The Day-to-Day as a Database Administrator
A Database Administrator uses software to securely store and organize data and make sure that the data is available to authorized users. Some Database Administrators specialize in Systems or Applications while others work on all aspects of database administration. They work in a variety of industries, including computer systems design, IT, insurance, finance, and healthcare. They work with Data Analysts, Management, and Developers. Database Administrators usually work a 40-hour week, but will sometimes work overtime if there is an emergency, such as a power outage or natural disaster. Some Database Administrators may be required to be on-call. They can find full-time employment onsite and remotely.
Each Database Administrator’s responsibilities vary based on their company’s needs, but you can usually find them: checking on servers, establishing performance baselines, analyzing performance, coordinating data pushes or changes, working with Developers on their code, attending meetings, collaborating with Data Analysts to ensure the database is easy to use, working with management to determine their database needs, backing up their system, monitoring database performance, making and testing modifications to the database structure, updating permissions, maintaining the database, troubleshooting issues, planning security measures for the database, or merging old databases into new ones.
What Skills Should Database Administrators Have?
A good Database Administrator will know how to back up and recover databases, tune a databases’ performance, create and maintain users, transform and load data, report and query data using SQL or NoSQL, secure the database, and troubleshoot and mitigate bugs. They should know at least one or more of the major database systems used in the industry, like MySQL, Oracle DB, Cassandra, MongoDB, Hadoop, Postgres, or IBM. Software and platforms are constantly changing and new databases, both relational and non-relational, are introduced regularly. These ever-evolving systems make for an environment where ongoing learning and a desire to do so will be necessary to succeed.
Database Administrators should be prepared to work with their teams on a regular basis. They’ll need to be able to communicate and collaborate with upper-level management, Developers, and other team members. A Database Administrator should also have strong analytical skills to evaluate their database’s performance and the information within it. They must be detail-oriented to succeed, as even a minor error can be disastrous in this position.
Learn the Skills You Need to Become a Database Administrator
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SQL
SQL stands for Structured Query Language. It is a computer language used to store, manipulate, and retrieve data which is stored in a relational database.
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SQL Server
SQL stands for Structured Query Language. SQL Server is a relational database management system (RDBMS) that was created by Microsoft. SQL Servers are used to store and retrieve data as requested by connected software applications on the same computer or within a network.
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Oracle
Oracle is a US-based, international computer technology corporation that developers, sells, and maintains database software, cloud engineered systems, and enterprise software products.
Database Administrator Salaries
A Database Administrator in the United States makes, on average, $74,602 annually, according to Indeed.com.
Salaries for Database Administrators vary by region within the the United States. Listed below are some Database Administrator salaries for specific areas with the United States compared with the average national salary:
- U.S. Average $74K source n/a
-
Alexandria, VA
$122K
source
+63.88%
-
Washington, D.C.
$111K
source
+49.22%
-
Chicago, IL
$104K
source
+40.73%
-
Miami, FL
$103K
source
+39.24%
-
New York City
$95K
source
+28.59%
-
Houston, TX
$80K
source
+8.44%
-
Orange County, CA
$77K
source
+3.58%
-
Dallas, TX
$74K
source
+0.37%
- U.S. Average $74K source n/a
-
Los Angeles, CA
$67K
source
-9.13%
-
Fairfax, VA
$64K
source
-13.59%
Typical Qualifications to Become a Database Administrator
Database Administrators are usually required to have a minimum of a four-year degree in information technology or computer science. Some employers will accept candidates with a two-year degree or without any degree if they have extensive experience in database work. At least three years of IT experience are generally expected to qualify for this position. Certifications are not required but might help during the job search.
Each database platform has its own certification, so it helps to know which platform with which you’ll be applying for positions before obtaining your certification, or get certified in more than one system. Database Administrators can get certified by Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, IBM, MongoDB, or Apache's Cassandra at various levels.
Searching for Database Administrator Jobs
Database Administrators can find opportunities working: computer systems design, IT, insurance, finance, and healthcare, onsite or remotely. High-paying Database Administrator jobs are most commonly found posted on IT-specific job boards and recruiting sites, but can also be found on general job boards.
