What Does a Data Architect Do?
To become a data architect, students need to complete a bachelor's degree program in computer science, computer engineering. Data architects develop, analyze, and administer data and data systems, as well as other computer systems and anti-hacking software, for businesses, schools, and other organizations. Some work specifically with big data, but if you want to understand how to become a big data architect, keep in mind that the skillsets among these jobs overlap significantly. Data architects need sophisticated design and development skills to collect data and translate it for use in computer applications and systems. These professionals are like data ninjas who figure out how to create and manage data for companies in complex, creative, and innovative ways.
Most data and other computer network architects work in an office setting, and little physical activity is demanded of the job. While much of their work may be completed independently, some team collaboration may be required for certain projects. Data architects work full-time, with a possibility of overtime. Most data architects have a bachelor's degree in information technology (IT), as well as years of experience in the IT field.
Job duties that data architects may find themselves responsible for include:
- Studying existing data systems within a given organization
- Finding flaws in systems and finding ways to improve them
- Designing and coding new databases
- Creating and implementing data collection and analysis algorithms
- Troubleshooting issues with a given database
Career Requirements
| Degree Level | Bachelor's degree |
| Degree Field | Computer science, computer engineering, information technology, or a related field |
| Certification | Not required but can sometimes help with employment prospects and advancement |
| Experience | 3-10 years of work experience in the IT field |
| Key Skills | Communication; organizational; creativity; innovation; multi-tasking; leadership; ability work under pressure and time constraints; data modeling; computer programming and software skills with programs such as Microsoft Excel, Access, SQL, Business Objects software, XML, SOA, ETL, BI, ERP, and Agile |
| Median Salary (2021)* | $119,249 |
Sources: *Payscale.com, ICCP.org
How to Become a Data Architect
So you know that you want to work in data architecture and analysis, at the forefront of new technological exploration in a number of industries. What are the steps required to start a data architect career?
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree
Data architect education requirements start at the undergraduate level. A bachelor's degree program in computer science, computer engineering, information technology, or a related field can help prepare students for future careers as data architects. An IT degree program may include coursework in database systems, data management, Web development, programming, operating systems, technology architecture, and systems analysis. These programs also could cover IT problem-solving skills.
Success Tip:
Complete an internship. Many years of experience are typically necessary to become a data architect. Building experience through a college internship may help students transition more smoothly into an entry-level position in the field.
Step 2: Gain Work Experience
Upon completing your data architect education, the next step would be to earn work experience. Becoming a data architect may require 3 to 10 years of experience in the IT field. While there is no specific route for a data architect career path, keep in mind that some data architect skills required for potential jobs include skills in database design, development, management, modeling, and warehousing. Entry-level IT jobs in programming or database administration can help aspiring data architects gain the experience needed for a job in data architecture.
Step 3: Earn Data Architect Certification
There is no specific data architect certification path and no mandatory certification, but earning the Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) distinction can help these professionals to stand out to prospective employers and advance their careers. Certification requirements include two years of work experience and a bachelor's degree. Additionally, candidates must pass the CDMP exam, offered by the Institute for the Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP). To renew CDMP certification, candidates are required to complete at least 120 hours of continuing education every three years.
The CDMP credential is not the only option out there. Consider looking into the following data architect certifications to see if they might be right for you and your career:
- IBM Certified Data Architect - Big Data
- SAS Certified Big Data Professional
- Cloudera Certified Associate (CCA) Spark and Hadoop Developer
Data Architect Salary & Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, database architects (and database administrators) should expect to see a 10% increase in job opportunities between 2019 and 2029, which is much faster than the average for all jobs in the United States. This is primarily due to the significant need for database scientists to work on digital systems that are becoming more and more common across the country. Payscale.com reported in January of 2021 that the average salary for data architects was $119,249.
Data Architect vs. Data Engineer
What is the difference between a data architect and a data engineer? While the jobs are related, they are not the same. Data architects tend to hold more senior positions to data engineers, though they will often work together on various projects. Data engineers tend to have slightly lower salaries than data architects. Many data architects actually work as data engineers before obtaining their positions, so they sometimes have a strong idea of exactly what data engineering entails. Ultimately, a data architect has a more broad, big picture view, while data engineers usually work on more detailed aspects of systems. Like data architects, data engineers are experiencing significant job growth as their careers become more and more in-demand in the workplace.
You now understand how to become a database architect: earn a bachelor's degree, gain some work experience, and get certified. These are the steps required to make the most of a career as a database architect, which is an in-demand job that has a bright future and a large paycheque attached to it.
