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.
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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.
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.
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?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Who Employs Database Administrators?
Below are examples of industries where Database Administrators work:
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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