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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.
Other titles employers use
Data Architect · Data Engineer · Data Officer · Database Analyst · Database Architect · Database Consultant · Database Developer · Database Programmer
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- 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.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to organizing and analytical work.
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
- Analytical
- Investigating questions, testing ideas, and solving problems
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Systems Analysis
- Active Listening
Subjects to know
- Computers and Electronics
- Engineering and Technology
- Design
- Mathematics
- English Language
Useful strengths
- Oral Comprehension
- Written Comprehension
- Deductive Reasoning
- Oral Expression
- Problem Sensitivity
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 2.5 | Largely your own space |
| On your feet | 1.9 | Mostly seated |
| Talking face to face | 4.3 | A regular part of the day |
| Working with your hands | 2.7 | Little of the day |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for a bachelor's degree. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- A four-year degree 76%
- A master's degree 19%
- A certificate or some college 5%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Web platform development software
- Development environment software
- Object or component oriented development software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Data base management system software
- Operating system software
- Application server software
- Analytical or scientific software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 8,390
- Job openings each year
- 630
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- 33.0%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 8,390 | 630 | 33.0% |
| Virginia | 7,340 | 450 | 6.1% |
| California | 6,700 | 420 | 8.1% |
| Colorado | 6,050 | 440 | 28.2% |
| Pennsylvania | 3,290 | 210 | 7.5% |
| North Carolina | 3,100 | 210 | 13.6% |
| Georgia | 3,060 | 210 | 16.3% |
| Missouri | 2,300 | 150 | 13.3% |
| Florida | 2,100 | 140 | 16.7% |
| Illinois | 1,550 | 90 | 2.0% |
| New Jersey | 1,360 | 80 | 4.6% |
| Arizona | 1,320 | 90 | 17.9% |
| Michigan | 1,220 | 70 | 5.2% |
| Minnesota | 930 | 60 | 8.1% |
| Maryland | 880 | 60 | 12.8% |
| Kentucky | 820 | 50 | 6.5% |
| Wisconsin | 720 | 50 | 14.3% |
| Indiana | 650 | 40 | 12.1% |
| South Carolina | 650 | 40 | 18.2% |
| Connecticut | 640 | 40 | −1.5% |
| Nebraska | 640 | 40 | 10.3% |
| Tennessee | 600 | 40 | 22.4% |
| District of Columbia | 590 | 40 | 5.4% |
| Massachusetts | 590 | 40 | 7.3% |
| Oklahoma | 540 | 30 | 8.0% |
| Louisiana | 420 | 30 | 10.5% |
| Arkansas | 350 | 20 | 12.9% |
| New Hampshire | 330 | 20 | 13.8% |
| Alabama | 310 | 20 | 3.3% |
| Iowa | 300 | 20 | 7.1% |
| New Mexico | 210 | 10 | 16.7% |
| Mississippi | 110 | 10 | 22.2% |
| West Virginia | 110 | 10 | 10.0% |
| Delaware | 90 | 10 | — |
| Vermont | 90 | 10 | 12.5% |
| North Dakota | 50 | 0 | — |
| Rhode Island | 40 | 0 | — |
Career to college
Build a path toward this work.
Start with a related major, then compare colleges where students complete that field.
Where to study
Colleges with strong activity in these fields.
Start with program size, admission, and likely cost. Open a college for the full picture.
Western Governors University
- Degrees each year
- 4,704
- Admit rate
- Not reported
- Annual cost after aid
- $13,000
University of Maryland Global Campus
- Degrees each year
- 2,912
- Admit rate
- Not reported
- Annual cost after aid
- —
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
- Degrees each year
- 1,635
- Admit rate
- 18%
- Annual cost after aid
- $5,000
The University of Texas at Dallas
- Degrees each year
- 1,400
- Admit rate
- 65%
- Annual cost after aid
- $14,000
University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Degrees each year
- 1,372
- Admit rate
- 43%
- Annual cost after aid
- $8,000
Southern New Hampshire University
- Degrees each year
- 1,928
- Admit rate
- 96%
- Annual cost after aid
- $37,000
University of California-Berkeley
- Degrees each year
- 1,731
- Admit rate
- 12%
- Annual cost after aid
- $10,000
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
- Degrees each year
- 1,240
- Admit rate
- 16%
- Annual cost after aid
- $11,000
Compare every college offering computer and information sciences, general