Data architects are responsible for the design and construction of a holistic data management framework. They hold a key position in the field of data governance and are required to work in tandem with the organization’s data engineer and other team members to create and develop data-centric solutions.
What is Data Architecture?
Data architecture is the standardization process in which organizations define how they collect, store, transform, distribute and use their data. The aim with data architecture is to provide relevant data to the people who need it – and exactly when they need it – and to help them use it sensibly.
Data architecture is the part of IT architecture that deals with fundamental structures and principles of data and information as well as their construction, use and further development.
With more and more data from internal and external sources available in real time, corporate strategists have pushed for more and faster insights from data.
Modern data architecture designs promise that a well thought-out process will bring corporate strategists and technical know-how around the table. Together, they can decide what data is needed to move the business forward, and how that data can be obtained and distributed to provide actionable information to decision makers.
Role of a Data Architect
Data architects define a company’s data standards and principles and are in charge of the design, construction and further development of the data architecture in an organization.
They design concepts to make the flow of data in the company as efficient as possible. This includes both the classification and organization in handling data, as well as providing specifications for data quality.
Data architects monitor data sources and analyze them for certain aspects using both databases and data warehousing tools. They design schemes that are supposed to accelerate the workflow of a company and then translate their idealistic concepts into practical forms.
Architects ensure compliance with data protection regulations and are responsible for the creation of secure storage concepts. They also cooperate and collaborate with system designers and programmers and educate staff members through training when needed. They also test and troubleshoot the system and recommend solutions to improve new and existing database systems.
What are the responsibilities of a data architect?
- Define a company’s data standards and principles
- Design, construct and further develop the data architecture in an organization
- Design concepts to make the flow of data in the company as efficient as possible
- Classify and organize data
- Provide specifications for data quality
- Monitor and analyze data sources using databases and data warehousing tools
- Design schemes intended to accelerate the workflow of a company
- Translate idealistic concepts into practical forms
- Ensure compliance with data protection regulations
- Create secure storage concepts
- Cooperate and collaborate with system designers and programmers
- Educate staff members through training
- Test and troubleshoot system
- Recommend solutions to improve new and existing database systems
Are you looking for a Data Architect?
Find the right freelancer here
Skills of a Data Architect
An effective data architect is well-versed in all types of data modeling, from conception to database optimization. They are able to understand complex problems and work systematically on solutions.
Requirements for a data architect also include expert knowledge in the area of data modeling, database management systems and information management as well as SQL and database administration.
They must also have knowledge of data law and data migration and must be familiar with data visualisation tools such as Tableau. Programming skills are also a must-have as is the ability to work in distributed systems.
In terms of soft skills, data architects must have a high emotional intelligence in order to convey their ideas effectively. They should also be able to work in a team and have strong communication skills.
What are the skills of a data architect?
- Proficiency in data modeling, from conception to database optimization
- Ability to understand complex problems
- Ability to work systematically on solutions
- Expert knowledge in data modeling, database management systems and information management
- Proficiency in SQL and database administration
- Knowledge of data law and data migration
- Familiarity with data visualisation tools such as Tableau
- Strong programming skills
- Ability to work in distributed systems
- High emotional intelligence
- Ability to work well in a team
- Strong communication skills
Join our IT freelance community now
Background: How do you become a Data Architect?
Depending on the organization for which a data architect works and for which processes a data architecture is to be designed, the profile of requirements for the position can be very different.
A Bachelor’s degree in computer science or business administration is often required. Due to the strategic area of responsibility, a conceptual working method and a structured way of thinking is also important.
Salary
The salary of a data architect can vary depending on the role and industry they are in.
Entry-level architects who are just starting out can earn approximately $76,000 annually. The average salary for data architects with a few years of experience is $120,000 whereas for senior architects, the salary can go up to $156,000.
The salary range in Germany for data architects is between €68,000 to €96,000 while in the UK, it ranges from £44,000 to £91,000.
How much does a data architect make?
| Junior | $76,000 |
| Average | $120,000 |
| Senior | $156,000 |
What does a freelance data architect earn?
| Average rate Data Architects (2022) | $101/hr |
According to freelancermap’s price and rate index in September 2022, freelance Data Architects charge $101/hour on average.
Freelance rates in Data Architecture range between $81 and $116 for the majority of freelancers.
If we consider an 8-hour working day at $101/hour, the daily rate for freelance Data Architects is around $808/day.
Looking for data architect vacancies?
Find data architect jobs here
