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Job outlook for data architects in the United States
Data architect job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected data architect job growth rate is 5% from 2018-2028.
About 8,400 new jobs for data architects are projected over the next decade.
Data architect salaries have increased 10% for data architects in the last 5 years.
There are over 37,918 data architects currently employed in the United States.
There are 152,504 active data architect job openings in the US.
The average data architect salary is $113,700.
Are data architect jobs in demand?
Data architect job and salary trends over time
Data architect jobs over time
Data architect job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 37,918 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 36,420 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 47,801 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 29,040 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 28,519 | 0.01% |
Average data architect salary over time
Data architect salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $113,700 | $54.66 | +3.4% |
| 2024 | $109,954 | $52.86 | +2.3% |
| 2023 | $107,465 | $51.67 | +2.0% |
| 2022 | $105,369 | $50.66 | +2.3% |
| 2021 | $102,988 | $49.51 | +1.5% |
Data architect jobs by state
Most common states for data architects
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 798 | 115% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,205 | 32% |
| 3 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 238 | 32% |
| 4 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 2,417 | 29% |
| 5 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,623 | 27% |
| 6 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 284 | 27% |
| 7 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 354 | 26% |
| 8 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 872 | 24% |
| 9 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 753 | 24% |
| 10 | Delaware | 961,939 | 231 | 24% |
| 11 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 2,915 | 23% |
| 12 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,667 | 23% |
| 13 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,302 | 23% |
| 14 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 944 | 23% |
| 15 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 239 | 23% |
| 16 | Vermont | 623,657 | 143 | 23% |
| 17 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,999 | 22% |
| 18 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,233 | 22% |
| 19 | Alaska | 739,795 | 162 | 22% |
| 20 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 2,162 | 21% |
Most common cities for data architects
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Annapolis | 8 | 20% | $111,384 |
| 2 | Hartford | 11 | 9% | $101,756 |
| 3 | Des Moines | 13 | 6% | $94,445 |
| 4 | Atlanta | 23 | 5% | $97,050 |
| 5 | Boston | 28 | 4% | $109,336 |
| 6 | Washington | 24 | 4% | $104,614 |
| 7 | Tampa | 14 | 4% | $96,352 |
| 8 | Sacramento | 15 | 3% | $138,458 |
| 9 | Orlando | 9 | 3% | $96,446 |
| 10 | Indianapolis | 17 | 2% | $103,776 |
| 11 | Detroit | 15 | 2% | $104,709 |
| 12 | Miami | 10 | 2% | $91,869 |
| 13 | Chicago | 27 | 1% | $97,567 |
| 14 | San Francisco | 13 | 1% | $140,382 |
| 15 | Phoenix | 12 | 1% | $109,364 |
| 16 | Jacksonville | 10 | 1% | $96,764 |
| 17 | San Diego | 9 | 1% | $123,708 |
| 18 | Baltimore | 8 | 1% | $111,335 |
| 19 | Los Angeles | 12 | 0% | $126,561 |
Data Architect job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of data architect experts
Kennesaw State University
University of California - Davis
Mississippi College
Ohio State University
University of Illinois at Chicago
University of Maryland - College Park
San Francisco State University
Kennesaw State University
Utah State University
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Kettering University
What general advice would you give to a Data Architect?
Yipeng Yang: Logic and critical thinking, mathematical modeling, computer programming, data analytics, and communication.
What Data Architect skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Yipeng Yang: Get to know clearly the job duties quickly. Make good connections with colleagues and listen to their advices.
What will help Data Architects increase their earning potential?
Yipeng Yang: Enhance problem-solving ability. Keep learning and improving new skills in your field.
What general advice would you give to a Data Architect?
Joseph Spivey: I’d start by becoming as knowledgeable as possible about the salaries of people in jobs you are interested in. Compare salaries for open positions; you may be able to use your knowledge as leverage to ask for more money. When you interview, ask not just about starting salary but about how raises and promotions are handled. I wish that I had learned some basic negotiation principles when I started my career. I’d recommend the book Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In.
