Database Architect salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Database Architects in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area earn a median of $120,030 a year ($57.71 an hour), based on BLS data for 140 workers.
Pay ranges from $76,320 for the lowest-paid 10% to $153,090 for the top 10%. That is 14% lower than the national median of $139,500. Pay here is 3% lower than the Iowa statewide median of $124,040. There are 0.34 database architects per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.79). The average (mean) salary is $120,240, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for database architects in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $76,320 | $36.69 |
| 25th percentile | $98,330 | $47.28 |
| Median | $120,030 | $57.71 |
| 75th percentile | $143,160 | $68.83 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $153,090 | $73.60 |
| Average (mean) | $120,240 | $57.81 |
Half of database architects earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $10,002.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $5,001.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $4,616.54 |
| Weekly | $2,308.27 |
| Hourly | $57.71 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Database Architect salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Omaha, NE-IA | $136,620 | 490 |
Highest-paying states for database architects
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| California | $170,160 |
| Massachusetts | $161,650 |
| Virginia | $160,360 |
| Arizona | $156,100 |
| Colorado | $154,560 |
| Texas | $151,370 |
| District of Columbia | $150,010 |
| Delaware | $147,800 |
| Connecticut | $144,460 |
| Illinois | $142,500 |
See Database Architect pay in every state or the Iowa statewide figures.
Related jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | $126,460 | $60.80 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $102,070 | $49.07 |
| Computer User Support Specialist | $59,450 | $28.58 |
| Computer Occupations, All Other | $109,490 | $52.64 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrators | $89,800 | $43.17 |
| Information Security Analyst | $123,740 | $59.49 |
| Computer Network Architect | $108,280 | $52.06 |
| Computer Network Support Specialist | $62,050 | $29.83 |
| Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | $98,190 | $47.21 |
| Computer Programmer | $79,200 | $38.08 |
| Web and Digital Interface Designers | $75,680 | $36.38 |
| Web Developer | $61,960 | $29.79 |
| Database Administrator | $109,750 | $52.77 |
| Data Scientist | $103,030 | $49.53 |
More: Computer and Mathematical Occupations · all salaries in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 15-1243. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a database architect make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median salary for database architects in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area is $120,030 a year, or $57.71 an hour. Pay ranges from $76,320 for the lowest-paid 10% to $153,090 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid database architects make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The top 10% of database architects in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area earn at least $153,090 a year. The top 25% earn $143,160 or more.
What is the starting pay for database architects in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $76,320 a year, and a quarter of database architects earn $98,330 or less.
How many database architects work in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
About 140 database architects are employed in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area, not counting the self-employed.