Comparing Database Architects to Database Administrators
Both database architects and database administrators work with specialized applications that allow users to enter, store, and retrieve information. Database architects actually plan, design, implement, and test the application, while database administrators supervise users and monitor the efficiency of the application and the security of the data held in it. The details of these two positions are presented below.
| Job Title | Education Requirements | Median Salary (2021)* | Job Growth (2021-2031)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Database Architect | Bachelor's degree | $120,730 (software developer) | 26% (software developer) |
| Database Administrator | Bachelor's degree | $96,710 | 8% |
Source: *Bureau of Labor Statistics
Responsibilities of Database Architects vs. Database Administrators
Database architects work with users, administrators, and managers to determine how to best enter, store, and retrieve data. Then, they go through the planning and development processes to create, implement, and test a database. Database administrators monitor and oversee the database architect's finished product. They work with users and ensure that all information stored in the database is secure. Sometimes, database architects and database administrators work closely on the development of the application.
Database Architects
Database architects develop applications that store, retrieve, and secure data. They communicate with the people who will be using and managing the application to determine what features are needed to help them work more efficiently and effectively. Then, database architects plan and design the application, eventually installing and testing it to ensure it meets its users' needs. They typically work full-time and in office settings. Similar positions include computer and information research scientist and computer hardware engineer.
Some job responsibilities of database architects include the following:
- Working as a member of a team with users, managers, administrators, and other database architects
- Conducting needs assessments
- Reviewing database designs with important stakeholders
- Planning and implementing security processes
- Training team members and junior database architects
Database Administrators
Database administrators are primarily responsible for maintaining the integrity and security of data stored in a database application. They work with users, managers and, sometimes, database architects, to ensure that all users are able to input, store, and retrieve information from these applications. They are also responsible for making sure that data are secure and accessible only to those with proper permission. Often, database administrators will work with data from both new and old applications and will need to merge the data. Similar occupations include information security analyst and computer systems analyst.
Some job responsibilities of database administrators include the following:
- Training users in the input and retrieval of information
- Enacting and monitoring backup processes
- Restoring lost data
- Implementing database repairs or upgrades
- Communicating database status with team members
Related Careers
A related career for database architects could be software development since both use similar processes when planning, designing and developing software and applications. Database administrators might look at computer and information systems manager as a related career because both positions have similar oversight responsibilities.
