Occupation · SOC 15-1242
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.
Median wage
$104,620
$56,820–$160,890
Projected growth
-0.6%
Declining
Annual openings
-50
per year
Employed (US)
73,180
Job Zone 4
Typical preparation
Considerable preparation
Stackable credential programs
1,927 mapped
Core skills
Critical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingReading ComprehensionActive ListeningJudgment and Decision MakingActive LearningProgrammingSpeaking
Knowledge areas
Computers and ElectronicsEnglish LanguageCustomer and Personal ServiceMathematicsTelecommunications
Technology & tools
Enterprise resource planning ERP softwareAccess softwareBackup or archival softwareData base management system softwareWeb page creation and editing software
Representative tasks
Modify existing databases and database management systems or direct programmers and analysts to makePlan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard information in computer files againstPlan and install upgrades of database management system software to enhance database performance.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Database management system software — install and configure under direct supervision in a structured enterprise environment.Existing database schemas — identify and document modifications needed, referring complex changes to senior staff.User access levels and permissions — apply predefined specifications to database segments under guided review.Database backup and archival software — execute scheduled backup routines following established protocols on production systems.SQL query tools and database user interfaces — write and run basic queries to retrieve and verify data under close oversight.Test scripts for database changes — execute predefined test cases and log results for review by senior administrators.Security policies and access control procedures — follow documented protocols to protect database files from unauthorized access.Technical documentation and O*NET task guides — read and interpret to support routine database administration duties.End-user questions about database access — respond to basic inquiries and escalate complex issues to experienced staff.Cloud-based database management consoles — navigate and perform routine monitoring tasks under supervisor direction.
developing
Existing databases and DBMS configurations — modify with reduced oversight to improve performance or accommodate changing business requirements.Database security measures — plan and implement access controls and encryption settings to safeguard information against unauthorized disclosure.DBMS software upgrades — coordinate installation and testing in staging environments to validate performance improvements before production deployment.User accounts and access-level specifications — define and assign permissions for each database segment based on organizational role requirements.Database application changes — design and execute test plans, correct identified errors, and apply necessary modifications in a team environment.Storage networking software and backup systems — configure and maintain data recovery procedures to meet defined recovery time objectives.Junior staff and end users — answer technical questions and deliver structured training sessions on database tools and query interfaces.ERP and enterprise data platforms — administer routine operations and troubleshoot integration issues with adjacent business systems.Database performance metrics — monitor using platform dashboards and generate reports identifying trends and potential bottlenecks.Object-oriented and web platform development tools — collaborate with programmers to review code changes affecting database interactions.
proficient
Complex database architectures — redesign and optimize autonomously to meet evolving enterprise performance, scalability, and availability requirements.Multi-layered security frameworks — design and implement comprehensive strategies safeguarding data against accidental damage, modification, and unauthorized disclosure.DBMS upgrade projects — independently plan, schedule, and execute version migrations with full rollback contingencies across production environments.Non-routine database errors and performance failures — diagnose root causes using systems analysis and apply targeted corrections under minimal oversight.Cross-functional database change initiatives — lead testing cycles, validate outcomes against business requirements, and authorize promotion to production.User access governance models — develop and enforce permission hierarchies and audit trails aligned with compliance and regulatory standards.Technical training programs — design curriculum and deliver instruction to users and junior administrators on advanced database tools and best practices.Cloud-based and hybrid database environments — architect and manage data infrastructure integrating on-premise and cloud platforms for enterprise clients.Systems evaluation activities — assess database management systems against operational requirements and recommend strategic tooling changes.Technical support frameworks — provide authoritative guidance to junior staff and clients resolving complex, multi-system database integration challenges.
advanced
Enterprise database strategy — define long-range architecture roadmaps aligning data infrastructure investments with organizational business objectives.Organization-wide security governance — establish policies, standards, and incident-response protocols protecting enterprise databases against systemic risk.Database administration teams — mentor, evaluate, and develop staff across all skill levels to build organizational capability in data management.DBMS vendor relationships and upgrade roadmaps — negotiate contracts, evaluate emerging technologies, and lead adoption decisions at enterprise scale.Cross-departmental data governance programs — chair steering committees and drive policy decisions affecting data integrity, retention, and compliance.Organizational training and knowledge-management systems — design and oversee programs that institutionalize database best practices across technical and non-technical staff.Complex problem-solving methodologies — apply advanced systems analysis and deductive reasoning to resolve enterprise-wide database failures with broad operational impact.Budget and resource planning for data infrastructure — direct capital and operational expenditures for database platforms, tools, and personnel across business units.Executive and stakeholder communication — translate complex database performance findings and risk assessments into strategic recommendations for senior leadership.Industry standards and emerging database paradigms — evaluate and champion adoption of innovations such as distributed systems, AI-assisted management, and cloud-native architectures.
Also known as
41 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Data Storage SpecialistData MinerSystems Tester Admin (Systems Tester Administrator)Database ProgrammerSecurity AdministratorDevelopment and Database Administration ManagerSQL DBA (Structured Query Language Database Administrator)Databases Computer ConsultantData Management AssociateCyber Database Administrator (Cyber DBA)Database CoordinatorDatabases Software ConsultantAutomatic Data Processing Planner (ADP Planner)Database EngineerDatabase Administrator (DBA)IS Admin (Information Systems Administrator)Database Design AnalystData Base AdministratorDatabase DeveloperDatabase Administration ManagerDatabase Administration AssociateDatabase TesterDatabase AnalystData Recovery PlannerDatabase Technician (Database Tech)ETL Developer (Extract, Transform and Load Developer)Data EngineerPicture Archiving and Communication Systems Administrator (PACS Administrator)Internet Database SpecialistDatabase SpecialistIS Security Manager (Information Systems Security Manager)Data Security AdministratorData Administrator (Data Admin)Systems Administrator (Systems Admin)Database Security AdministratorDatabase Management System Specialist (DBMS Specialist)Data Management IT Specialist (Data Management Information Technology Specialist)Database ManagerDatabase Software Technician (Database Software Tech)Information Technology Administrator (IT Administrator)