RateOrchard
METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Database Architects salary in San Jose, California

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the San Jose metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$166,210
Mean annual$180,700
Range (10th to 90th)Not published
San Jose, California employment930
State vs national+38.0% vs national

Salary distribution

Where San Jose database architects fall on the wage curve.

Distribution not available

The Bureau of Labor Statistics suppresses wage percentiles for this occupation and state when the surveyed cell has too few employers to publish without revealing individual firm pay. National figures and adjacent states below remain a useful reference.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Bachelor's degree

  • Experience

    5 years or more

  • On-the-job training

    None

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Computers and Electronics

    Knowledge

    4.3 / 5
  • Engineering and Technology

    Knowledge

    4.0 / 5
  • Judgment and Decision Making

    Technical

    3.9 / 5
  • Reading Comprehension

    Basic skill

    3.9 / 5
  • Oral Comprehension

    Ability

    3.9 / 5
  • Complex Problem Solving

    Technical

    3.9 / 5
  • Critical Thinking

    Cross-functional

    3.9 / 5
  • Written Comprehension

    Ability

    3.9 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Develop and document database architectures.

  2. 02

    Collaborate with system architects, software architects, design analysts, and others to understand business or industry requirements.

  3. 03

    Develop database architectural strategies at the modeling, design and implementation stages to address business or industry requirements.

  4. 04

    Design databases to support business applications, ensuring system scalability, security, performance, and reliability.

  5. 05

    Develop data models for applications, metadata tables, views or related database structures.

  6. 06

    Design database applications, such as interfaces, data transfer mechanisms, global temporary tables, data partitions, and function-based indexes to enable efficient access of the generic database structure.

  7. 07

    Develop methods for integrating different products so they work properly together, such as customizing commercial databases to fit specific needs.

  8. 08

    Create and enforce database development standards.

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Other metros in California

How the San Jose metro compares to other major California metro areas for database architects.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Database Architects in San Jose, California?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Database Architects in the San Jose metropolitan area is $166,210.
Does San Jose pay more than the California state average for Database Architects?
The San Jose metro median is +4.4% versus the California state median of $159,130.
How does San Jose compare to the national median for Database Architects?
The San Jose metro median is +38.0% versus the BLS national figure of $120,457.
What education is required for Database Architects?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Jose CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.