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.
Life As a Database Administrator: What Do They Do?
- Write and code logical and physical database descriptions and specify identifiers of database to management system or direct others in coding descriptions.
- Revise company definition of data as defined in data dictionary.
- Specify users and user access levels for each segment of database.
- Develop standards and guidelines to guide the use and acquisition of software and to protect vulnerable information.
- Train users and answer questions.
- Identify and evaluate industry trends in database systems to serve as a source of information and advice for upper management.
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Skills Needed to be a Database Administrator
These are the skills Database Administrators say are the most useful in their careers:
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Database Security Administrator
- Information Technology Administrator (IT Administrator)
- Information Systems Administrator
- Database Administration Manager
- Database Designer
Is There Job Demand 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. The BLS estimates 9,300 yearly job openings in this field.

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.
Database Administrator Average Salary
The average yearly salary of a Database Administrator ranges 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 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
Education needed to be a Database Administrator:

What work experience do I need to become a Database Administrator?

Where do Database Administrators Work?

Database Administrators work in the following industries:

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those thinking about becoming a Database Administrator might also be interested in the following careers:
Are you already one of the many Database Administrator in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: U.S. Army graphic via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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