WHO IS A DATABASE ADMINISTRATOR? Definition, Duties, Skills & How to Become One

A job as a database administrator (DBA) can be the best fit for you if you have an interest in database management and information technology. DBAs secure and manage databases to safeguard private data. It’s critical to understand the precise requirements of the position and the qualifications that will strengthen your application before deciding whether it fits with your professional objectives. In this article, we describe what a database administrator does, the degree needed for the job, the usual working environment, the average salary, and how to get the job.

What is a Database Administrator?

The management, upkeep, and security of a company’s databases are the purview of a database administrator (DBA). To make sure that databases are operating effectively and that data is accurate, accessible, and safe, they collaborate closely with software developers, system administrators, and other IT employees. The hardware, software, and security systems that make up the organization’s database infrastructure must be designed, implemented, and maintained by DBAs.

DBAs are in charge of developing and managing databases as well as making sure the data is backed up and retrievable in the event of a catastrophe or outage. They keep an eye on the database systems’ efficiency and performance, and they adjust as necessary. Along with preserving the security and integrity of the data, they are in charge of controlling user access to the databases, making sure that users have the right permissions and access levels to carry out their job-related responsibilities.

To collaborate effectively with other IT staff members and stakeholders, DBAs need to possess strong technical expertise in database design, management, and security as well as great communication and problem-solving skills.

What Does a Database Administrator Do?

Databases providing client information, statistical data, census data, user accounts, and library catalogs are all managed and maintained by database administrators (DBAs). They maintain backup solutions to avoid data loss in the event of a system breakdown and enable secure access to databases. They might also contribute to stages of database system development.

Additional duties could consist of:

Establishing fresh user accounts and rights
Evaluating database structure changes
Keeping an eye out for bottlenecks or sluggish replies in database systems
Updating and patching database systems regularly to optimize them
Updating anti-virus software frequently on database servers
Identifying issues, diagnosing them, and putting fixes in place
Joining previous databases
Capacity planning is carried out
Keeping an eye on the hardware and software of database servers

Salary Database Administrator

The average annual salary for a database administrator in the United States as of May 4, 2023, is $89,300. If you need a quick salary estimator, that comes out to be about $42.93 per hour. This is the same as $1,717 each week or $7,441 per month.

Although ZipRecruiter reports annual salaries for database administrators as high as $143,500 and as low as $28,000, the majority of these salaries currently fall between $68,000 (25th percentile) and $106,500 (75th percentile), with top earners (90th percentile) in the United States making $125,000 annually. The wide variation in the typical salary for a database administrator—up to $38,500—indicates that there may be several prospects for growth and higher pay based on experience, location, and skill level.

The database administrator job market is quite active in Atlanta, Georgia, and the surrounding area, according to recent job posts on ZipRecruiter. Your local average yearly salary for a database administrator is $88,406, which is $894 (1%) less than the national average annual salary of $89,300. Regarding salary for database administrators, Georgia comes in at number 50 out of all 50 states.

The database of millions of active jobs posted locally across America is regularly scanned by ZipRecruiter to determine the most precise annual salary range for a Database Administrator job.

Database Administrator Job

A sample job description is provided below to give you a better idea of what would be required of you as a database administrator:

We’re looking for a junior database administrator to help our database administration team. In addition to installing and configuring new database servers, responsibilities also include managing user accounts, keeping an eye on system security and health, and tracking and troubleshooting database performance. Successful candidates get on-the-job training and might eventually take on more duties, such as designing and implementing databases.

Our ideal applicant holds a bachelor’s degree in information systems or computer science. Although we favor candidates having an IBM Certified Database Administrator certification, we are willing to consider other forms of industry-recognized qualifications.

Please be aware that Businessyield has no affiliation with any of the firms featured in this article.

Database Administrator Work Environment

The majority of DBAs are employed by computer system design firms, followed by other corporations and organizations with sizable databases, like colleges and government agencies. DBAs can also find employment in the banking, healthcare, and telecommunications industries. Usually, they are found in server rooms or offices. Working on computers for extended periods is a requirement of the job.

DBAs typically hold salaried full-time jobs. To help with particular database tasks like upgrades and migrations, many organizations hire contract DBAs. Most DBAs can anticipate working overtime or being on call, so there may be prospects for extra money.

How to Become a Database Administrator

Although there are other ways to become a DBA, the steps listed below can give you the best chance of doing so:

#1. Obtain a degree.

IT jobs rely heavily on hard skills, which applicants can develop through independent study and online learning resources. However, a bachelor’s degree in IT or CS is also typically required for most jobs. Some colleges offer bachelor’s degree IT programs with a focus on the management or administration of databases.
Through coursework on data structures, network design, web programming, and software applications, these programs instruct students in computer programming languages like Python, HTML5, CSS, and C++. you must complete either an internship or a capstone project for graduation from many schools,

Job seekers with bachelor’s degrees may need to obtain extra certifications in particular database systems or software programs by Microsoft, IBM, Oracle, Altibase, and other companies because database systems management and software programs vary by employer.

#2. Gain experience

Candidates for database administrator jobs must have evidence of prior achievement in a relevant role and industry. Because of this, bachelor’s programs with IT internship programs and/or portfolio capstone projects are frequently advantageous for aspirant database administrators. These channels assist students in obtaining IT jobs as developers or systems administrators, and those who succeed in these positions have a higher probability of being hired as database administrators.

Entry-level database administrators frequently need expertise in database administration and reporting, including Oracle, IBMDB2, Altibase, SQL, and SAP Sybase ASE. Candidates for mid-level database administrator positions should have expertise in data analysis, additional certifications, and four or more years of professional experience. Requisite hard skills vary by position.

