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Job outlook for senior database architects in the United States
Senior database architect job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected senior database architect job growth rate is 9% from 2018-2028.
About 10,500 new jobs for senior database architects are projected over the next decade.
Senior database architect salaries have increased 12% for senior database architects in the last 5 years.
There are over 127,906 senior database architects currently employed in the United States.
There are 84,618 active senior database architect job openings in the US.
The average senior database architect salary is $116,172.
Are senior database architect jobs in demand?
Senior database architect job and salary trends over time
Senior database architect jobs over time
Senior database architect job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 127,906 | 0.04% |
| 2020 | 45,180 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 41,856 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 44,463 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 45,776 | 0.01% |
Average senior database architect salary over time
Senior database architect salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $116,172 | $55.85 | +3.4% |
| 2025 | $112,344 | $54.01 | +2.3% |
| 2024 | $109,801 | $52.79 | +3.5% |
| 2023 | $106,083 | $51.00 | +2.4% |
| 2022 | $103,559 | $49.79 | +4.0% |
Senior database architect jobs by state
Most common states for senior database architects
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 380 | 55% |
| 2 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 254 | 24% |
| 3 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 585 | 19% |
| 4 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 133 | 18% |
| 5 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,010 | 17% |
| 6 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,797 | 14% |
| 7 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 501 | 14% |
| 8 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 185 | 14% |
| 9 | Delaware | 961,939 | 135 | 14% |
| 10 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 1,367 | 13% |
| 11 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 985 | 13% |
| 12 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 754 | 13% |
| 13 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,107 | 12% |
| 14 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,009 | 12% |
| 15 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 647 | 12% |
| 16 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 212 | 12% |
| 17 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 129 | 12% |
| 18 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 67 | 12% |
| 19 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 1,105 | 11% |
| 20 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 744 | 11% |
Most common cities for senior database architects
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Annapolis | 1 | 3% | $127,013 |
| 2 | Juneau | 1 | 3% | $126,525 |
| 3 | Lansing | 1 | 1% | $106,361 |
| 4 | Chicago | 2 | 0% | $120,279 |
| 5 | Indianapolis | 1 | 0% | $101,005 |
Senior Database Architect job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of senior database architect experts
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
University of Florida
University of Nevada - Las Vegas
SUNY at Buffalo
University of Nevada - Las Vegas
University Of Nevada, Las Vegas
University of Idaho
University of New Mexico
Arizona State University
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Seminole State College of Florida
Rochester Institute of Technology
Dr. Steven Van Dessel Ph.D. Assoc. AIA
Associate Professor, Director Architectural Engineering ProgramWorcester Polytechnic Institute
Architectural Engineering
What general advice would you give to a Senior Database Architect?
Dr. Steven Van Dessel Ph.D. Assoc. AIA: Employers always stress the importance of students knowing the fundamentals of engineering and the integration of engineering fundamentals with architectural design. Our program is quite unique in this respect as we are the only degree program in the country where students can earn an architectural engineering degree that is ABET accredited (they can get their PE) - and then also can gain their NAAB accredited architecture degree with one additional year (allowing them to also become architects). Knowledge of building information modeling is required, and I would think that AI at some point will also play a role when combined with advanced surveying technologies.
What Senior Database Architect skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Steven Van Dessel Ph.D. Assoc. AIA: We typically advise our student to pursue internship as soon as the summer after sophomore year so they can get experience in different sub-areas of architectural engineering that would allow them to get a better understanding of the careers they could pursue with their degree. This typically results in an offer for full employment early in senior year – at least for our students
What Senior Database Architect skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Rebecca Dolgas: 3. Be aware of your strengths and don't be afraid to negotiate. If you have multi-faceted skillsets make sure they are known. For example if you do well maintaining your own social media make a point that you would like to assist with marketing in a smaller firm. A great Marywood specific example is how closely interiors and architecture learn together. Being able to have a collaborative spirit and bring both disciplines together can be invaluable. If you can show your interdisciplinary skill set, it will make you more valuable and thus able to negotiate for a better salary.
Heath Pickerill PhD
Assistant Teaching ProfessorMissouri University of Science and Technology
Architectural Engineering
What will help Senior Database 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 will help Senior Database Architects increase their earning potential?
Paul Pettigrew AIA, NCARB, MIT M.Arch ʼ88: Salary isn’t the whole story. Recent graduates need to take into account not only salary, but housing costs, and living expenses. The salary of a young architect will go farther in Chicago than it will in New York, Boston, or San Francisco. Cities with more extensive public transportation systems might offer recent graduates the option of not owning a car which could be a significant cost savings when you factor in car purchase cost, gas, parking, insurance, and maintenance.
