Database administrators
SOC Code: 15-1242Also known as:
Administrator (Admin), Automatic Data Processing Planner (ADP Planner), Cyber Database Administrator (Cyber DBA), Data Administrator (Data Admin), Data Management Associate
Median Annual Salary
$104,620
-0.7% growth (2024-2034)
4K
Openings/Year
78K
Current Jobs
What Database administrators Do
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.
💰 Salary
$104,620
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-0.7%
Little or no change
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
4K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
78,000
Projected Employment (2034)
77,500
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Top Skills Required
Critical Thinking
Complex Problem Solving
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Judgment and Decision Making
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Train users and answer questions.
- Provide technical support to junior staff or clients.
- Approve, schedule, plan, and supervise the installation and testing of new products and improvements to computer systems, such as the installation of new databases.
- Develop standards and guidelines for the use and acquisition of software and to protect vulnerable information.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Database administrators
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a database administrators:
Computer and Information Sciences, General
67,926 degrees awarded •
882 colleges offer this program
Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance
38,088 degrees awarded •
841 colleges offer this program
Data Modeling/Warehousing and Database Administration
4,139 degrees awarded •
118 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Database administrators
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become database administrators.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do database administrators make?
The median annual salary for database administrators is $104,620.
What education do database administrators need?
Most database administrators positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Computer and Information Sciences, General, Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance, Data Modeling/Warehousing and Database Administration.
Is becoming database administrators a good career choice?
Database administrators is projected to see -0.7% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 3,800 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for database administrators?
Top colleges for aspiring database administrators include
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus, New York University, The University of Texas at Austin, University of Pennsylvania.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to database administrators?
Database administrators may also be known as: Administrator (Admin), Automatic Data Processing Planner (ADP Planner), Cyber Database Administrator (Cyber DBA), Data Administrator (Data Admin), Data Management Associate, Data Management IT Specialist (Data Management Information Technology Specialist), Data Miner, Data Recovery Planner, Data Security Administrator, Data Storage Specialist, Database Administration Associate, Database Administration Manager, Database Administrator (DBA), Database Analyst, Database Coordinator, Database Design Analyst, Database Developer, Database Engineer, Database Management System Specialist (DBMS Specialist), Database Manager.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.