What Data Architect skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Joseph Spivey: I think technology, especially artificial intelligence, provide increasingly important tools. Mathematics graduates will need to understand how to use technology in all kinds of new ways to improve their output and efficiency. Math graduates will need to be able to identify the best technological tools for a given task and critically interpret the output. As with most technological tools, people will be best served by using technology to augment, rather than replace, their efforts.
What will help Data Architects increase their earning potential?
Joseph Spivey: My first piece of advice is to recognize that you have achieved something hard and worthwhile by completing a mathematics major. There are not many people on this planet who have the knowledge and skills that you have developed! By completing a math major, you have proven that you have excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and these abilities and confidence in your abilities will pay off. I also think it’s worthwhile to identify a mentor early on who can help guide you to be successful.
What will help Data Architects increase their earning potential?
Dr. Partha Sengupta: Fit to jobs like Data Controllers and Data Processors understanding both USA and International data privacy and protection laws, implementing data protection into system and processes, auditing, authentication, and access control. Creators of robust and secured databases and recommender systems using collaborative, content, hybrid and contextual filtering. One such example is Deep Learning Recommendation Learning (DLRM). Data storage, processability and usage in edge computing in IoT devices including personalized chatbots. Running A.I. (AIoT), analytics, and other business capabilities on IoT devices, consolidate edge data at scale and eliminate data silos, deploy manage and help secure edge workloads remotely, optimize the costs of running edge solutions, and enable devices to react faster to local changes. Handling data related to medical instruments, medical chatbots, and usage of A.I for data analytics in application of telemedicine, diagnosis accuracy, and medical laboratories. Medical data analytics of A.I application in mental health disorders (MHD) and medical image classification. Another important aspect of genetic data and the application of A.I on it. Language Model architectures using human language data, deep learning algorithms, and application of generative transformers
What general advice would you give to a Data Architect?
Dr. Michael Zhang: In the coming years, turning data into insights and driving business innovation and success is the new compass.
What Data Architect skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Michael Zhang: Don’t worry about your job title. Regardless of what you do, prepare yourself with data and modeling skills and hands-on experience in applying knowledge for developing, evaluating, refining and implementing analytics solutions to your career.
What will help Data Architects increase their earning potential?
Dr. Michael Zhang: All your study at University is a solid foundation of the bridge between theory and practice. Don’t be afraid of failure, be open-minded, keep learning and adapting to new challenges.
What will help Data Architects increase their earning potential?
Dr. Devin Rafferty PhD: Read anything and everything, especially history. There is an enormous value that someone can gain simply from understanding how different disciplines fit together, because the real-world is not segmented into sociology, politics, economics, etc.; rather it is all one dynamic system. For example, when students ask me what they should really focus on reading to prepare for their careers, I usually respond by asking what *exactly* will be their careers in fifteen years--which is frequently met with indecision. The point is that one should not tailor their knowledge and skill sets to an expected career; rather, just the opposite, one should learn *everything* that the brain can absorb and then the skill sets needed for the career will already be there--and obtaining promotions will be fairly straightforward.
What general advice would you give to a Data Architect?
Dr. Yeol Huh: Avoid falling for the myth of adopting technology just for its own sake. Although it's tempting to experiment with the latest innovations, your approach should be grounded in fundamentals. Begin by defining the goals or outcomes you wish to achieve, and consider relevant theories that guide your approach.
What Data Architect skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Yeol Huh: Pursuing certification programs in data analytics and AI fundamentals, offered by organizations like Google or Microsoft, can be beneficial before starting your career. Additionally, securing an internship to gain firsthand experience in the field can significantly enhance your salary potential. Lastly, developing an electronic portfolio where you can compile the works you have done and showcase your skills and knowledge can be an extra help.
What general advice would you give to a Data Architect?