What general advice would you give to a Senior Database Architect?
Martin Gold FAIA: The most widespread complaint from people in the field is that it consumes ones attention, requires long hours, and relative to other professions, such as medicine, law, accounting, or engineering, the pay is lower on a per hour basis. On the other hand, architecture is more of an art than other professions and offers opportunities for creative people to have prosperous careers. The famous French architect Le Corbusier would say, architecture is a way of life.
What Senior Database Architect skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Grant Mosey Ph.D.: I would advise architecture students to be as flexible as possible. While NAAB accredited schools award 6,000 to 7,000 professional degrees per year, NCARB states that fewer than 3,500 architects reach licensure each year. This suggests that many of those educated as architects are actually finding work in allied subjects. I know of many graduates who are set to become architects who end up becoming real estate professionals, construction professionals, policy-makers, academics, and more. Even for those dead set on architectural practice, these opportunities in adjacent fields can open doors to more design-focused practice.
What will help Senior Database Architects increase their earning potential?
Grant Mosey Ph.D.: Familiarity with Building Information Modeling software like Revit is already all but a requirement to find professional work. Increasingly, firms are also looking for those who are capable of using visual programming like Grasshopper or Dynamo not only to generate forms but to optimize their workflow. In addition to those, professionals should familiarize themselves with modeling programs including SketchUp and Rhino and visualization platforms like VRay, Enscape, and Twin Motion. Soft skills like being personable and being able to present ideas extemporaneously will never go out of style.
What general advice would you give to a Senior Database Architect?
Elaine Chow AIA, RA, NCARB: Adaptability will always be an important skill. There will be software improvements and changes that you need to stay aware of and technology that will benefit both the design and construction sides of the industry. Communication will remain an important part of the way we work together in teams.
What Senior Database Architect skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Elaine Chow AIA, RA, NCARB: Architecture licensure will help maximize salary potential, as well as pursuing other certifications such as LEED, CPHC, WELL, etc. Be your own advocate and request regular/annual reviews that allow you to highlight accomplishments and value you bring to your employer. If specialization appeals to you, there are opportunities to market yourself as an expert in a specific subject area.
What will help Senior Database Architects increase their earning potential?
Elaine Chow AIA, RA, NCARB: Continue being a student throughout your career since learning never stops, especially in architecture where the knowledge is vast and first-hand experience is valuable. There are many facets to the architecture profession, when first graduating try to explore different roles to see what interests you and challenges you best.
What general advice would you give to a Senior Database Architect?
Alfredo Fernandez-Gonzalez: It is important for recent graduates to recognize that Architecture is no longer limited to the physical realm, as transformative technologies are providing interesting career opportunities in the digital realm as well. This rapidly evolving context offers many opportunities and new directions for the discipline and remaining (or becoming!) current in new developments in computing power, digital visuals, manufacturing technologies, and robotics, are ways in which a recent graduate can secure a good paying job.
Dak Kopec Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Coordinator, BA Interior Architecture and Design and Master of Design ProgramUniversity Of Nevada, Las Vegas
School of Architecture
What experience really stands out on Senior Database Architect resumes?
Dak Kopec Ph.D.: Experience in the areas where one intends to practice. If someone wants to work in hospitality design, an employer will see what kind of experience they have. This is why selecting one's internship location is so important.
Many employers are also looking to see how well the Interior Designer can think outside the box and develop innovative design ideas.
An area of specialized knowledge that will complement the existing design team. Most firms are looking for future leaders.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Senior Database Architects in the next 3-5 years?
Dak Kopec Ph.D.: COVID-19 has changed the playing field, and future skills will need to include creative ways to use materials and systems for enhanced infection control. This will consist of thinking differently about ventilation systems, space planning, and material specifications.
Randall Randall
Program Head Architecture, ProfessorUniversity of Idaho
Architecture Department
What soft skills should all Senior Database Architects possess?
Randall Randall: Communication skills (both disciplinary and interpersonal); strong work ethic; reliability.
How have salaries changed over time for Senior Database Architects?
Tamarah Begay: Salaries have changed a lot over the time I have spent in the Architectural Field. Minority women are now getting the recognition that they deserve in a field that has predominantly been ruled by non-minority males, and although it still is not equal, we have gained admission to higher compensation than we used to receive.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Senior Database Architect job market given the pandemic?
