All About Database Administrators
Job Description: 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.
Daily Life Of a Database Administrator
- Plan, coordinate and implement security measures to safeguard information in computer files against accidental or unauthorized damage, modification or disclosure.
- Test programs or databases, correct errors, and make necessary modifications.
- Approve, schedule, plan, and supervise the installation and testing of new products and improvements to computer systems, such as the installation of new databases.
- Review procedures in database management system manuals for making changes to database.
- Specify users and user access levels for each segment of database.
- Develop methods for integrating different products so they work properly together such as customizing commercial databases to fit specific needs.
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Things a Database Administrator Should Know How to Do
When polled, Database Administrators say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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.
Types of Database Administrator
- Salesforce Administrator
- Database Manager
- Information Systems Administrator
- Data Modeler
- Data Center Technician
Job Opportunities for Database Administrators
In the United States, there were 119,500 jobs for Database Administrator in 2016. 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.
Do Database Administrators Make A Lot Of Money?
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.
How much do Database Administrators make in each U.S. state?
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 & Technology do Database Administrators Use?
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 Long Does it Take to Become a Database Administrator?

Database Administrators Sector

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those thinking about becoming a Database Administrator might also be interested in the following careers:
Career changers with experience as a Database Administrator sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
Image Credit: U.S. Army graphic via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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