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.

Also called: Database Administration Manager, Database Administrator (DBA), Database Analyst, Database Coordinator, Database Engineer, Database Manager, Development and Database Administration Manager, IS Admin (Information Systems Administrator), Systems Administrator (Systems Admin), Administrator (Admin), Automatic Data Processing Planner (ADP Planner), Cyber Database Administrator (Cyber DBA), Data Administrator (Data Admin), Data Engineer, 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 Design Analyst, Database Developer, Database Management System Specialist (DBMS Specialist), Database Programmer, Database Security Administrator, Database Software Technician (Database Software Tech), Database Specialist, Database Technician (Database Tech), Database Tester, Databases Computer Consultant, Databases Software Consultant, ETL Developer (Extract, Transform and Load Developer), Information Technology Administrator (IT Administrator), Internet Database Specialist, IS Security Manager (Information Systems Security Manager), Picture Archiving and Communication Systems Administrator (PACS Administrator), Security Administrator, SQL DBA (Structured Query Language Database Administrator), Systems Tester Admin (Systems Tester Administrator)

This is a career information profile, not an advertised job opening.

What the worker does

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.

Skills, machines and equipment

Critical Thinking
Complex Problem Solving
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Judgment and Decision Making
Active Learning
Speaking
Programming
Writing
Monitoring
Operations Analysis
Systems Analysis

Education and training

Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: Bachelor's Degree (88.98% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

O*NET Job Zone 4: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training. A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships

Ask an employer or registered apprenticeship sponsor about current programs, eligibility, training and pay. A career profile does not confirm that a program is available.

Salary reference

79,610–135,460 USD per year · United States · 2025. Source: BLS OEWS via O*NET · 25th–75th percentiles · SOC 15-1242.

Occupational-group wage references are not guaranteed pay for this specialty or an employer's offer.

Career advancement

Develop reliable production, safety, quality, and equipment skills; explore additional processes, senior specialist, or team-lead responsibilities relevant to your workplace.
Ask employers which demonstrated skills, education, or credentials are needed for the next role. Related careers are exploration options, not automatic promotions.

How Do I Get This Job?

Review the skills and responsibilities above.
Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: Bachelor's Degree (88.98% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
O*NET Job Zone 4: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training. A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.
Compare real openings and confirm requirements directly with the employer.

View available jobs — availability is not guaranteed; sample listings are not real openings.

Related career information

Sources and limitations

O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. ShopFloor adapted occupational grouping, selected manufacturing-relevant occupations, and retained seven legacy guide titles. Specialties and alternative titles are grouped under O*NET occupations; these occupations can also occur outside manufacturing. Source: https://www.onetcenter.org/database.html. No wage, vacancy, certification, or video data is implied. ShopFloor advancement suggestions are general editorial guidance, not O*NET findings or guaranteed career progression. BLS wage ranges, when available, are national 25th–75th percentiles for the source occupational grouping, across industries; they are not local, apprentice, entry-level, or specialty-specific offers.

Database Administrators