What do database administrators do

They would be expected to find appropriate solutions to problems after evaluating the results of their findings. A database administrator DBA would maintain and document information entering necessary data in magnetic, written or electronic form. They would maintain current technology and always implement new knowledge to their work. Therefore, communication skills would be considered valuable in this job. A DBA database administrator would need to speak clearly and have any necessary information or updates understood by those listening.

A skill-set with deductive reasoning by finding valid answers to specific problems or knowledge of ordering information by arranging data into specific rules, such as, patterns of pictures, words, letters or numbers would be needed as well. A database administrator would carry complex solving skills, such as, correctly evaluating, solving and implementing solutions to a problem.

They would also protect information of the company from any unauthorized persons by taking measures to implement changes to any vulnerable areas of their systems by always testing programs and correcting any necessary issues or weaknesses. You can expect the following salary ranges when searching for a database administrator position. However, many database administrators also choose to supplement their degrees with certifications to demonstrate they have specialized skills, such as knowledge of database languages.

However, some database administrators have a high school diploma and gain relevant experience after working in the technology industry. Most training for database administrators is on the job. Companies will give instruction related to their databases and procedures. There are a variety of continuing training opportunities for DBAs in the form of conferences and seminars.

There are many different types of databases that businesses use. Depending on the specialization, DBAs could get certifications that demonstrate they have extensive knowledge of a specific database:. This certification shows you can navigate an IBM database server.

To earn this certification, applicants must pass two knowledge and skills exams. The first exam tests you on fundamental knowledge of the daily administration tasks, Structured Query Language, IBM database security and creating database objects. The second exam evaluates your ability to perform advanced database tasks in security and migration. This is an entry-level Microsoft certification for basic DBA skills.

It can be helpful to learning basic SQL server skills prior to starting the three-exam requirement. Oracle offers many certifications based on their server releases. Many database administrators opt to obtain certifications for different versions as different employers use varying releases. To prepare for an Oracle exam, you can take a variety of online courses. DBAs need a variety of hard skills, including:.

DBAs should also develop soft skills, such as:. Database administrators often plan security measures, making sure that data is secure from unauthorized access. Many databases contain personal or financial information, making security important.

Database administrators are responsible for backing up systems in case of a power outage or other disaster. They also ensure the integrity of the database, guaranteeing that the data stored in it comes from reliable sources.

They must be able to evaluate complex information that comes from a variety of sources. Most database administrators work on teams and must be able to communicate effectively with developers, managers, and other workers. Working with databases requires an understanding of complex systems, in which a minor error can cause major problems. Database administrators use software to make sense of information and to arrange and organize it into meaningful patterns.

Database administrators and architects held about , jobs in The largest employers of database administrators and architects were as follows:.

Database administrators and architects work in nearly all industries. Database administrators and architects need an understanding of database languages, such as Structured Query Language, or SQL. Administrators and architects will need to become familiar with whichever programming language their firm uses. Certification is typically offered directly from software vendors or vendor-neutral certification providers. Employers may require their database administrators and architects to be certified in the products they use.

Database administrators and architects may advance to become computer and information systems managers. Experienced database administrators may advance to become database architects.

Analytical skills. They must evaluate information from a variety of sources to decide on an approach. Communication skills. Most database administrators and architects work on teams and need to convey information effectively to developers, managers, and other workers.

Detail oriented. Working with databases requires an understanding of complex systems, in which a minor error can cause major problems. Problem-solving skills. When database problems arise, administrators and architects must troubleshoot and correct the problems. Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U. Source: U.

The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. In May , the median annual wages for database administrators and architects in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program. Employment growth will be driven by the increased data needs of companies in nearly all sectors of the economy. Database administrators and architects will be needed to organize data and present information to stakeholders in a user-friendly format. The increasing popularity of database-as-a-service, which allows third parties to do database administration online, is expected to increase employment of these workers at cloud computing firms in the data processing, hosting, and related services industry.

Employment of database administrators and architects in the computer systems design and related services industry also is projected to grow. The continued adoption of cloud services by small and medium-sized businesses that do not have their own dedicated information technology IT departments is expected to increase the employment of database administrators and architects in this industry.

These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link s below go to OEWS data maps for employment and wages by state and area.

All state projections data are available at www. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area.