Career Overview
Administer, test, and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems. Coordinate changes to computer databases. Identify, investigate, and resolve database performance issues, database capacity, and database scalability. May plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases.
Also Known As
- Database Administration Manager
- Database Administrator (DBA)
- Database Analyst
- Systems Administrator (Systems Admin)
Alternate Job Titles
- Administrator (Admin)
- Automatic Data Processing Planner (ADP Planner)
- Cyber Database Administrator (Cyber DBA)
- Data Administrator (Data Admin)
- Data Engineer
- Data Management Associate
- Data Management IT Specialist (Data Management Information Technology Specialist)
- Data Miner
- Data Recovery Planner
- Data Security Administrator
- Data Storage Specialist
- Database Administration Associate
- Database Administration Manager
- Database Administrator (DBA)
- Database Analyst
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Modify existing databases and database management systems or direct programmers and analysts to make changes.
- Plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard information in computer files against accidental or unauthorized damage, modification or disclosure.
- Plan and install upgrades of database management system software to enhance database performance.
- Specify users and user access levels for each segment of database.
- Test changes to database applications or systems.
- Test programs or databases, correct errors, and make necessary modifications.
- Train users and answer questions.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mathematics
- Telecommunications
- Engineering and Technology
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Critical Thinking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Judgment and Decision Making
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Deductive Reasoning
- Oral Comprehension
- Problem Sensitivity
- Inductive Reasoning
- Information Ordering
- Written Comprehension
- Near Vision
- Oral Expression
- Written Expression
- Category Flexibility
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Integrity
- Intellectual Curiosity
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Working Conditions
- Support
- Achievement
- Recognition
- Relationships
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
Education Details: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience Required: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- AJAX
- Amazon DynamoDB
- Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud EC2
- Amazon Redshift
- Amazon Web Services AWS CloudFormation
- Amazon Web Services AWS software
- Ansible software
- Apache Airflow
- Apache Cassandra
- Apache Hadoop
Tools & Equipment
- Desktop computers
- Hard disk drives
- Mainframe computers
- Notebook computers
- Redundant array of independent disks RAID systems
- Tape libraries
Work Environment
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Telephone Conversations
- Freedom to Make Decisions
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $56,820 |
| Median | $104,620 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $160,890 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 73,180
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Database Architects
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $135,980
Computer Systems Analysts
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $103,790
Network and Computer Systems Administrators
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $96,800
Software Developers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $133,080
Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $108,970
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.