Database Administrators can look for jobs on these sites:
- Dice
- Indeed
- SimplyHired
- Ziprecruiter
- Authentic Jobs
- Glassdoor
- GitHub Jobs
- The Muse
- Crunchboard
- Startupers
- Modis
- Career Builder
- Monster
- The Ladders
- Krop
- Mashable
- Smashing
- SQL Crossing
- IT Job board
Database Administrators can find remote and freelance opportunities on these sites:
Tips to Become a Database Administrator
Database Administrator is not an entry-level IT role. It helps to have some experience in IT before applying for this position. Previous experience might include helpdesk support roles, Database Developer positions, or Systems Administrator. To upskill from those roles, an aspiring Database Administrator should go through online training and certification for popular databases, such as Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, IBM, MongoDB, or Apache's Cassandra. Most of these database systems offer educational modules before the certification, which will help you prepare. Before obtaining any certifications, search for jobs at the companies or industries you’re interested in and see which database systems they use in their job descriptions. That way you’ll get the certification that is most relevant to the jobs you want.
Networking is key in any modern job search, but especially in tech. Many Database Administrators work their way up from helpdesk or developer roles based on trust, a desire to learn and take on more responsibility, as well as the company’s willingness to train someone new. Network with Database Administrators and find out how they got their start. They might be able to mentor you, give you a roadmap to their favorite training, or connect you with someone who will hire you. If networking has yet to be fruitful but you have certifications and skills, try getting in touch with a recruiter or two. Recruiters have a heavy hand in the tech world and can often find you the perfect job, especially if your experience isn’t a traditional four-year degree path.
mock-interviews are recommended for almost any tech position. Technical questions, soft skills queries, and culture-fit tests will usually be split into a series of interviews. It helps to have as much practice as possible interviewing so that you come across as a strong, knowledgeable professional whom employers can trust with their sensitive data. Regardless of your experience level, mock-interviews are always a good use of your time. Consider asking for a mock-interview with a mentor or connection you’ve made while networking, a friend or family member, an instructor from a course you’ve taken, or sign up for an online mock-interview service.
[job_titles]
Database Administrator is often abbreviated to DBA. You’ll also find a variety of job titles based on the database system the company uses, whether it is a junior-level or senior-level position, and whether the role also requires engineering or development – which sometimes happens at smaller companies. If you have less experience, consider looking for Junior Database Administrator positions or a position that is specific to a system you are already certified in.
Database Administrators can look for these job titles:
- Database Administrator
- Junior Database Administrator
- Senior Database Administrator
- Lead Database Administrator
- SQL Database Administrator
- Oracle DBA
- MS SQL Server Database Administrator
- MySQL DBA
- Database Consultant
- Senior Database Consultant
- PostgreSQL DBA
- Cassandra DBA
What Job Titles Would a Database Administrator Hold?
Database Administrator is not an entry-level IT role. It helps to have some experience in IT before applying for this position. Previous experience might include helpdesk support roles, Database Developer positions, or Systems Administrator. To upskill from those roles, an aspiring Database Administrator should go through online training and certification for popular databases, such as Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, IBM, MongoDB, or Apache's Cassandra. Most of these database systems offer educational modules before the certification, which will help you prepare. Before obtaining any certifications, search for jobs at the companies or industries you’re interested in and see which database systems they use in their job descriptions. That way you’ll get the certification that is most relevant to the jobs you want.
Networking is key in any modern job search, but especially in tech. Many Database Administrators work their way up from helpdesk or developer roles based on trust, a desire to learn and take on more responsibility, as well as the company’s willingness to train someone new. Network with Database Administrators and find out how they got their start. They might be able to mentor you, give you a roadmap to their favorite training, or connect you with someone who will hire you. If networking has yet to be fruitful but you have certifications and skills, try getting in touch with a recruiter or two. Recruiters have a heavy hand in the tech world and can often find you the perfect job, especially if your experience isn’t a traditional four-year degree path.
mock-interviews are recommended for almost any tech position. Technical questions, soft skills queries, and culture-fit tests will usually be split into a series of interviews. It helps to have as much practice as possible interviewing so that you come across as a strong, knowledgeable professional whom employers can trust with their sensitive data. Regardless of your experience level, mock-interviews are always a good use of your time. Consider asking for a mock-interview with a mentor or connection you’ve made while networking, a friend or family member, an instructor from a course you’ve taken, or sign up for an online mock-interview service.
