Job description

Database administrators utilise special software to store and organise data and records, such as customer shipping records, financial information and employee hours. The position often entails database design, performance monitoring, installation and configuration, and data recovery and security. Database administrators ensure that the data they are responsible for is secure from unauthorised access.

Duties

    • Install server software that is tailored to meet company needs
    • Configure database servers to ensure companywide or officewide access
    • Monitor the database system’s security, health and efficacy
    • Establish accounts for all users and give each user his or her own security level
    • Make sure that data is available to account holders
    • Schedule and complete routine server maintenance to enhance digital security
    • Produce a disaster recovery protocol and have a data backup
    • Provide technical support to employees when requested
    • Outline corporate database management procedures
    • Supervise any internal or external adjustments to the existing database
    • Extract data from multiple systems to import astronomical volumes of data to a new database
    • Troubleshoot when there are problems, and restore lost data or correct any damage – large or small
    • Create the capacity to keep the database running fast, and ensure there is sufficient storage

Skills and qualities

Attention to detail
Critical thinking
Communication
Problem-solving
Creativity
Analytical
Programming
Active listening
Time management
Teamwork
Deductive reasoning
Mathematical reasoning

Job outlook

Projected growth
The projected growth rate of employment in the US from 2016 to 2026, based on data collected through the BLS Employment Projections (EP) programme. The national average growth rate for all professions is 7%.

11%

New jobs
The number of jobs projected to become available in the US between 2016 and 2026, based on data collected through the BLS Employment Projections (EP) programme.

13.7k

Automation risk
The probability of computerisation, based on data published in ‘The Future of Employment’, a 2013 working paper by Carl Benedikt Frey and Michael Osborne.

3%

Career progression

Since it is a growing field, it is considered quite competitive. To navigate the job market and gain experience, you should begin by locating an internship at a reputable company that is seeking hungry and talented database administrators. Once you have enhanced your résumé and developed a respectable portfolio, you can eventually land senior positions at sought-after firms.

Working conditions

Average hours

37h/ week

Typical schedule

Full Time

On call for emergencies

A database administrator will typically work 37 hours a week, Monday to Friday, but may often be called in for emergencies on nights, weekends and the occasional holiday. Travel is also common, particularly when working as a contractor. For the most part, however, they will complete their work in an office setting.

Salary

Bottom 10%

$50k

Median

$90k

Top 10%

$140k

Annual salary estimates are based on percentile wage data collected through the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey of US workers.

Qualifications and training

Education level

Undergraduate

BA in information or computer-related field

Study time

4 years

To become a database administrator, you will need to earn a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in information technology, computer science or a relevant field. Indeed, companies will give preference to job applicants who have completed a graduate programme in a tech-related subject.

Moreover, advanced education and certifications are usually viewed as an advantage to function as a database administrator, though they are not a requirement.

Last Updated: Wednesday, November 2, 2022

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