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Database Administrator

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All About Database Administrators

Job Description & Duties Administer, test, and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems. Coordinate changes to computer databases. May plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases.

Life As a Database Administrator: What Do They Do?

  • Plan, coordinate and implement security measures to safeguard information in computer files against accidental or unauthorized damage, modification or disclosure.
  • Review workflow charts developed by programmer analyst to understand tasks computer will perform, such as updating records.
  • Specify users and user access levels for each segment of database.
  • Revise company definition of data as defined in data dictionary.
  • Develop methods for integrating different products so they work properly together such as customizing commercial databases to fit specific needs.
  • Develop data model describing data elements and how they are used, following procedures and using pen, template or computer software.

Qualities of a Database Administrator

These are the skills Database Administrators say are the most useful in their careers:

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Types of Database Administrator Jobs

  • Data Warehousing Engineer
  • ETL Developer (Extract-Transform-Load Developer)
  • Database Developer
  • Database Specialist
  • Database Programmer

What Kind of Database Administrator Job Opportunities Are There?

There were about 119,500 jobs for Database Administrator in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 11.5% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 13,700 new jobs for Database Administrator by 2026. There will be an estimated 9,300 positions for Database Administrator per year.

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The states with the most job growth for Database Administrator are Utah, Washington, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Vermont, or Wyoming. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

How Much Does a Database Administrator Make?

The typical yearly salary for Database Administrators is somewhere between $50,340 and $138,320.

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Database Administrators who work in New Jersey, Washington, or California, make the highest salaries.

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Database Administrators in different U.S. states.

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $83,580
Alaska $79,600
Arizona $88,670
Arkansas $73,600
California $100,890
Colorado $91,410
Connecticut $100,570
Delaware $92,460
District of Columbia $95,710
Florida $86,870
Georgia $92,090
Hawaii $90,380
Idaho $69,280
Illinois $96,230
Indiana $74,340
Iowa $90,540
Kansas $82,430
Kentucky $78,310
Louisiana $90,420
Maine $76,540
Maryland $85,240
Massachusetts $98,620
Michigan $83,900
Minnesota $91,110
Mississippi $75,020
Missouri $86,660
Montana $69,270
Nebraska $82,550
Nevada $89,320
New Hampshire $95,880
New Jersey $110,160
New Mexico $80,270
New York $99,000
North Carolina $92,140
North Dakota $71,290
Ohio $89,330
Oklahoma $74,110
Oregon $92,150
Pennsylvania $84,510
Rhode Island $92,410
South Carolina $82,500
South Dakota $76,770
Tennessee $78,650
Texas $95,470
Utah $94,230
Vermont $78,150
Virginia $98,090
Washington $104,700
West Virginia $68,940
Wisconsin $84,990
Wyoming $59,780

Tools & Technologies Used by Database Administrators

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Database Administrators:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Hypertext markup language HTML
  • JavaScript
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Git
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Python
  • jQuery
  • Microsoft Access
  • Node.js
  • MySQL
  • Data entry software
  • MongoDB
  • SAP
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Project
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft Visio

Becoming a Database Administrator

Are there Database Administrators education requirements?

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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Who Employs Database Administrators?

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Below are examples of industries where Database Administrators work:

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Other Jobs You May be Interested In

Those interested in being a Database Administrator may also be interested in:

Those who work as a Database Administrator sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:

References:

Image Credit: U.S. Army graphic via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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