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What does a senior database architect do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
Quoted expert
Dak Kopec Ph.D.
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Senior database architect responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real senior database architect resumes:

  • Create PHP page for loan officers to add to their contact list for leads which interact with the MySQL database.
  • Create ETL packages using Microsoft SSIS to transform and integrate several database structures into a single integrate data warehouse.
  • Design, create complex clinical research reports using SSRS.
  • Develop stored procedures and database code TSQL, SQL, SSIS.
  • Analyze queries, develop and implement index strategies for OLTP systems.
  • Design, develop, modify, test, and implement SSIS projects.
  • Provide support to the Java programmers for the design of efficient and correct dynamic SQL statements.
  • Create error handing for each data flow task to quickly figure out what fail in complex ETL packages.
  • Coordinate periodic deployments with the development DBA and provide architectural feedback to him during the redesign of the application.
  • Develop a web services package written in PL/SQL that are used to return XML format results sets to requesting applications.
  • Provide support to the development team for changing the various PL/SQL modules, and deploying these modules to the new infrastructure.
  • Lead efforts of DBA team in stopping spiral of production environment and stabilize the database environment; leading to business continuity.
  • Develop and enhance new and existing systems requiring Sybase and MVS/Datacom database expertise.
  • Design and implement physical and logical OLTP databases for data mining and web-base applications.
  • Consolidate complex procurement data into relevant data marts and SSAS cubes following the Kimball methodology.

Senior database architect skills and personality traits

We calculated that 7% of Senior Database Architects are proficient in AWS, Python, and ETL. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Detail oriented.

We break down the percentage of Senior Database Architects that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • AWS, 7%

    Configure jobs to copy RMAN backups to AWS cloud S3 (Simple Storage Service).

  • Python, 5%

    Migrated data from oracle to Hbase and created python RESTful service for data access.

  • ETL, 5%

    Performed ETL (Extraction, Transformation, and Loading) on Operational system data prior to loading into DW.

  • Azure, 4%

    Azure Servers Procurement for Applications support IAAS- high availability.

  • NoSQL, 4%

    Served as part of NoSQL Exploration project.

  • Database Architecture, 4%

    Designed the database architecture for US OPM's modernization project.

Most senior database architects use their skills in "aws," "python," and "etl" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential senior database architect responsibilities here:

Analytical skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a senior database architect to have is analytical skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "dbas must monitor a database system’s performance to determine when action is needed." Senior database architects often use analytical skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "provided expert knowledge in the selection, provision and use of database architectures, software and facilities. "

Communication skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling senior database architect duties is communication skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "most database administrators work on teams and need to communicate effectively with developers, managers, and other workers." According to a senior database architect resume, here's how senior database architects can utilize communication skills in their job responsibilities: "used pl/sql and oracle forms to develop contracts module of integrated financial system for major telecommunications corporation. "

Detail oriented. This is an important skill for senior database architects to perform their duties. For an example of how senior database architect responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "working with databases requires an understanding of complex systems, in which a minor error can cause major problems." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a senior database architect: "created summary and details reports using ssrs, deployed them on report server for users. ".

Problem-solving skills. For certain senior database architect responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "problem-solving skills." The day-to-day duties of a senior database architect rely on this skill, as "when database problems arise, administrators must troubleshoot and correct the problems." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what senior database architects do: "completed studioworks database redesign and conversion which resolved the huge database performance challenges. "

All senior database architect skills

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Compare different senior database architects

Senior database architect 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.

The annual salary of development administrators is $25,209 lower than the average salary of senior database architects.Even though senior database architects and development administrators are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require linux, java, and windows in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, senior database architect responsibilities require skills like "aws," "python," "etl," and "azure." Meanwhile a typical development administrator has skills in areas such as "workflow rules," "dashboards," "salesforce," and "ui." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.

Development administrators earn the highest salaries when working in the finance industry, with an average yearly salary of $109,748. On the other hand, senior database architects are paid more in the finance industry with an average salary of $119,051.The education levels that development administrators earn slightly differ from senior database architects. In particular, development administrators are 8.6% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a senior database architect. Additionally, they're 0.6% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Senior database architect 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.

Salesforce administrator positions earn lower pay than senior database architect roles. They earn a $29,607 lower salary than senior database architects per year.A few skills overlap for senior database architects and salesforce administrators. Resumes from both professions show that the duties of each career rely on skills like "java," "javascript," and "data warehousing. "

Each career also uses different skills, according to real senior database architect resumes. While senior database architect responsibilities can utilize skills like "aws," "python," "etl," and "azure," salesforce administrators use skills like "dashboards," "apex," "custom objects," and "workflow rules."

Salesforce administrators earn a lower average salary than senior database architects. But salesforce administrators earn the highest pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $100,809. Additionally, senior database architects earn the highest salaries in the finance with average pay of $119,051 annually.salesforce administrators earn lower levels of education than senior database architects in general. They're 10.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.6% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

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.

Associate Professor, Coordinator, BA Interior Architecture and Design and Master of Design Program, University Of Nevada, Las Vegas

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.

Senior database architect vs. Database developer/database administrator

A database developer/database administrator specializes in designing and developing database programs and systems, maintaining and updating them regularly. They are in charge of understanding project needs and guidelines, establishing and implementing test systems to identify potential risks and issues, fixing and upgrading components, and storing data according to protocols. They may also produce and present reports to managers and participate in creating security and recovery plans to protect company data. Moreover, as a database developer/database administrator, it is vital to be proactive at dealing with issues while adhering to company standards.

On average, database developer/database administrators earn lower salaries than senior database architects, with a $29,837 difference per year.Using the responsibilities included on senior database architects and database developer/database administrators resumes, we found that both professions have similar skill requirements, such as "etl," "data warehouse," and "linux.rdquo;

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from senior database architect resumes include skills like "aws," "python," "azure," and "nosql," whereas a database developer/database administrator is more likely to list skills in "database design," "windows server," "ssis packages," and "database development. "

Database developer/database administrators earn the highest salary when working in the finance industry, where they receive an average salary of $109,613. Comparatively, senior database architects have the highest earning potential in the finance industry, with an average salary of $119,051.database developer/database administrators typically earn lower educational levels compared to senior database architects. Specifically, they're 6.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.6% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Senior database architect vs. Database developer

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.

Database developers typically earn lower pay than senior database architects. On average, database developers earn a $25,335 lower salary per year.According to resumes from senior database architects and database developers, some of the skills necessary to complete the responsibilities of each role are similar. These skills include "etl," "azure," and "data warehouse. "While some skills are required in each professionacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities, there are some differences to note. "aws," "python," "nosql," and "database architecture" are skills that commonly show up on senior database architect resumes. On the other hand, database developers use skills like c++, database development, database design, and data models on their resumes.database developers enjoy the best pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $96,203. For comparison, senior database architects earn the highest salary in the finance industry.The average resume of database developers showed that they earn lower levels of education compared to senior database architects. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 7.2% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 1.0%.

Types of senior database architect

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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