[job_titles]
Database Administrator is often abbreviated to DBA. You’ll also find a variety of job titles based on the database system the company uses, whether it is a junior-level or senior-level position, and whether the role also requires engineering or development – which sometimes happens at smaller companies. If you have less experience, consider looking for Junior Database Administrator positions or a position that is specific to a system you are already certified in.
Database Administrators can look for these job titles:
- Database Administrator
- Junior Database Administrator
- Senior Database Administrator
- Lead Database Administrator
- SQL Database Administrator
- Oracle DBA
- MS SQL Server Database Administrator
- MySQL DBA
- Database Consultant
- Senior Database Consultant
- PostgreSQL DBA
- Cassandra DBA
Related Careers
If you’re not yet a Database Administrator, you could take steps toward that role through the Data Engineer positions. Data Engineers create the infrastructure for data and format data into a useful system that Data Scientists use to analyze large amounts of data. Data Engineers usually make less money than a Database Administrator, but it is a great entry- to mid-level position. You can become even more specialized as a Data Engineer and choose to work as an SQL Developer. SQL Developers design and build databases and applications.
If you’re a Database Administrator who would like to pivot away from databases, you could find work as a Data Scientist or Data Analyst. Data Scientists interpret the results of data that they’ve processed, modeled, and analyzed to create actionable plans for their employers. A Data Analyst is responsible for collecting, processing, and analyzing data. They usually translate these numbers into actionable insights that help their employer make better business decisions. A Data Scientist role is more lucrative than a Data Analyst job, and neither usually makes as much as a Database Administrator.
If you’re looking to completely change your career but you enjoy coding, you can work as a Software Engineer. Software Engineers create software for computers using programming languages, math, computer science theory, and engineering techniques. You’ll need to learn one back end language such as Java or Ruby and one front end language such as JavaScript. You may also need to know a low-level programming language for this position. Software Engineer usually earns less than a Database Administrator.
Salary Comparison to Database Administrator
-
Data Engineer
$129K
+72.99%
-
Data Scientist
$122K
+64.18%
-
Software Engineer
$105K
+41.19%
-
SQL Developer
$92K
+23.68%
-
Data Analyst
$78K
+5.74%
- Database Administrator $74K n/a
-
Data Engineer
Indeed.com Avg. Salary
$129K / year
Glassdoor Avg. Salary
$104K / year
Data Engineers create the infrastructure for data and format data into a useful system which Data Scientists use to analyze large amounts of data. Data Engineers can specialize in pipelines, databases or platforms, warehouses or infrastructure, or be generalists.
Learn about becoming a Data Engineer -
SQL Developer
Indeed.com Avg. Salary
$92K / year
Glassdoor Avg. Salary
$95K / year
SQL Developers design and build databases and applications. They can find work at a wide variety of employers including software development firms, online retailers, information technology organizations and consulting firms, staffing companies, healthcare organizations, data companies, universities, and banks.
Learn about becoming a SQL Developer -
Software Engineer
Indeed.com Avg. Salary
$105K / year
Glassdoor Avg. Salary
$116K / year
Software engineers use their extensive knowledge of user experience design, operating systems, and programming languages to develop software. They can create different types of software, from games to operating systems. After analyzing a client's needs, they design, develop, and test software to meet that need. Software engineers can be divided into two distinct career categories: application engineers and systems engineers.
Learn about becoming a Software Engineer -
Data Scientist
Indeed.com Avg. Salary
$122K / year
Glassdoor Avg. Salary
$115K / year
Data scientists collect, organize, and analyze large sets of data, providing analysis that is key to decision making. Governments, non-profits, and businesses of all types rely on data for forecasting, risk management, and resource allocation. Data scientists discover and analyze trends in data, and report their findings to stakeholders. They will use algorithms and models to simplify and mine data sets to create data-driven recommendations. Data scientists are needed across a handful of industries, especially the ubiquity of data and the reliance on it for business decision-making.
Learn about becoming a Data Scientist -
Data Analyst
Indeed.com Avg. Salary
$78K / year
Glassdoor Avg. Salary
$84K / year
Data analysts review large amounts of data to summarize, analyze, and visualize it and provide insights. Working from data from multiple, relevant sources, they create and maintain databases, and use statistical techniques to analyze the collected data. Data analysts must be able to communicate with others about what the data shows and to be able to provide realistic recommendations based on their analysis. Many industries such as healthcare, advertising, and retail rely on the work of data analysts to inform their business decisions and strategy.
Learn about becoming a Data Analyst