Data Scientists 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

Data Scientists

Median Salary
$104,915
Average (Mean)
$110,043
Employed Nationwide
192,360
VS

Database Architects

Median Salary
$125,121
Average (Mean)
$127,109
Employed Nationwide
59,640
Database Architects earns $20,205 more (19.3%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $104,915 $125,121
Average (Mean) Salary $110,043 $127,109
Total Employment 192,360 59,640
States with Higher Pay 5 46

Salary by State: Data Scientists vs Database Architects

Showing 51 states where both occupations have BLS data. Data Scientists pays more in 5 states; Database Architects pays more in 46.

State Data Scientists Database Architects Difference
Alabama $100,560
$114,000
$-13,440
Alaska $80,000
$119,440
$-39,440
Arizona $106,400
$122,620
$-16,220
Arkansas $115,890
$98,280
+$17,610
California $133,690
$162,250
$-28,560
Colorado $111,970
$134,780
$-22,810
Connecticut $112,750
$143,540
$-30,790
Delaware $138,780
$148,320
$-9,540
District of Columbia $122,010
$164,720
$-42,710
Florida $95,360
$123,960
$-28,600
Georgia $100,950
$155,210
$-54,260
Hawaii $129,930
$133,040
$-3,110
Idaho $122,280
$133,590
$-11,310
Illinois $108,580
$128,990
$-20,410
Indiana $81,620
$84,020
$-2,400
Iowa $96,980
$132,330
$-35,350
Kansas $101,610
$154,090
$-52,480
Kentucky $88,800
$88,930
$-130
Louisiana $68,730
$103,600
$-34,870
Maine $99,960
$120,790
$-20,830
Maryland $125,460
$139,510
$-14,050
Massachusetts $121,560
$152,030
$-30,470
Michigan $90,750
$122,700
$-31,950
Minnesota $114,630
$130,350
$-15,720
Mississippi $62,600
$71,950
$-9,350
Missouri $81,410
$102,810
$-21,400
Montana $94,420
$112,580
$-18,160
Nebraska $92,640
$129,110
$-36,470
Nevada $86,030
$125,180
$-39,150
New Hampshire $92,670
$124,430
$-31,760
New Jersey $130,570
$162,410
$-31,840
New Mexico $87,020
$126,000
$-38,980
New York $128,890
$142,230
$-13,340
North Carolina $126,940
$125,860
+$1,080
North Dakota $113,620
$103,730
+$9,890
Ohio $97,070
$127,230
$-30,160
Oklahoma $83,810
$111,070
$-27,260
Oregon $114,910
$134,980
$-20,070
Pennsylvania $97,260
$125,790
$-28,530
Rhode Island $128,350
$116,980
+$11,370
South Carolina $95,310
$130,020
$-34,710
South Dakota $91,460
$113,410
$-21,950
Tennessee $92,400
$120,000
$-27,600
Texas $100,100
$138,090
$-37,990
Utah $97,490
$149,200
$-51,710
Vermont $117,500
$129,950
$-12,450
Virginia $136,490
$138,300
$-1,810
Washington $132,620
$144,910
$-12,290
West Virginia $67,660
$72,260
$-4,600
Wisconsin $101,850
$134,020
$-32,170
Wyoming $130,370
$57,610
+$72,760

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Data Scientists or Database Architects?
On average across all states, a Database Architects earns more than a Data Scientists. The national median salary difference is $20,205 (19.3%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Data Scientists earn more than a Database Architects?
A Data Scientists earns a higher median salary than a Database Architects in 5 out of 51 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Database Architects pays more in 46 states.
What is the median salary for a Data Scientists vs Database Architects?
The national median salary for a Data Scientists is $104,915 per year, compared to $125,121 for a Database Architects, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Data Scientists or Database Architects?
There are more people employed as Data Scientists. BLS reports approximately 192,360 Data Scientists positions and 59,640 Database Architects positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Data Scientists or Database Architects?
Both Data Scientists 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.

Compare After-Tax Take-Home Pay

See what each role actually pays after federal, state, and FICA taxes.