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Data Scientists vs Database Architects: Salary Comparison

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025).

National Salary Overview

Data Scientists

Median Salary
$107,281
Average (Mean)
$113,686
Employed Nationwide
261,640
VS

Database Architects

Median Salary
$132,518
Average (Mean)
$134,523
Employed Nationwide
63,570
Database Architects earns $25,237 more (23.5%)
Data Scientists vs Database Architects national median (BLS 2025)Ranked horizontal bars comparing 2 entries.Data ScientistsData ScientistsData Scientists: $107,281$107,281Database ArchitectsDatabase ArchitectsDatabase Architects: $132,518$132,518

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $107,281 $132,518
Average (Mean) Salary $113,686 $134,523
Total Employment 261,640 63,570
States with Higher Pay 4 41

Salary by State: Data Scientists vs Database Architects

Showing 45 states where both occupations have BLS data. Data Scientists pays more in 4 states; Database Architects pays more in 41.

State Data Scientists Database Architects Difference
Alabama $103,120
$105,450
$-2,330
Alaska $84,110
$112,500
$-28,390
Arizona $107,240
$156,100
$-48,860
Arkansas $109,390
$104,070
+$5,320
California $141,590
$170,160
$-28,570
Colorado $117,400
$154,560
$-37,160
Connecticut $126,340
$144,460
$-18,120
District of Columbia $126,490
$150,010
$-23,520
Florida $115,820
$138,320
$-22,500
Georgia $104,340
$139,500
$-35,160
Hawaii $102,130
$134,040
$-31,910
Idaho $89,380
$121,380
$-32,000
Illinois $106,560
$142,500
$-35,940
Indiana $91,470
$132,830
$-41,360
Iowa $95,830
$124,040
$-28,210
Kansas $98,130
$129,990
$-31,860
Kentucky $91,760
$125,400
$-33,640
Maine $90,880
$133,120
$-42,240
Maryland $136,370
$132,940
+$3,430
Massachusetts $131,750
$161,650
$-29,900
Michigan $100,590
$131,000
$-30,410
Minnesota $128,800
$133,050
$-4,250
Mississippi $69,490
$98,420
$-28,930
Missouri $97,090
$110,570
$-13,480
Montana $100,490
$109,990
$-9,500
Nebraska $98,230
$134,320
$-36,090
Nevada $98,540
$140,200
$-41,660
New Hampshire $100,620
$139,990
$-39,370
New Jersey $135,280
$120,790
+$14,490
New Mexico $95,850
$117,950
$-22,100
New York $130,460
$141,350
$-10,890
North Carolina $119,090
$134,630
$-15,540
North Dakota $81,900
$109,430
$-27,530
Ohio $102,630
$132,910
$-30,280
Oklahoma $86,310
$110,110
$-23,800
Oregon $125,990
$138,250
$-12,260
Rhode Island $102,440
$140,320
$-37,880
South Carolina $91,990
$130,000
$-38,010
South Dakota $96,150
$136,540
$-40,390
Tennessee $100,330
$115,170
$-14,840
Texas $122,090
$151,370
$-29,280
Utah $108,090
$131,740
$-23,650
Virginia $126,430
$160,360
$-33,930
Washington $163,350
$128,760
+$34,590
Wisconsin $106,680
$137,810
$-31,130

Explore This Comparison by State

Dive deeper — see how Data Scientists vs Database Architects salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.

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 $25,237 (23.5%) based on 2025 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 4 out of 45 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Database Architects pays more in 41 states.
What is the median salary for a Data Scientists vs Database Architects?
The national median salary for a Data Scientists is $107,281 per year, compared to $132,518 for a Database Architects, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Data Scientists or Database Architects?
There are more people employed as Data Scientists. BLS reports approximately 261,640 Data Scientists positions and 63,570 Database Architects positions nationwide (2025).
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.

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