Is SQL DBA a good career?

SQL DBAs are in high demand. Technical professionals with the ability to store, organize and troubleshoot large amounts of data are being sought after in various industries, from healthcare to manufacturing and retail.

SQL DBA jobs are projected to grow by 9% in the next ten years, with 51,071 new openings. SQL DBAs earn average annual salaries over $80,000, with top earners making in the low six-figures.

On top of a good job outlook and good pay, the work of a SQL DBA can be challenging. SQL DBAs are tasked with managing their organization's data, which often includes data across multiple systems, platforms, and departments.

Accordingly, DBAs are responsible for any complications with security, function, or performance. And, DBAs often are not visible within an organization -- working behind the scenes -- until something goes wrong. This responsibility and lack of recognition can prove stressful.

A significant amount of autonomy and control over their work can help mitigate these stressors. Pay transparency and recognition are among the most important factors for employee engagement and job satisfaction, according to a 2014 Forbes study.

It is no surprise, then, that US News ranked database administrator as one of the best jobs of 2019.