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 ComprehensionJudgment and Decision MakingActive ListeningActive LearningSpeakingProgrammingWritingMonitoringSystems EvaluationSystems AnalysisOperations AnalysisMathematicsLearning StrategiesInstructingCoordinationTime ManagementSocial PerceptivenessService OrientationOperations MonitoringManagement of Personnel ResourcesPersuasionTroubleshootingQuality Control AnalysisTechnology DesignScienceNegotiationManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Financial ResourcesOperation and ControlEquipment SelectionInstallationRepairingEquipment Maintenance
Knowledge areas
Computers and ElectronicsEnglish LanguageCustomer and Personal ServiceMathematicsTelecommunicationsEngineering and TechnologyAdministration and ManagementEducation and TrainingDesignEconomics and AccountingCommunications and MediaPublic Safety and SecurityPersonnel and Human ResourcesLaw and GovernmentAdministrativeProduction and ProcessingTransportationPsychologySales and MarketingMechanicalMedicine and DentistryPhysicsGeographyForeign LanguageBuilding and ConstructionHistory and ArcheologyChemistrySociology and AnthropologyBiologyPhilosophy and TheologyTherapy and CounselingFood ProductionFine Arts
Technology & tools
ADO.NETAJAXASG Technologies ASG-ZekeAb InitioAccess management softwareAcronis Recovery ExpertAdobe DreamweaverAdvanced business application programming ABAPAmazon Data PipelineAmazon DynamoDBAmazon Elastic Compute Cloud EC2Amazon RedshiftAmazon Simple Storage Service S3Amazon Web Services AWS CloudFormationAmazon Web Services AWS softwareAnsible softwareApache AirflowApache AntApache CassandraApache GroovyApache HTTP ServerApache HadoopApache HiveApache KafkaApache MahoutApache MavenApache PigApache SolrApache SparkApache SqoopApache StrutsApache Subversion SVNApache TomcatApple macOSAtlassian BambooAtlassian ConfluenceAtlassian JIRAAutodesk RevitBMC Software Change ManagerBMC Software Control-M
Representative tasks
Working with ComputersMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsGetting InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsAnalyzing Data or InformationProcessing InformationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkDocumenting/Recording InformationInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsScheduling Work and ActivitiesDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationTraining and Teaching OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsAssisting and Caring for OthersMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationPerforming Administrative ActivitiesCoaching and Developing OthersInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentStaffing Organizational UnitsControlling Machines and ProcessesSelling or Influencing OthersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving Objects
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
40 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Administrator (Admin)Automatic Data Processing Planner (ADP Planner)Cyber Database Administrator (Cyber DBA)Data Administrator (Data Admin)Data EngineerData Management AssociateData Management IT Specialist (Data Management Information Technology Specialist)Data MinerData Recovery PlannerData Security AdministratorData Storage SpecialistDatabase Administration AssociateDatabase Administration ManagerDatabase Administrator (DBA)Database AnalystDatabase CoordinatorDatabase Design AnalystDatabase DeveloperDatabase EngineerDatabase Management System Specialist (DBMS Specialist)Database ManagerDatabase ProgrammerDatabase Security AdministratorDatabase Software Technician (Database Software Tech)Database SpecialistDatabase Technician (Database Tech)Database TesterDatabases Computer ConsultantDatabases Software ConsultantDevelopment and Database Administration ManagerETL Developer (Extract, Transform and Load Developer)Information Technology Administrator (IT Administrator)Internet Database SpecialistIS Admin (Information Systems Administrator)IS Security Manager (Information Systems Security Manager)Picture Archiving and Communication Systems Administrator (PACS Administrator)Security AdministratorSQL DBA (Structured Query Language Database Administrator)Systems Administrator (Systems Admin)Systems Tester Admin (Systems Tester Administrator)