Skip to main content
Information Technology Database Administrator
Hourly Rates up to Jobs Available
$85 3,500+

What Does a Database Administrator Do?

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.

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

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!

Find Database Administrator Training In Your Area

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...

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

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

Information Technology Youth Apprenticeship

The Youth Apprenticeship (YA) program is a rigorous one- or two-year elective statewide program that combines academic and technical instruction with... Read More

Information Technology Youth Apprenticeship

The Youth Apprenticeship (YA) program is a rigorous one- or two-year elective statewide program that combines academic and technical instruction with... Read More
3 females using AI, looking at a computer

Grow with Google AI Essentials

Whatever your chosen career, generative AI tools may help you speed up daily tasks, make more informed decisions, and develop new ideas. This course will teach you how to reap those benefits.

Learn More
Tempe

+Online

Information Technology, A.A.S.

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Information Technology (IT) program is designed to provide students with skills to meet information...
Online Program
Tempe

+Online

Data Analytics (CCL)

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

Database Administrator College Credit Certificate

The database administrator college credit certificate at Hillsborough Community College prepares students for jobs installing, configuring and...
Not sure about this job?
Find your match with our career quiz.

Need help reaching your goals?

Explore our Financial Resources page for scholarships, FAQ answers and student support services.

Explore More