Database Administrator(DBA)
What Does a Database Administrator Do?
Database administrators (DBAs) work with technology, using specialized types of software to store and organize a company's data. This could include a variety of information, from confidential financial numbers, to payroll data, to customer shipping records.
A DBA makes sure that data is available to users, and that it's kept secure from unauthorized access or accidental loss or corruption.
Database Administrator Job Description
Database administrators (DBAs) have a variety of duties and tasks, such as the following
- Responsibility for the evaluation of database software purchases
- Supervision of modifications to any existing database software to meet the needs of their employer
- Responsibility for maintaining the integrity and performance of company databases
- Must guarantee that data is stored securely and optimally
- Informing end users of changes in databases and train them to utilize systems
- Ensuring the security of company data
Database Administrator Salary
A database administrator's salary varies based on the area of expertise, level of experience, education, certifications, and other factors.
- Median Annual Salary: $93,750
- Top 10% Annual Salary: More than $148,060
- Bottom 10% Annual Salary: Less than $51,800
Education, Training & Certification
A DBA must have a minimum of a four-year college degree in a related field and relevant experience, as follows:
- Education: A bachelor's degree in information technology or computer science
- Certifications: Advanced education and certifications are required to work as a database administrator. Obtaining a certification specializing in various database management systems is not required, but very helpful.
- Experience: Many employers require three to five years of database experience, in addition to educational requirements.
Database Administrator Skills & Competencies
Here's a list of database administrator skills that employers seek in candidates for employment. Skills will vary based on the job for which you're applying:
- Analytical skills: DBAs must monitor the database performance and evaluate complex information coming from a variety of sources.
- Communication skills: Most DBAs work on teams and must communicate effectively with managers, developers, and other workers.
- Detail-oriented: Working with a database requires the administrator to have an understanding of complex systems, and how a minor error can cause major problems. For example, if customer credit card information gets mixed up, it can cause people to be charged for purchases they didn’t make.
- Problem-solving skills: When problems come up, administrators must troubleshoot them and resolve the problems.
Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, opportunities for database administrators are expected to grow by 10% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the 4% expected average growth for all occupations.