Yubei Chen: In addition to the emerging AI tools, I feel data skill is also going to be important. AI models are trained on massive data. How to prepare, curate large-scale high-quality data will become an important trade.
What Data Architect skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Yubei Chen: When there is a new technology, there is usually a shift in job opportunities. I think it is increasingly more important for the young generations to learn how to use the emerging AI tools to efficiently accomplish their jobs, for example coding copilot, chatGPT, generative models, etc.
What general advice would you give to a Data Architect?
Taylor Poe Ph.D.: Remember to problem solve creatively just as you did in your coursework. The critical thinking and problem-solving skills you learned will be continually tested in whatever field you go into from your math degree. Also remember the benefits of collaborating with colleagues both in the field and in other disciplines.
What Data Architect skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Taylor Poe Ph.D.: Data analysis is certainly a growing field, and we cannot deny the benefits of having some programming skills. The ability to communicate and work with others will open doors to bigger projects.
What will help Data Architects increase their earning potential?
Taylor Poe Ph.D.: Sell the strengths that set you apart and be willing to continue learning new skills and areas.
Tim Scales
Director of Center for Entrepreneurship – Director Center for Economic Education and Senior Lecturer in Business and EconomicsWhat general advice would you give to a Data Architect?
Tim Scales: I would advise a graduate beginning their career in the field to focus on building a strong network, continuously learning and adapting to new technologies and trends, and seeking mentorship from experienced professionals in the industry.
What Data Architect skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Tim Scales: To maximize salary potential when starting a career in the field, it's important to negotiate effectively, demonstrate value through performance, seek out opportunities for advancement and additional responsibilities, and continuously invest in improving skills and knowledge relevant to the industry.
What will help Data Architects increase their earning potential?
Tim Scales: In the next 3-5 years, I believe skills such as data analysis, digital marketing, and adaptability to changing market conditions will become increasingly important and prevalent in the field.
Professor Todd Thompson
Astronomy Chair (potentially)Ohio State University
Astronomy And Astrophysics
What will help Data Architects increase their earning potential?
Professor Todd Thompson: Work hard. Be curious. Develop microskills associated with your science projects, but also the macroskills needed to develop and lead projects: question-asking, conceptualization, data interrogation, reading and writing.
Spyros Kitsiou Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorUniversity of Illinois at Chicago
Medical Illustration And Informatics
What general advice would you give to a Data Architect?
Spyros Kitsiou Ph.D.: In terms of hard skills: Data analytics, Machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques, Mobile health informatics. In terms of soft skills: Problem-solving, Motivation and drive driven by curiosity, Communication skills.
What Data Architect skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Spyros Kitsiou Ph.D.: By targeting positions that align with your background and expertise and by adjusting aspects of your CV and cover letter to highlight your skills and competencies in relation to the position you are applying for. Also, by negotiating your salary and providing justification as to why you deserve more than the initial offer. Do your research and talk to people to gain a better understanding of what is the salary range of the position you are applying.
What will help Data Architects increase their earning potential?
Spyros Kitsiou Ph.D.: Continue to build your health informatics skills and competencies; stay informed about the latest trends and developments in your field; create a professional network by going to venues, conferences, workshops, and other social events; and be professional and respectful in all your interactions. Don't forget to send a Thank you email with 24 hours after your interview.
What general advice would you give to a Data Architect?
Sean Cao: Data analytics skills, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and communication skills will become more important and prevalent in the next few years. Acquiring these skills positions students to gain a competitive edge in the era of AI.
What Data Architect skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Sean Cao: Acquiring in-demand skills and expanding institutional knowledge through industry experience can maximize salary potential at the beginning of your career. First, enhancing these skills through certifications, internships, and active involvement in pertinent projects can significantly boost your attractiveness to employers. Moreover, obtaining industry experience via internships provides invaluable practical knowledge and insights. Furthermore, networking within your industry can provide access to mentorship, recommendations, and insider information crucial for maximizing earning potential. Last, delving deeply into understanding your industry and specializing in niche areas can elevate your salary prospects.
