Computer Programmers vs Database Architects: Salary Comparison

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024).

National Salary Overview

Computer Programmers

Median Salary
$93,530
Average (Mean)
$98,419
Employed Nationwide
115,880
VS

Database Architects

Median Salary
$125,121
Average (Mean)
$127,109
Employed Nationwide
59,640
Database Architects earns $31,590 more (33.8%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $93,530 $125,121
Average (Mean) Salary $98,419 $127,109
Total Employment 115,880 59,640
States with Higher Pay 3 46

Salary by State: Computer Programmers vs Database Architects

Showing 49 states where both occupations have BLS data. Computer Programmers pays more in 3 states; Database Architects pays more in 46.

State Computer Programmers Database Architects Difference
Alabama $100,920
$114,000
$-13,080
Alaska $94,930
$119,440
$-24,510
Arizona $92,850
$122,620
$-29,770
California $114,780
$162,250
$-47,470
Colorado $99,650
$134,780
$-35,130
Connecticut $102,560
$143,540
$-40,980
Delaware $96,210
$148,320
$-52,110
District of Columbia $80,470
$164,720
$-84,250
Florida $87,280
$123,960
$-36,680
Georgia $90,100
$155,210
$-65,110
Hawaii $84,330
$133,040
$-48,710
Idaho $100,280
$133,590
$-33,310
Illinois $86,240
$128,990
$-42,750
Indiana $81,830
$84,020
$-2,190
Iowa $82,290
$132,330
$-50,040
Kansas $88,030
$154,090
$-66,060
Kentucky $88,910
$88,930
$-20
Maine $83,560
$120,790
$-37,230
Maryland $103,380
$139,510
$-36,130
Massachusetts $112,820
$152,030
$-39,210
Michigan $82,420
$122,700
$-40,280
Minnesota $100,810
$130,350
$-29,540
Mississippi $63,470
$71,950
$-8,480
Missouri $72,330
$102,810
$-30,480
Montana $92,670
$112,580
$-19,910
Nebraska $99,930
$129,110
$-29,180
Nevada $93,430
$125,180
$-31,750
New Hampshire $96,340
$124,430
$-28,090
New Jersey $108,760
$162,410
$-53,650
New Mexico $79,280
$126,000
$-46,720
New York $102,370
$142,230
$-39,860
North Carolina $101,700
$125,860
$-24,160
North Dakota $84,390
$103,730
$-19,340
Ohio $78,710
$127,230
$-48,520
Oklahoma $107,990
$111,070
$-3,080
Oregon $112,270
$134,980
$-22,710
Pennsylvania $85,160
$125,790
$-40,630
Rhode Island $88,600
$116,980
$-28,380
South Carolina $102,320
$130,020
$-27,700
South Dakota $55,000
$113,410
$-58,410
Tennessee $118,080
$120,000
$-1,920
Texas $99,180
$138,090
$-38,910
Utah $93,970
$149,200
$-55,230
Vermont $81,450
$129,950
$-48,500
Virginia $98,660
$138,300
$-39,640
Washington $162,440
$144,910
+$17,530
West Virginia $80,840
$72,260
+$8,580
Wisconsin $89,250
$134,020
$-44,770
Wyoming $79,760
$57,610
+$22,150

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Computer Programmers or Database Architects?
On average across all states, a Database Architects earns more than a Computer Programmers. The national median salary difference is $31,590 (33.8%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Computer Programmers earn more than a Database Architects?
A Computer Programmers earns a higher median salary than a Database Architects in 3 out of 49 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Database Architects pays more in 46 states.
What is the median salary for a Computer Programmers vs Database Architects?
The national median salary for a Computer Programmers is $93,530 per year, compared to $125,121 for a Database Architects, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Computer Programmers or Database Architects?
There are more people employed as Computer Programmers. BLS reports approximately 115,880 Computer Programmers positions and 59,640 Database Architects positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Computer Programmers or Database Architects?
Both Computer Programmers and Database Architects are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.