Job Description
Companies need access to the data they collect, and they need it faster and faster so they can make more informed decisions to grow their businesses. A Database Administrator maintains the databases that store those data and oversees database updates, security, storage, and troubleshooting.
A Database Administrator organizes everything from sensitive data like financial records, purchase histories, and customer information, to inventory and sales statistics. They also make sure that information is accessible to anyone in the organization who needs to use it.
Database Administrators also back up, restore, and troubleshoot databases and system access, updating systems to the latest technology. They also need analytical skills to assess their company’s database needs and evaluate the data system’s performance.
Typical Duties and Responsibilities
- Manage, monitor and maintain company databases
- Ensure database security, integrity, stability, and system availability
- Maintain database backup and recovery infrastructure
- Develop technical and training manuals
- Research and suggest new database products, services and protocols
Education and Background
A bachelor’s degree in computer science or another relevant field is required for this position.
Certifications from Microsoft, Oracle, JavaScript, and others are strongly preferred.
Skills and Competencies
- In-depth understanding of data management
- Excellent analytical and organization skills
- Knowledge of database technologies like SQL or MongoDB
- Ability to understand front-end users’ requirements
- A well-developed problem-solving attitude
- Keen attention to detail
- Ability to work as part of a team
Compensation
According to Payscale the median annual salary of a Database Administrator with
1 Year of Experience:
- Orlando, Florida: $68,000
- Tampa, Florida: $75,000
- Jacksonville, Florida: $48,000
- Miami, Florida: $70,000
- Atlanta, Georgia: $76,000
- Chicago, Illinois: $80,000
- Houston, Texas: $70,000
- Los Angeles, California: $76,000
- New York City, New York: $80,000
- Seattle, Washington: $80,000
- Overall: $76,000
5 Years of Experience:
- Orlando, Florida: $73,000
- Tampa, Florida: $80,000
- Jacksonville, Florida: $60,000
- Miami, Florida: $100,000
- Atlanta, Georgia: $90,000
- Chicago, Illinois: $98,000
- Houston, Texas: $90,000
- Los Angeles, California: $93,000
- New York City, New York: $99,000
- Seattle, Washington: $94,000
- Overall: $88,000
Similar Job Titles
- Database Manager
- Database Consultant
- Database Analyst
- Database Librarian
- Database Security Administrator
- Database Supervisor
- Database Specialist
- Database Support
Career Path
A Database Administrator must have a bachelor’s degree in an IT-related discipline like computer science, database administration, or MIS. Some companies require senior-level Database Administrators to have a master’s degree in database administration or IT. A Database Administrator who doesn’t major in database administration could start in roles like help-desk support or development to gain database management experience.
Troubleshooting and logical thinking skills are essential for a successful Database Administrator; they’ll have to quickly think through the possible causes and potential solutions to database issues. Also, Database Administrators are often called upon to recall technical facts related to the platforms their organizations use.
Certifications from Microsoft, Oracle, JavaScript, and others are strongly preferred. Companies are often attracted to candidates who have taken the initiative to obtain these important certifications.
Position Trends
According to the trade publication Database Trends and Applications, Database Administrators will need to focus on getting their organizations “cloud-ready” in the coming years. Data managers will need to create ways to deliver critical data without disruption. Database Administrators will also need to be concerned with making sure a transition to cloud-based storage is secure and protected from cyberattacks.
In addition, with more core departments in businesses making data-driven decisions, soft skills like communication and developing presentations are becoming more vital for all IT professionals. It will be critical for Database Administrators to present data and technical information in clear, understandable ways for colleagues who may have much less technological expertise.
Database Administrators will also need to focus on automation more in the coming years. End-users, whether they are customers or stakeholders within the business, are concerned with speed and response times. According to Database Trends and Applications, many Database Administrators are turning to automated and autonomous databases and platforms to deploy applications and handle processes like recovery and backup.
Job Outlook
Companies in all sectors of the economy are using data to guide their decision-making, so the need for Database Administrators is expected to increase in the coming decade. Data is becoming so crucial to the economy that some industry analysts have referred to the 2020s as the “Decade of Data.”
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the computer and information technology industry — in which the position of Database Administrator falls — is expected to grow by nine percent between 2018 and 2028, which is faster than average.
Typical Hours
The typical work hours in an office setting for a Database Administrator are usually from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Freelance workers are usually able to set their own workdays and hours.
Where You Can Find Jobs
- 4 Corner Resources
- Career Builder
- Glassdoor
- Indeed
- Monster
- Zip Recruiter
- IT Career Finder
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