What will help Data Architects increase their earning potential?
Sean Cao: First, enhancing proficiency in data analytics is important for accounting students aiming to excel in today's data-rich financial environment. It is imperative that students can effectively use advanced data analytics tools to analyze both quantitative and qualitative data, such as 10-K, 8-K, and ESG disclosures. By leveraging analytical tools to identify patterns, trends, and anomalies within financial data, students can transform complex information into actionable insights. This ability not only facilitates informed decision-making but also distinguishes individuals as indispensable assets within any organization. Second, cultivating critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The ability to think critically and solve problems creatively is particularly important in the age of AI. As AI technologies increasingly automate routine tasks, the unique human ability to think critically, evaluate complex situations, and generate innovative solutions becomes more valuable than ever. In addition, strengthening effective communication skills. In an era where technology frequently facilitates interactions, the capacity to articulate ideas clearly and convincingly, both verbally and in writing, is important. Enhancing communication skills contributes to better collaboration with colleagues and management, ensuring that your ideas and contributions are duly recognized and appreciated.
Dr. Bob Patterson DNP, MSN, RN
ProfessorSan Francisco State University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What general advice would you give to a Data Architect?
Dr. Bob Patterson DNP, MSN, RN: I would advise graduates starting their career in the field to focus on continuous learning, networking, and gaining practical experience. It's essential to stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in the field to remain competitive.
What general advice would you give to a Data Architect?
Rebecca Dolgas: 2. The ability to implement VR, AR, and AI capabilities. Clients are coming to expect photorealistic renderings and to be able to walk through their space virtually. Having the skill set to implement these tools will be crucial in keeping clients informed and pleased with your work.
What will help Data Architects increase their earning potential?
Rebecca Dolgas: 1. Pay attention to firm culture and benefits. You will be working long hours and closely with your team, you want to make sure these are people you could see yourself being comfortable around. In particular when it comes to mistakes. Most people take a little bit to adjust to their job. The first few months will be hard and you WILL mess up, that's okay just make sure that you are working for and with people who will help you to make corrections and continue to grow. Along the lines of growth, see what support systems they have for licensure. Testing is a time consuming and expensive process and many firms will help to cover these costs and the required time off, just be sure to ask.
What Data Architect skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Pengcheng Xiao: Over the next 3-5 years, skills such as data science and machine learning, computational mathematics, interdisciplinary collaboration, cybersecurity and cryptography, and ethical reasoning will become increasingly important in the field of mathematics, reflecting the growing demand for expertise in data analysis, algorithm development, interdisciplinary problem-solving, cybersecurity, and ethical considerations in mathematical applications.
What will help Data Architects increase their earning potential?
Dr. Pengcheng Xiao: Maximizing salary potential when starting a career in mathematics involves pursuing advanced degrees or certifications, gaining practical experience through internships and research opportunities, acquiring in-demand skills such as programming and data analysis, negotiating effectively for competitive compensation packages, and staying updated with market trends to identify opportunities for career advancement and higher salaries.
What general advice would you give to a Data Architect?
Polly Conrad: To maximize your salary potential when starting your career, consider the following strategies:
1. Specialize in High-Demand Areas: Focus on acquiring skills in high-demand areas such as AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. Specialized skills often command higher salaries. 2. Certifications and Advanced Degrees: Earning certifications in relevant technologies and methodologies can enhance your qualifications and make you more competitive. Consider pursuing advanced degrees if they align with your career goals (Utah State University Graduate Certificates). 3. Negotiate Effectively: Don’t hesitate to negotiate your salary and benefits when you receive a job offer. Research industry salary standards and be prepared to articulate your value to potential employers. 4. Gain Diverse Experience: Seek roles that offer diverse experiences and opportunities for growth. Working in various industries and on different types of projects can broaden your skill set and increase your marketability. 5. Stay Informed: Keep abreast of industry trends and salary benchmarks. Understanding the market dynamics can help you make informed decisions about job opportunities and career moves.
