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.
Data modeler responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real data modeler resumes:
- 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.
- Design logical and physical data-models normalizing unstructure mainframe data into OLTP schema.
- Involve in the data model changes in XML format.
- Generate XML structures as a part of the JSON design.
- Create control tables to control or switch the source data extraction.
- Develop interface pages in Java script by facilitating the user to pass parameters into the report.
- Provide creative and technical skills, guide a team in developing cutting edge machine learning algorithms using Java.
- Assist in designing test plans, test scenarios and test cases for integration, regression and user acceptance testing.
- Develop stored procedures, triggers, views, and adding/changing tables for data load and transformation, and data extraction.
- Analyze and design the business rules for data cleansing that are require by the staging and OLAP & OLTP database.
Data modeler skills and personality traits
We calculated that 6% of Data Modelers are proficient in ETL, Data Analysis, and Data Architecture. They’re also known for soft skills such as Problem-solving skills, Detail oriented, and Communication skills.
We break down the percentage of Data Modelers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- ETL, 6%
Analyzed ETL processing to identify risk factors and made necessary recommendations to ensure data integrity in the data warehouse.
- Data Analysis, 6%
Redefined many attributes and relationships in the reverse engineered model and cleansed unwanted table/columns as part of data analysis responsibility.
- Data Architecture, 6%
Maintained and enforce data architecture/administration standards, as well as standardization of column name abbreviations, domains and attributes.
- Physical Data Models, 5%
Performed Reverse Engineering of the current application using Erwin, and developed Logical and Physical data models for Central Model consolidation.
- Data Warehouse, 5%
Participated with key management resources in the strategic analysis and planning requirements for Data Warehouse/Data Mart reporting and data mining solutions.
- Tableau, 5%
Developed and delivered dynamic reporting visuals using Tableau.
Common skills that a data modeler uses to do their job include "etl," "data analysis," and "data architecture." You can find details on the most important data modeler responsibilities below.
Problem-solving skills. One of the key soft skills for a data modeler to have is problem-solving skills. You can see how this relates to what data modelers do because "when database problems arise, administrators must troubleshoot and correct the problems." Additionally, a data modeler resume shows how data modelers use problem-solving skills: "research and documented data quality issues and potential resolutions. "
Detail oriented. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling data modeler duties is detail oriented. The role rewards competence in this skill because "working with databases requires an understanding of complex systems, in which a minor error can cause major problems." According to a data modeler resume, here's how data modelers can utilize detail oriented in their job responsibilities: "involved with business analysts team in requirements gathering and based on provided business requirements, defined detailed technical specification documents. "
Communication skills. data modelers are also known for communication skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to data modeler responsibilities, because "most database administrators work on teams and need to communicate effectively with developers, managers, and other workers." A data modeler resume example shows how communication skills is used in the workplace: "facilitated company penetration into the local telecommunications service market by creating conceptual and detailed logical and physical data models. "
Analytical skills. For certain data modeler responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "analytical skills." The day-to-day duties of a data modeler rely on this skill, as "dbas must monitor a database system’s performance to determine when action is needed." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what data modelers do: "assist other data analysts and research scientists with data manipulation, presentations/big data visualization, information tracking, and projects. "
The three companies that hire the most data modelers are:
- Pwc134 data modelers jobs
- Uline17 data modelers jobs
- Power International Holding14 data modelers jobs
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Compare different data modelers
Data modeler vs. Salesforce administrator
A salesforce administrator is considered the gatekeeper for the marketing data and sales of their employer. The administrators create each user account and identify the proper data access level based on the role of the employees within the company. They perform tasks that help users create reports and reset their passwords for data quality, additional fields, and running of backups. It is also their job to handle the sales and service cloud applications for businesses. They are also business leaders with deep knowledge of the operation of their company.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between data modelers and salesforce administrator. For instance, data modeler responsibilities require skills such as "etl," "data analysis," "data architecture," and "physical data models." Whereas a salesforce administrator is skilled in "dashboards," "apex," "custom objects," and "workflow rules." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Salesforce administrators really shine in the finance industry with an average salary of $100,809. Comparatively, data modelers tend to make the most money in the pharmaceutical industry with an average salary of $115,205.On average, salesforce administrators reach lower levels of education than data modelers. Salesforce administrators are 9.1% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 1.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Data modeler vs. Development administrator
A community development administrator is responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing a community's social, physical, and economic growth. Your duties typically include supervising the construction of public infrastructures such as roads and schools, providing assistance to both private and public developers, and managing public projects, including parks and hospitals. In addition, you will assist in the development and presentation of capital and operating budgets for assigned departments. You will also be responsible for reviewing the work of subordinates for accuracy and completeness.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that data modeler responsibilities requires skills like "etl," "data analysis," "data architecture," and "physical data models." But a development administrator might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "workflow rules," "dashboards," "html," and "salesforce."
Development administrators earn a lower average salary than data modelers. But development administrators earn the highest pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $109,748. Additionally, data modelers earn the highest salaries in the pharmaceutical with average pay of $115,205 annually.development administrators earn lower levels of education than data modelers in general. They're 7.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for data modelers in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Mark Fridline Ph.D.
Associate Chair, University of Akron
Data modeler vs. Senior oracle database administrator
A senior Oracle Database administrator is responsible for designing network systems and improve existing databases and software programs for optimal performance. Senior Oracle Database administrators maintain the safety and security of the computer systems and application to prevent unauthorized access and activities by upgrading network infrastructures. They also perform multiple diagnostic tests on the system to ensure stability and smooth navigations and assist the end-users on troubleshooting issues. A senior Oracle Database administrator must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, as well as operating communication systems, programming languages, and system codes.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a data modeler is likely to be skilled in "data analysis," "data architecture," "physical data models," and "tableau," while a typical senior oracle database administrator is skilled in "cloud," "capacity planning," "troubleshoot," and "disaster recovery."
Senior oracle database administrators earn the best pay in the finance industry, where they command an average salary of $122,380. Data modelers earn the highest pay from the pharmaceutical industry, with an average salary of $115,205.senior oracle database administrators typically earn similar educational levels compared to data modelers. Specifically, they're 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Data modeler vs. Consultant database administrator
Consultant database administrators maintain and monitor the health and security of the database systems used in different applications utilized by international offices. They create database management procedures including, backup programs, server maintenance, and program updates. These administrators also provide technical support for programs and design a disaster recovery protocol in case of a security breach. They are also in charge of creating accounts and assigning the security level of access for all the users in their network.
Types of data modeler
Updated January 8, 2025
