Database Administrator

Salary Range	Jobs Available
$64,000 - $164,100	13,500+

What Does a Database Administrator Do?

Q: What’s the database administrator job outlook?

The job outlook is stable and promising, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS predicts job growth of 9% from 2021 to 2031. That translates into about 11,500 openings each year over the decade.

Q: What qualities would make someone a good fit for this job?

Successful database administrators tend to share these traits: Excellent communication skillsWell-organizedExcellent analytical skillsAn eye for detailCreative at problem-solvingA keen understanding of business strategy

Companies that want to better understand their customers use database science to do it. A database administrator (DBA) is the magician who makes that possible.

A database administrator uses specialized software to develop, store and organize a company's data. The data often includes sensitive information, such as confidential financial numbers or proprietary information. A database administrator, also called a database manager, makes sure the data is available to approved users yet secure from unauthorized access or data corruption.

A DBA typically works with an organization’s management team to understand the company’s data needs and what the database will do. This in-demand role is needed in any work setting that requires a large, secure database, but a DBA is standard in the banking, insurance, retail and healthcare industries.

Many database administrators handle a wide variety of duties, while others specialize. For example, database architects design and create new databases. System DBAs focus on the physical elements of a database, installing upgrades and making sure there are no bugs. Application DBAs focus on a database used for a singular purpose and make sure that all database elements and applications work properly.

Keep reading to learn more about this opportunity-rich career.

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A database administrator runs a test to ensure a database is secure and runs properly

A database administrator or database manager keeps financial and customer information safe from prying eyes. (Credit: Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock)

Responsibilities

Identify user requirements for a database
Install and update database software and servers
Keep sensitive data secure
Manage database access and permissions
Maintain, test and back up the database
Create documentation for users
Monitor archive storage space
Merge databases when necessary
Work with users to identify issues
May design new databases

How To Become a Database Administrator: FAQs

Database administrator requirements: What steps do I take to get this job?

After getting your high school diploma or equivalent, think about which training path you should take.

Many employers look for a bachelor's degree in database administration, information technology, computer science, computer engineering or a related field. However, it is also possible to earn a certificate or associate degree, become an IT support specialist, software developer or other role and learn database administration skills on the job.

The path to the job will be influenced by the size of the company, the company’s stance on degrees and the amount of cross-training the company supports.

Database administrator training programs will include classes and hands-on training in database management, troubleshooting, database queries, data science, data privacy, cybersecurity, cloud database management systems, HTML and the database language Structured Query Language (SQL).

Some programs may include business skills, since successful database managers may have a leadership role the company. Some programs include internships.

Are there any other qualifications I need to consider?

Most companies require database administrator certification either from a specific software vendor, such as Microsoft or IBM, or a certification provider. Certifications can cover any aspect of the system, from operating systems such as UNIX or Linux to relational database frameworks such as Oracle.

Database manager networking groups are a smart way to make connections and keep up with technology trends.

What’s the database administrator job outlook?

What qualities would make someone a good fit for this job?

The bottom line:

If you’re naturally drawn to technology and communicate well, becoming a database administrator is a smart move. For more insights from someone who has done the job, watch this video of a DBA on why this job is so important.

This is a growing, well-paying career that can open the door to many opportunities in different industries. To get started, check out training opportunities near you!