Tamarah Begay: One of the largest trends in the job market given the pandemic is the usage of different online and virtual platforms for interviews and meetings. Not only are these platforms being used to communicate ideas and design but to connect and link professionals to job seekers. This has allowed the industry to have shifted to predominantly working remotely. There has also been a rise and increase in anti-microbial materials, space planning, and incorporating a cleaner HVAC and air quality system into buildings. This can include using hard surface floors and furniture without fabrics to allow for ease of cleaning and to help reduce the spread of germs and incorporating specialty air filters or lights. The industry has also seen an increase in wanting to incorporate outdoor spaces within designs.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Senior Database Architects?
Tamarah Begay: Certifications and licenses that can be locally, nationally, and universally applicable are most impactful for a future job prospect to have. Being a licensed Architect and having or being LEED certified is of great impact for job prospects on all levels. Staying up to date on continuing education courses and staying knowledgeable about new products or methods should be a habitual update to one's personal knowledge bank. Bringing versatility and diversity to the work place in any form, whether it is through licenses or courses, is beneficial and can have a great impact.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Senior Database Architect job market given the pandemic?
Marc Neveu Ph.D.: The pandemic has had an interesting effect. At first, everyone froze and thought all work was going to stop. We are a year in and many firms are as busy as they were a year ago. Still, it is different for different markets, and there is some caution about projects scheduled a year from now. That said, money is relatively cheap at the moment and that is good for construction.
What technical skills for a Senior Database Architect stand out to employers?
Marc Neveu Ph.D.: Here is a baseline of technical skills, usually related to the software used in the office, but software changes. I was in a conversation recently with Christiana Moss, who is a partner at Studio Ma, and she had a great quote. She needed recent graduates "who could be useful." This meant being able to think on their own, to ask questions, and to be able to take on a project without the need to be told how to do everything. We don't expect graduates to know everything they need to know to build a building, but they should be aware of what they don't know and be able to ask good questions, work collaboratively, and also independently.
Anonymous Professor
How have salaries changed over time for Senior Database Architects?
Anonymous Professor : With regard to money and employment compensation ... those who can be willing to try new things and move with the flow will do well ... very well. Those who cannot, it's McDonald's and minimum wage ...
A footnote: ... the people I contact do not care about who you are, what you are, or how you are. So things like pronouns, and victimization, and excuses, and hanging on to reasons for failure will not cut it in the workplace of the future ... learn ... grow ... and you will have success ...
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Senior Database Architect job market given the pandemic?
Anonymous Professor : With regards to trends during the pandamic ... I think that there are huge opportunities to be had, if the graduates have their acts together. I network with my former students who are now partners or upper managers in companies. The era of Monday morning meetings in conference rooms is over. In the future, networking with colleagues and clients will be done via some distance system. So the Zoom classes taken today will prepare students for the boardroom tomorrow. Quit whinning and see the opportinities waiting the be catured ... they are there ... the challenges with distance learning will separate the 'wheat from the chaf' ... those who can adapt to a new way of thinking will survive ... those who cannot will be quickly sent to the scrap heap. But, graduates cannot act like young spoiled people. They need to have skills and abilities ... AND ... people skills ... big time ...
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Senior Database Architects?
Anonymous Professor : With regard to student graduates with the license issue and their potential, it's all about and their ability to think ... my contacts tell me that they want people who can look outside the box ... and be flexible to change ... and make no mistake about it ... the future is all about a willingness to change and be flexible to change. Professional license requirements is a think of the past ... it's all about what you can do now.
Michael Brazley Ph.D.
Associate Professor of ArchitectureSouthern Illinois University Carbondale
School of Architecture
What Senior Database Architect skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Michael Brazley Ph.D.: Architectural Graduates will have to have very strong computer skills; not just in drawing but in writing also. Graduates will need to know the latest software, and in many cases, help to introduce the latest software to their new companies. Students are learning to make 3D digital videos and virtual reality models.
Christy Graves
Professor/Program ManagerSeminole State College of Florida
School of Engineering, Design and Construction
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Senior Database Architects in the next 3-5 years?
Christy Graves: BIM (building information modeling) technology will continue to become more important in the architectural engineering technology profession.
What experience really stands out on Senior Database Architect resumes?
Christy Graves: Software skills, such as AutoCAD and Revit.
Clyde Eiríkur Hull
Professor of Strategic ManagementRochester Institute of Technology
Saunders College of Business
How do you envision technology impacting Senior Database Architects in the next 5 years?
Clyde Eiríkur Hull: Architecture is being hit with virtual reality and augmented reality. Anything you can design now can be built in virtual reality for modeling. But the trend toward digital work is going to impact architectural designs for a long time to come. How will future homes be designed when many residents plan to work from home? How will professional buildings be impacted? Those are questions that architects are answering right now.