Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Using computers, software, digital systems, and technology to complete work and solve problems.
Examining information carefully, recognizing patterns, and using evidence to reach sound conclusions.
Identifying problems, considering possible solutions, and choosing appropriate actions.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Database administrators and architects typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology or a related field. PayThe median annual wage for database administrators was $104,620 in May 2025.The median annual wage for database architects was $139,500 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of database administrators and architects is projected to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 7,300 openings for database administrators and architects are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for database administrators and architects. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of database administrators and architects with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about database administrators and architects by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for database administrators was $104,620 in May 2025.The median annual wage for database architects was $139,500 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of database administrators and architects is projected to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 7,300 openings for database administrators and architects are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for database administrators and architects. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of database administrators and architects with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about database administrators and architects by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of database administrators and architects is projected to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 7,300 openings for database administrators and architects are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for database administrators and architects. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of database administrators and architects with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about database administrators and architects by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Database administrators and architects create or organize systems to store and secure data.
Work Environment
Many database administrators and architects work in firms that provide computer design services or in industries that have large databases, such educational institutions and insurance companies. Most database administrators and architects work full time.
How to Become a Database Administrator or Architect
Database administrators and architects typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology or a related field.
Pay
The median annual wage for database administrators was $104,620 in May 2025.
The median annual wage for database architects was $139,500 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of database administrators and architects is projected to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 7,300 openings for database administrators and architects are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for database administrators and architects.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of database administrators and architects with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about database administrators and architects by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Many database administrators and architects work in firms that provide computer design services or in industries that have large databases, such educational institutions and insurance companies. Most database administrators and architects work full time.
How to Become a Database Administrator or Architect
Database administrators and architects typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology or a related field.
Pay
The median annual wage for database administrators was $104,620 in May 2025.
The median annual wage for database architects was $139,500 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of database administrators and architects is projected to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 7,300 openings for database administrators and architects are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for database administrators and architects.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of database administrators and architects with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about database administrators and architects by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for database administrators and architects.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of database administrators and architects with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about database administrators and architects by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about database administrators and architects by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Find Education Programs
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.