What is a Database Administrator?
Example of Database Administrator Job 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.
List of Database Administrator Job Duties
- Select and enter codes to monitor database performance and to create production database.
- Specify users and user access levels for each segment of database.
- Review procedures in database management system manuals for making changes to database.
- Test programs or databases, correct errors, and make necessary modifications.
- Establish and calculate optimum values for database parameters, using manuals and calculator.
- Write and code logical and physical database descriptions and specify identifiers of database to management system or direct others in coding descriptions.
Featured schools near , edit
Skills Needed to be 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.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Other Database Administrator Job Titles
- Database Analyst
- Information Scientist
- Information Systems Administrator
- Data Center Manager
- Database Management System Specialist (DBMS Specialist)
Job Demand for Database Administrators
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 119,500 jobs in the United States for Database Administrator. 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. The BLS estimates 9,300 yearly job openings in this field.

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.
Database Administrator Salary
Database Administrators make between $50,340 and $138,320 a year.

Database Administrators who work in New Jersey, Washington, or California, make the highest salaries.
How much do Database Administrators make 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 |
What Tools do Database Administrators Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Database Administrators may use on a daily basis:
- 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
How to Become a Database Administrator
What kind of Database Administrator requirements are there?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Database Administrator?

Where Database Administrators Are Employed

Database Administrators work in the following industries:

Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Database Administrator might also be interested in the following careers:
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.
Featured Schools
![]() |
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |