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Database developer vs data architect

The differences between database developers and data architects can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a data architect has an average salary of $113,700, which is higher than the $90,837 average annual salary of a database developer.

The top three skills for a database developer include ETL, C++ and java. The most important skills for a data architect are analytics, architecture, and java.

Database developer vs data architect overview

Database DeveloperData Architect
Yearly salary$90,837$113,700
Hourly rate$43.67$54.66
Growth rate21%5%
Number of jobs91,069152,504
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Average age3944
Years of experience4-

What does a database developer do?

A database developer specializes in designing and creating storage programs according to a client's needs. Their responsibilities revolve around meeting with clients to discuss their preferences and requirements, coordinating with other teams, identifying errors or inconsistencies by conducting regular maintenance tests, and monitoring its performance to ensure smooth workflow. A database developer may also respond to inquiries and concerns, provide corrective measures, produce instructional materials for the database users, and develop strategies to keep the data safe and secure.

What does a data architect do?

A Data Architect is responsible for designing, creating, deploying, and managing an organization's data architecture. They define how the data will be stored, consumed, integrated, and managed by different data entities.

Database developer vs data architect salary

Database developers and data architects have different pay scales, as shown below.

Database DeveloperData Architect
Average salary$90,837$113,700
Salary rangeBetween $69,000 And $118,000Between $84,000 And $152,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateWashingtonCalifornia
Best paying companyThe CitadelMeta
Best paying industryFinanceAutomotive

Differences between database developer and data architect education

There are a few differences between a database developer and a data architect in terms of educational background:

Database DeveloperData Architect
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Most common majorComputer ScienceComputer Science
Most common collegeMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyMassachusetts Institute of Technology

Database developer vs data architect demographics

Here are the differences between database developers' and data architects' demographics:

Database DeveloperData Architect
Average age3944
Gender ratioMale, 73.0% Female, 27.0%Male, 81.2% Female, 18.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 4.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 29.7% White, 52.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 12.0% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage8%11%

Differences between database developer and data architect duties and responsibilities

Database developer example responsibilities.

  • Coordinate with DBA in creating and managing tables, indexes, db links and privileges.
  • Create shell scripts in UNIX to automate the data loading process and to cleanse the flat file inputs.
  • Design, develop and manage DB2 database scripts for building and migrating the database for banking software customers.
  • Authore CICS/DB2 applications and DB2 store procedures (COBOL) for (IPA) rebates to manage health care groups.
  • Implement and automate existing manual process, to create CRF by creating new database objects in SQL and macro in excel.
  • Develop an ASP.Net application to input and manage a production schedule, production statistical analysis and trend reporting.
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Data architect example responsibilities.

  • Handle large projects throughout SDLC phases and manage teams and deliver successfully.
  • Design and manage reference data and master data programs: design and implement RDM and MDM solutions.
  • Lead the evaluation process for an ultimate dashboard solutions that can provide fast development and powerful visualization plus self-service features.
  • Report procedures against SSAS are constructed and ExcelWriter templates are developed to automate and replace existing manually generate, client-contract reports.
  • Deploy and monitor jobs and applications running on Hadoop clusters for making continuous improvement to existing architecture.
  • Provide data integration scheduling, exception management, event notification and ETL operational reporting and audit services.
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Database developer vs data architect skills

Common database developer skills
  • ETL, 8%
  • C++, 5%
  • Java, 5%
  • Microsoft SQL Server, 5%
  • Database Development, 4%
  • PL/SQL, 4%
Common data architect skills
  • Analytics, 9%
  • Architecture, 7%
  • Java, 5%
  • Data Lake, 4%
  • AWS, 4%
  • Hadoop, 4%

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