Data modeler vs database specialist

The differences between data modelers and database specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a data modeler and a database specialist. Additionally, a data modeler has an average salary of $100,495, which is higher than the $77,642 average annual salary of a database specialist.

The top three skills for a data modeler include ETL, data analysis and data architecture. The most important skills for a database specialist are database management, database design, and database administration.

Data modeler vs database specialist overview

	Data Modeler	Database Specialist
Yearly salary	$100,495	$77,642
Hourly rate	$48.31	$37.33
Growth rate	9%	9%
Number of jobs	81,645	41,500
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 70%	Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Average age	46	46
Years of experience	4	4

What does a data modeler do?

A data modeler is responsible for designing and creating network systems and applications for efficient and secured data storage solutions. Data modelers work closely with the data management team to identify business needs and execute data modeling techniques for comprehensive analysis. They also strategize in improving existing data systems, upgrading infrastructure, and configuring information for compatibility with every business unit. A data modeler must have excellent technical skills, as well as a strong command of programming languages to modify and optimize data models for smooth navigation and access.

What does a database specialist do?

A database specialist is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the databases to maintain the confidentiality of data. Database specialists determine business requirements and manage multiple operating systems to build the database's efficient structures and feasibility. They also install security protection software tools and programs to prevent unauthorized access and potential leak of restricted information. A database specialist coordinates with the system engineers to improve existing databases and upgrade the network infrastructure for optimization.

Data modeler vs database specialist salary

Data modelers and database specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Data Modeler	Database Specialist
Average salary	$100,495	$77,642
Salary range	Between $73,000 And $138,000	Between $53,000 And $111,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	Sacramento, CA
Highest paying state	California	Massachusetts
Best paying company	Meta	Meta
Best paying industry	Pharmaceutical	Finance

Differences between data modeler and database specialist education

There are a few differences between a data modeler and a database specialist in terms of educational background:

	Data Modeler	Database Specialist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 70%	Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Most common major	Computer Science	Business
Most common college	-	Stanford University

Data modeler vs database specialist demographics

Here are the differences between data modelers' and database specialists' demographics:

	Data Modeler	Database Specialist
Average age	46	46
Gender ratio	Male, 71.0% Female, 29.0%	Male, 47.6% Female, 52.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 28.6% White, 51.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%	Black or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 17.8% White, 59.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	6%	6%

Differences between data modeler and database specialist duties and responsibilities

Data modeler example responsibilities.

Lead efforts to analyze data for source/target mappings, create T-SQL scripts for data processing.
Involve in data governance processes relate to data quality and information management, managing the metadata repository etc.
Accomplish at designing dashboards and data summaries for technical and non-technical audiences and facilitating implementation of business strategies and missions.
Design the data marts in dimensional data modeling using star and snowflake schemas.
Develop data architecture prototypes and data models including ETL staging models, audit control models and traditional data warehouse dimension/fact models.
Work extensively with XML schema generation.

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Database specialist example responsibilities.

Assist founder with maintaining and improving internet website manage ERP systems, payroll and self-service human resource system.
Used T-SQL skills including creation of user define functions, complex store procedures, query optimization to write automate reporting.
Design ETL process involving data quality, testing and information delivery and access to the data warehouse.
Develop graphical applications using Java and wxWindows C++ API.
Experience includes: * Pre- and post-decision processing of Medicare appeals cases.
Create procedures, functions, and triggers; handle database performance and tuning.

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Data modeler vs database specialist skills

Common data modeler skills

ETL, 6%
Data Analysis, 6%
Data Architecture, 6%
Physical Data Models, 5%
Data Warehouse, 5%
Tableau, 5%

Common database specialist skills

Database Management, 14%
Database Design, 5%
Database Administration, 5%
Windows, 5%
Data Entry, 4%
Troubleshoot, 4%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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