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Database Administrators

Administer, test, and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems. Coordinate changes to computer databases. Identify, investigate, and resolve database performance issues, database capacity, and database scalability. May plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases.

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Other titles employers use

Database Administration Manager · Database Administrator (DBA) · Database Analyst · Database Coordinator · Database Engineer · Database Manager · Development and Database Administration Manager · IS Admin (Information Systems Administrator)

Inside the work

What you would actually do.

6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.

  • Modify existing databases and database management systems or direct programmers and analysts to make changes.
  • Plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard information in computer files against accidental or unauthorized damage, modification or disclosure.
  • Plan and install upgrades of database management system software to enhance database performance.
  • Specify users and user access levels for each segment of database.
  • Test changes to database applications or systems.
  • Test programs or databases, correct errors, and make necessary modifications.

Who it suits

Would this work hold your attention?

This career often appeals to people drawn to organizing and analytical work.

Organizing
Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
Analytical
Investigating questions, testing ideas, and solving problems

Skills and strengths

What you would get good at.

Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.

Core skills

  • Critical Thinking
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Active Learning

Subjects to know

  • Computers and Electronics
  • English Language
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Mathematics
  • Telecommunications

Useful strengths

  • Deductive Reasoning
  • Oral Comprehension
  • Written Comprehension
  • Problem Sensitivity
  • Inductive Reasoning

Working day

Picture yourself doing it.

These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.

How this job scores on four measures of working conditions, out of five
MeasureOut of 5What that means here
Close to other people2.4 Largely your own space
On your feet3.0 Up and down through the day
Talking face to face3.2 Occasional
Working with your hands2.7 Little of the day

Preparation

How people prepare for this work.

Employers usually ask for a bachelor's degree. Other routes may also lead into the field.

  • A four-year degree 89%
  • A master's degree 5%
  • A two-year degree 4%
  • A certificate or some college 2%

Tools of the work

Technology you may use.

  • Web platform development software
  • Development environment software
  • Data base user interface and query software
  • Object or component oriented development software
  • Operating system software
  • Data base management system software
  • Application server software
  • Business intelligence and data analysis software

Opportunity near you

See where this work is growing.

Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.

Selected stateCalifornia
People doing this work
8,800
Job openings each year
550
Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
8.6%
Compare every available state
State People doing it Job openings each year Expected change
California 8,800 550 8.6%
Texas 8,790 620 21.1%
Florida 6,220 410 14.5%
Virginia 6,160 390 9.0%
Illinois 5,340 320 3.5%
Colorado 3,170 220 17.8%
Georgia 3,080 200 10.0%
Pennsylvania 3,020 190 6.3%
Arizona 2,560 170 17.4%
North Carolina 2,510 170 13.1%
New Jersey 2,470 150 4.7%
Maryland 2,370 150 11.8%
Missouri 2,270 150 9.1%
Alabama 1,910 120 6.1%
Tennessee 1,890 130 22.7%
Michigan 1,400 80 3.7%
Utah 1,370 100 22.3%
Wisconsin 1,350 90 8.9%
Oklahoma 1,320 80 5.6%
Minnesota 1,300 80 6.6%
Indiana 1,290 80 7.5%
Oregon 940 60 13.3%
Kansas 930 60 5.7%
South Carolina 920 60 15.0%
Connecticut 880 50 2.3%
Kentucky 850 50 6.3%
Massachusetts 800 50 6.7%
Nebraska 680 40 6.3%
New Mexico 640 40 12.3%
Delaware 620 40 1.6%
Arkansas 590 40 18.0%
District of Columbia 550 30 5.8%
Louisiana 550 30 7.8%
Iowa 540 40 8.0%
Nevada 460 30 15.0%
Puerto Rico 400 30 14.3%
New Hampshire 330 20 10.0%
West Virginia 330 20 6.5%
Rhode Island 300 20 7.1%
Mississippi 280 20 12.0%
Maine 240 20 4.3%
Montana 230 20 15.0%
South Dakota 180 10 12.5%
Alaska 170 10 6.3%
Wyoming 130 10 18.2%
North Dakota 120 10 9.1%

Career to college

Build a path toward this work.

Start with a related major, then compare colleges where students complete that field.

CareerDatabase Administrators
Most direct field Computing, general Related field Computer Software and Media Applications Related field IT administration and management

Where to study

Colleges with strong activity in these fields.

Start with program size, admission, and likely cost. Open a college for the full picture.

UT

Western Governors University

Degrees each year
2,911
Admit rate
Not reported
Annual cost after aid
$13,000
Open college NH

Southern New Hampshire University

Degrees each year
1,264
Admit rate
96%
Annual cost after aid
$37,000
Open college MI

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Degrees each year
1,215
Admit rate
18%
Annual cost after aid
$5,000
Open college TX

The University of Texas at Dallas

Degrees each year
1,131
Admit rate
65%
Annual cost after aid
$14,000
Open college GA

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

Degrees each year
1,083
Admit rate
16%
Annual cost after aid
$11,000
Open college MD

University of Maryland Global Campus

Degrees each year
911
Admit rate
Not reported
Annual cost after aid
—
Open college WI

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Degrees each year
864
Admit rate
43%
Annual cost after aid
$8,000
Open college FL

University of Central Florida

Degrees each year
812
Admit rate
40%
Annual cost after aid
$10,000
Open college

Compare every college offering computer and information sciences, general

Keep exploring

Careers with something in common.

Compare paths that use similar training and strengths.

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