Students can get the information and contacts they need to find careers in this industry by joining networking groups or student chapters of professional organizations that deal with database administration.

#3. Gain credentials

Courses on programming languages, pertinent software, and systems management software are all included in associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs that focus on database administration. However, some aspirants for the job of database administrator could require more professional certificates. Candidates with general bachelor’s degrees in CS or IT, for instance, could require supplementary certification for database administrators.

The good news is that job searchers can pursue targeted, effective professional certifications online at different levels of knowledge that are tailored to their needs and objectives in terms of careers. For instance, Microsoft offers certifications for SQL servers at the entry, associate, and advanced levels. While IBM offers an intermediate database administrator certification for Linux, UNIX, and Windows, Oracle offers database and MySQL certifications at various levels. Certification programs often contain numerous modules or courses, culminating in one or more tests.

Database Administrator Degree

A bachelor’s degree in business or an area linked to technology is required to work as a database administrator. You can become qualified to work as a database administrator with a range of academic specializations and degree levels.
Most database administrators have a bachelor’s degree. These professionals have bachelor’s degrees over 60% of them. 30% more employed administrators have a master’s or an associate’s degree. Students can now complete a four-year degree either traditionally or online.

One of the most common majors for aspirant database administrators is business. Business majors should think about pursuing a minor or coursework in a tech-related subject. Information systems and computer science are equally popular degrees because database management is a technologically oriented profession.

People working in this industry are encouraged to get a variety of professional certifications in addition to having a suitable degree. Oracle database certifications are available in five levels, from associate to master. It demonstrates proficiency in database administration-related software and systems to pass these examinations and receive these certifications.

Database Administrator Requirements

The typical prerequisites for beginning a career as a database administrator are as follows:

#1. Education

Some database administrators begin their careers after graduating from high school and gaining the necessary work experience in the information technology sector. DBAs with a bachelor’s degree in an area like information systems, computer engineering, or computer science are preferred by many businesses. By pursuing a master’s degree in business administration, data science, or computer science, DBAs can boost their income potential.

#2. Training

The majority of DBA training occurs on the job. DBAs often get specific knowledge of the databases and processes unique to their organization after being hired. There are also numerous possibilities for continuous education, such as conferences and seminars.

#3. Skills

DBAs can employ a range of hard skills, such as:

Database languages and management systems: A thorough understanding of pertinent database languages and applications, such as SQL, MySQL, SAP, and Oracle, is necessary for efficient database administration.
Server operating systems: Databases coexist with server operating systems, therefore DBAs can find it useful to be familiar with platforms like Windows Server, Linux, and Unix.
Desktop operating systems: Desktop administrators occasionally help users with database-related difficulties or install the client end-of-database applications. Knowledge of common operating systems including Windows, MacOS, and Linux is a must for effective administrators.

DBAs may also acquire soft skills like:

Communication: Frequently communicating with managers, IT support staff, database users, developers, and other organizational members is a requirement of the DBA role. DBAs may execute jobs fast and successfully by having great communication with a variety of people.
Problem-solving: When maintaining database systems, DBAs keep an eye on and assess a variety of IT-related factors. To come up with original solutions and put them into action quickly and decisively, calls for the assimilation of complex knowledge.
Critical thinking: DBAs use critical thinking to assess circumstances and put ideas into practice in hectic settings. They can effectively use data to inform their conclusions thanks to their critical thinking abilities.

#4. Certifications

Although it’s not a prerequisite, DBA-related certification can increase your chances of getting a job as a DBA by demonstrating your proficiency with a particular database. Options for high-value certification include:

Microsoft SQL Server Database Certification

An entry-level credential that verifies fundamental DBA abilities is the Microsoft SQL Server Database certification. You can pursue several Associate-Level Microsoft Solutions certifications after receiving this one. Learning the fundamentals of SQL servers before beginning the three-exam requirement might be beneficial.

IBM Certified Database Administrator Certification

Your ability to use an IBM database server is confirmed by the IBM Certified Database Administrator certification. Passing two knowledge and competence tests is necessary to obtain this certification. Your knowledge of Structured Query Language (SQL), IBM database security, and creating database objects will be put to the test in the first exam. Your proficiency in performing complex database activities in security and migration is assessed in the second exam.

What makes a Good Database Administrator?

A DB administrator must first and foremost possess strong analytical abilities. Anyone who has ever performed this level of data work is aware that to be successful in this role, an individual must be able to efficiently gather, study, and analyze data, as well as solve issues and make decisions based on their analysis.

How long does it take to become a Database Administrator?

A database administrator must have five years of professional experience. Although it does not take into account time spent in formal schooling, that is how long it takes to develop specialized database administrator skills.

Is Database Administrator an It Job?

Yes. Database managers or administrators build and maintain databases that are appropriate for their organization’s needs. These IT specialists are in charge of database maintenance, storage, security, and troubleshooting.

Does Dba Require Coding?

Yes. Any position you apply for will require you to be proficient with fundamental data tools. This refers to a database language like SQL and a programming language used frequently in statistics like R or Python.

What Are Database Administrator Skills?

Excellent knowledge of SQL and SQL server technologies. advanced understanding of performance monitoring standards, backup and recovery procedures, and database security. knowledge of dimensional and relational data modeling. PowerShell and Unix shell scripting skills.

Is Dba Job Stressful?

Yes, being a DBA is challenging and demanding because you’ll have a lot of obligations.