Database Administrator Careers
Database Administrators oversee a company’s data. They ensure that business data is available, secure, and accessible to the authorized company associates. The Database Administrator maximizes data availability and develops a secure defense of digital property.
Database Administrators, often known as DBAs, play a key part in an organization’s success. They direct digital security and create data warehousing for companies as diverse as manufacturers to hospital administration. They work closely with CEOs, managers, and staff to guard company information while providing ease of access to those working in the company’s digital property.
What is a Database Administrator Responsible For?
Database Administrators are dedicated professionals working in the information technology department. They control the development of company databases to ensure that vital company data is available only to authorized users. They work closely with IT systems managers, customizing database solutions to the company’s needs.
Database Administrators can expect to work at any of the following tasks:
- Create, support, and manage the corporate database
- Design and develop corporate databases
- Manage data integrity
- Design backup processes for server and data
- Design data archiving solutions
- Monitor and maintain system security
- Establish disaster recovery protocol
- Create user accounts and assign security levels
- Identify user needs to develop and administer databases
- Install server software
- Provide technical support and problem resolution
- Perform regular server maintenance
- Develop company cross-training program
- Evaluate data analysis models and procedures
To be successful as a Database Administrator, prospects will need to develop the following skills:
- Technical Skills. Database Administrators need a high level of understanding of the computers that house data. They must know how computers store and retrieve data and how to build computer databases. DBAs must understand all the basics of database organization and how it affects computers and network performance. Database Administrators are depended upon to solve technical problems caused by database design and malfunction as well as solving user error.
- Organizational Skills. Well-organized data ensures ease of access for users and improves database performance. DBAs must organize the procedures that affect the database, including recovery and backup.
- Interpersonal Skills. Working with a variety of people requires communication skills to provide database help. The ability to translate major computer points in language easily understood by non-computer literate staff is essential for smooth computer operations. Additionally, DBAs must communicate with other technical personnel such as programmers and systems technicians to ensure databases run as needed.
Where Do Database Administrators Work?
Database Administrator jobs can be found in a variety of industries. Data management is necessary in public, private, and government sectors. Many larger organizations employ their own DBAs, while other companies may hire third-party database management services.
What Other Career Options are Available to Database Administrators?
Careers available to Database Administrators include:
Commercial Database Management
Online entities as well as brick-and-mortar companies depend on talented and reliable Database Administrators to ensure their data sources are accurate and accessible. Data, as varied as stock information, employee and payroll data, and a host of other company information that keep companies vital, needs solid DBA management.
Medical Databases
Hospitals, physician offices, clinics, and other healthcare organizations employ DBAs to store and monitor sensitive patient information. Coding standards, quality assurance policies and procedures, and automation solutions are some of the many data that healthcare entities require to be accurate and accessible to users within the healthcare system.
Government Databases
Government at all levels requires DBAs who can work closely with the business unit staff. From the local level to the federal level, government manages sensitive public data, billing information, and collections. These entities need specialized assistance in building and maintaining secure databases.
IT Companies
Information technology companies need talented Database Administrators to create and design websites and develop proprietary software for their clients. Offering IT management services to private and public companies, DBAs working for IT companies have the potential to learn varied aspects of Business Management and company policies regarding database security and administration.
Data Warehouses
Data Warehouse Administrators ensure that organizations as varied as education to financial institutions to government entities can pool their independent data from sources such as human resources, banking accounts, and accounting systems. Once sourced, the DBA can manipulate the information to help analysts find and investigate hidden trends.
Marketing Databases
Database Marketing is a type of direct marketing utilizing customer databases to generate targeted lists to direct marketers. Creating specific lists, for instance customers who have purchased similar products and might be interested in new promotions, help marketers reach the customers who might be more likely to purchase their product. Once created, these databases allow businesses to contact their customers with relevant communication.
What Degree Do You Need to Become a Database Administrator? What Do They Study?
While not required, most Database Administrators start out with a bachelor’s degree in a Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, Database Administration, or related field of study. Today’s employers are increasingly demanding a degree specific to Information Technology and Security.
DBAs must master a variety of technologies beyond databases. Having a broad background of success in different technologies helps any applicant stand out. Specific certifications with large database vendors is helpful, too. Vendors like Microsoft, IBM, and Oracle offer certification programs.
Many employers are looking for Master of Business Administration, or MBA, graduates. MBAs are well-versed in key business domains such as Accounting, Management, and Marketing. They are often adept at communications with both technical and non-technical employees. Management Information Systems and Database Administration are two popular concentrations for MBAs.
How Much Money Does a Database Administrator Earn?
People with Database Administrator jobs can earn around $84,000 per year. Those specialized in software vendors such as Microsoft, SQL Server, and Oracle can start at about $97,000 per year with senior administrators in those specialties earning an annual salary of approximately $110,000.
Additionally, DBAs in the field of Computer Systems and Design earn around $96,000 per year, while those specializing in Company Management earn about $92,000.
As with most positions in the growing field of Database Administration, actual annual salary varies, depending on location, experience, and size of organization.
