Database architects
Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.
BLS SOC 15-1243 · O*NET-SOC 15-1243.00 · BLS 2025–2035 · O*NET 31.0
Median annual wage, 2025
$139,500
Projected change, 2025–2035
9.4%
2025–2035 annual average openings
3,900
AI exposure
Very high
Editorial analysis
AI makes data easier to query, not easier to organize correctly
Generative AI can write SQL, propose schemas, explain data models, map fields between systems, and make complex datasets accessible through natural-language questions. Those abilities may reduce some of the mechanical work surrounding database design.
Bad architecture becomes easier to hide
An AI interface can make messy data feel usable for a while, but it does not eliminate duplicate definitions, inconsistent identifiers, missing history, unclear ownership, poor lineage, or systems that disagree about what a customer or transaction actually is. Those problems become more consequential when AI consumes the data automatically.
- Schema design and migration planning can be accelerated with AI assistance.
- Natural-language access increases pressure to make underlying data trustworthy.
- Architects may play a larger role in preparing enterprise data for AI systems.
- Governance, semantics, lineage, privacy, scalability, and system boundaries remain architectural decisions.
Database architects may become more important as companies discover that AI quality depends heavily on the quality and organization of the data behind it. The future challenge is not merely storing information. It is making sure automated systems understand which information means what.
Labor-market picture
Two measures, different questions
These measures offer two different ways to understand the occupation: BLS projections show how national employment may change over time, while relative AI exposure highlights where tasks may intersect with AI-related capabilities. Read them with the work profile and your local context to decide what deserves closer investigation.
Employment
- Employment, 2025
- 69,500 jobs
- Projected employment, 2035
- 76,000 jobs
- Projected change, 2025–2035
- 6,500 jobs (9.4%)
Relative AI exposure
BLS category: Very high. This is a relative task-exposure classification, not a forecast of employment change, automation, wages, or worker replacement.
Relative AI exposure · Very high
Work profile
Representative tasks
These task statements come from O*NET 31.0. They are source facts, not labels assigned by the AI exposure measure.
- Develop and document database architectures.
- Collaborate with system architects, software architects, design analysts, and others to understand business or industry requirements.
- Develop database architectural strategies at the modeling, design and implementation stages to address business or industry requirements.
- Design databases to support business applications, ensuring system scalability, security, performance, and reliability.
- Develop data models for applications, metadata tables, views or related database structures.
- Design database applications, such as interfaces, data transfer mechanisms, global temporary tables, data partitions, and function-based indexes to enable efficient access of the generic database structure.
Skills that matter
Skills in the source profile
Importance uses O*NET's 1–5 scale. Level uses its 0–7 scale. Select a skill to see its source definition and reported values.
Technology and tools
These technology records come from O*NET and show software or tools reported in the occupation profile. They describe work context, not a required checklist for every employer.
- Word processing software
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- Access software
- Backup or archival software
- Development environment software
- Data base management system software
- Document management software
- Web page creation and editing software
Preparation
- Typical entry education
- Bachelor's degree
- Related experience
- Less than 5 years
- On-the-job training
- None
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Source provenance
Labor-market and exposure facts: bls-ep-2025-35. Work profile: onet-31.0. Verify release details on the Sources page.