RateOrchard
METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Database Architects salary in Washington, D.C., District of Columbia

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Washington, D.C. 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$188,120
Mean annual$183,530
Range (10th to 90th)$124,840 to $226,380
Washington, D.C., District of Columbia employment6,710
State vs national+56.2% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Washington, D.C. database architects fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$124,84025TH$141,300MEDIAN$188,12075TH$226,38090TH$226,380

The middle 50% of workers earn between $141,300 and $226,380, with a median of $188,120.

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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Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Database Architects in Washington, D.C., District of Columbia?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Database Architects in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is $188,120.
Does Washington, D.C. pay more than the District of Columbia state average for Database Architects?
The Washington, D.C. metro median is +19.8% versus the District of Columbia state median of $157,080.
How does Washington, D.C. compare to the national median for Database Architects?
The Washington, D.C. metro median is +56.2% versus the BLS national figure of $120,457.
What is the salary range for Database Architects in Washington, D.C.?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $124,840 and the 90th-percentile at $226,380 for the Washington, D.C. metro area.
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 Washington, D.C. 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.