As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Data Architect I in the United States is $81,221 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.
However, a Data Architect I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2025 Compensation Trend
AI-Powered HR
Smart Recruiting
A Data Architect I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Data Architect I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Data Architect I | 0-2 years | $81,221 |
| Data Architect II | 2-4 years | $107,852 |
| Data Architect III | 4-7 years | $127,531 |
| Data Architect IV | 7+ years | $141,527 |
| Data Architect V | 7-10 years | $162,904 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Data Architect Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 3.96% |
| Data Modeling | 3.39% |
| Data Warehousing | 2.3% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Team Building
|
$90,155 |
11%
|
|
Data Integration
|
$89,343 |
10%
|
|
Partnering
|
$88,531 |
9%
|
|
Data Modeling
|
$87,719 |
8%
|
|
Data Science
|
$87,719 |
8%
|
|
Team Development
|
$86,906 |
7%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Data Architect Is enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Data Architect I with a Associate's Degree is between $83,872 and $88,128).
Data Architect I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.9% |
| High School | 10.6% |
| Associates | 8.8% |
| Bachelors | 51.3% |
| Masters | 26.5% |
| Doctorate | 1.8% |
Understanding how a Data Architect I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on April 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Data Architect I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Data Modeling Analyst | $105,467 | 30% |
| Data Architect II | $107,852 | 33% |
Salaries for a Data Architect I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $83,542 in 2023 to around $81,365 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Data Architect I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $83,542 |
| 2024 | $83,302 |
| 2025 | $81,365 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Data Architect I and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Data Architect I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
A Data Architect I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Data Architect I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Data Architect I is $102,444.
The highest pay for Data Architect I is $93,433.
The lowest pay for Data Architect I is $58,246.
Designs and builds databases for data storage or processing. Develops strategies for warehouse implementation, data acquisition and access, and data archiving and recovery. Builds data models and defines the structure, attributes and nomenclature of data elements. May evaluate new data sources for adherence to the organization's quality standards and ease of integration. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
