Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, aged to 2026 using compounded market movement. State selections show BLS state-level figures where published. Actual pay varies with experience, industry, and organization size.
Long-term incentive is not shown for this role. Equity awards are only disclosed publicly for the named executive officers of public companies, so no market figure exists for most jobs. See executive pay disclosures.
About this role
Database Architect is a professional role within the function in the Computer and Mathematical job family.
Typical entry preparation: Bachelor's Degree and up to 2 years of related work experience, per O*NET occupational data. Advancement typically requires additional years in role.
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.
Top skills:Reading ComprehensionJudgment and Decision MakingCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingSystems AnalysisSpeaking
Includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (CC BY 4.0).
Database Architect pay by experience level
Entry level$89,500
Typical starting pay (about the 10th percentile)
Early career$113,000
A few years in (about the 25th percentile)
Experienced$144,500
Mid-career median pay
Senior$175,000
Seasoned professionals (about the 75th percentile)
Top earners$211,000
Highest earners (about the 90th percentile)
Experience tiers are derived from the BLS wage percentile distribution for this occupation, aged to 2026. Actual pay varies by employer, location, and specialization.
Job outlook
+8.7%
projected change in jobs, 2024–2034
4,000
projected openings per year
Growing faster than average
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program (2024–2034). Openings include growth and replacement needs.
Database Architect salary by industry
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
24,320 workers
$153,500
Computer Systems Design and Related Services
16,410 workers
$158,000
Management of Companies and Enterprises
6,830 workers
$148,000
Management of Companies and Enterprises
6,830 workers
$148,000
Insurance Carriers and Related Activities
4,900 workers
$147,000
Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services
4,340 workers
$141,500
Publishing Industries
4,050 workers
$144,000
Administrative and Support Services
4,020 workers
$149,000
Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services
3,970 workers
$164,000
Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services
3,970 workers
$164,000
National sector-level figures, BLS OEWS May 2025, aged to 2026.
Typical duties and FLSA status
Core duties
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.
FLSA classification (typical)
Typically Exempt · Professional, Administrative, or Executive exemption
Occupations in this SOC group are typically classified as Exempt when paid above the salary threshold, provided they satisfy the duties test for one of the FLSA exemption categories. Actual classification depends on the specific job duties, salary basis, and any applicable state or local rules. The current federal salary threshold for exemption is $684 per week ($35,568 per year), per the 2020 Department of Labor rule; the 2024 rule that would have raised the threshold was struck down by federal court in November 2024.
How this role compares
Database Architect pays 21% above the average across 38 roles in the Computer and Mathematical job family (family average $123,500).
Related occupations from O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Database Architect make?
The average base salary for a Database Architect in the United States is $149,500 per year, or about $71.88 per hour.
What is the typical salary range?
Pay typically falls between $113,000 and $175,000 per year (25th to 75th percentile) depending on experience, location, industry, and organization size.
How does this compare with other Computer and Mathematical roles?
The Computer and Mathematical job family averages $123,500 across 38 roles tracked by WePayFairly.
Need a defensible market price for this role? WePayFairly data is compiled from published survey sources and maintained by compensation professionals.
Need Database Architect pay benchmarked for your organization, or defensible compensation analysis for a dispute or valuation? Grahall builds it from primary sources, backed by an expert who testifies.
