Database Administrator

What does a Database Administrator earn in my area?

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

Q: How does AI impact Database Administrators?

This career has moderate impact from AI since some database management tasks are automated. AI helps with optimization, threat detection, and routine checks. DBAs will focus more on strategy and complex problem-solving.

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.

The impact of AI tools useful in managing and analyzing data will require Database Administrators to evolve their skills base to include relevant AI integrations and machine learning. By providing strategic insights in conjunction with automated efficiencies, the DBA’s role in corporate success will always be relevant.

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

Ready to take the next step?

Choose the path that's right for you.

Search our hundreds of training partners for programs near you.

Find Training

Already trained and ready for a job? Jeremy, our AI assistant, can help you find jobs in your area.

Find Jobs

Not sure yet? Keep reading to learn more about this career.

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?

How does AI impact Database Administrators?

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!

Are there certification requirements for this career?

Find Database Administrator Training In Your Area

Zip/Postal Code

Distance

Degree Type

Online or In-Person

Mesa

Data Analytics (CCL)

The Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Data Analytics program is designed to prepare students to model, synthesize, analyze, and present large data...

View Program

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College

Valdosta

Computer Information Systems Apprenticeship Program

Apprenticeship is a method of training individuals in a trade using a combination of on-the-job skills development and classroom/lab related... Read More

Salt Lake City

Computer Sciences and Information Systems, AAS - Database Information Systems and Technology Certificate of Proficiency

The Computer Sciences and Information Systems AAS Degree prepares students to enter the workplace with skills in a variety of highly technical areas...

View Program

Daytona Beach

Computer Information Technology, A.S.

The Computer Information Technology program provides students with the technical credentials needed for analyzing computer oriented operating...

View Program

Daytona Beach

Database Technology, A.S.

The Database Technology Associate of Science degree program at Daytona State College (DSC) prepares students for employment in the database...

View Program

Jacksonville

Computer Information Technology, A.S.

The Associate in Science (A.S.) in Computer Information Technology degree program prepares students for respected careers as developers, programmers...

View Program

Jacksonville

Data Science Technology, A.S.

The Associate in Science (A.S.) in Data Science Technology emphasizes activities focusing on the acquisition, cleaning, modeling and analysis of data...

View Program

Jacksonville

Data Science Technician I Technical Certificate

The Data Science Technician I Technical Certificate (T.C.) helps students develop the skills and knowledge necessary to begin work as an entry-level...

View Program

Jacksonville

Database Development Specialist Technical Certificate

The Database Development Specialist Technical Certificate (T.C.) program gives students experience in popular databases including Oracle and Microsoft...

View Program