What Data Architect skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Polly Conrad: Entering the job market with a degree in Information Systems or Data Analytics can be both exciting and daunting. The landscape of these fields is dynamic, with continuous advancements in technology and methodologies. Here are some key pieces of advice for new graduates:
1. Embrace Lifelong Learning: The tech industry evolves rapidly, and staying relevant requires continuous learning. Engage in professional development opportunities, attend workshops, and earn certifications in emerging technologies and methodologies (Utah State University Graduate Certificates). 2. Network Actively: Building a strong professional network can open doors to job opportunities and career advancements. Attend industry conferences, join professional associations, and leverage platforms like LinkedIn to connect with industry professionals. 3. Seek Mentorship: Finding a mentor can provide invaluable guidance and insights. Mentors can help you navigate your career path, offer advice on skill development, and provide support during challenging times. 4. Gain Practical Experience: Internships, co-op programs, and project-based work can provide hands-on experience that is highly valued by employers (Utah State University Analytics Solutions Center). Practical experience helps you apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems and enhances your resume.
What will help Data Architects increase their earning potential?
Polly Conrad: The fields of Information Systems and Data Analytics are continuously evolving, and several skills are expected to become increasingly important over the next 3-5 years:
1. Data Literacy: As data becomes more integral to decision-making, the ability to understand, interpret, and communicate data insights will be crucial. 2. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Proficiency in AI and ML will be highly sought after, as these technologies drive innovation across various industries. 3. Cybersecurity: With the growing number of cyber threats, skills in cybersecurity will be essential to protect data and ensure the integrity of information systems. 4. Cloud Computing: Expertise in cloud platforms and services will be critical as organizations continue to migrate their operations to the cloud. 5. Soft Skills: Communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills are always in demand. The ability to work effectively in diverse teams and communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders will set you apart.
Heath Pickerill PhD
Assistant Teaching ProfessorMissouri University of Science and Technology
Architectural Engineering
What will help Data Architects increase their earning potential?
Heath Pickerill PhD: By boosting your resume through participation in professional organizations and design teams within the field, as well as diverse work experience with on-the-job training through internships and co-ops.
What Data Architect skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
John Phillips: With the continuous advancement of computational processing power, having a strong grasp of software programming and data analysis becomes progressively more advantageous. The widespread adoption of Machine Learning techniques in various industries has empowered many new companies to tackle chemical problems that were previously deemed too complex.
What general advice would you give to a Data Architect?
Paul Pettigrew AIA, NCARB, MIT M.Arch ʼ88: I think it’s a great time to be an architect. When numbers like close to 40% of the earth’s global carbon emissions are related to buildings being torn down, buildings being built, and operation of buildings, there’s no doubt that architects will be key players in future efforts to sustain the long term health of planet earth.
Dr. Osama Aljarrah
Assistant ProfessorKettering University
Manufacturing Engineering
What general advice would you give to a Data Architect?
Dr. Osama Aljarrah: The capacity to solve complex problems in real-time settings. What enables you to do that is the ability to analyze information systematically and make data-driven decisions using artificial intelligence, data analytics, lean manufacturing, lean six sigma, and programming skills.
What Data Architect skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Osama Aljarrah: As someone who deeply cares about my students' success beyond graduation, I strongly recommend seeking a mentor. Choose someone you respect and whose career path inspires you—whether it's a teacher, manager, or even a family member. A good mentor can offer invaluable guidance and support as you navigate the early stages of your career.
What will help Data Architects increase their earning potential?
Dr. Osama Aljarrah: Enhancing your qualifications through additional education can significantly boost your earning potential. This could mean obtaining an advanced degree or relevant certifications, especially in AI, supply chain, and manufacturing.