who it tends to fit
This work tends to fit people who are organized and detail-focused and analytical.
Work a simulated shift in this job — freeMake the real decisions this job involves, then see what your choices say about you.Related careers
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Quick questions
- How much does a database architect make?
- The median pay is $67.07 per hour — roughly $139,500 a year, with the real range running from about $41.46/hr (10th percentile) to $98.08/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Do you need a degree to be a database architect?
- The typical entry-level education is: Bachelor's degree. Overall preparation level: considerable preparation (Job Zone 4 of 5).
- What does a database architect actually do all day?
- 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.
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