What does a data administrator do?
As a data administrator, they support the marketing, sales, finance, and operations departments by providing accurate, complete, and current data to the customer, product, inventory, and vendor. It is the data administrator's responsibility to implement and execute data mining projects and makes reports to provide understanding into sales, marketing, and purchasing opportunities and business trends. The role would also include updating information to the company's database and official company website. Moreover, they also do reports about data analysis, forecasting, and other research activities that lead to decision making.
Data administrator responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real data administrator resumes:
- Manage the LDAP requests for user provision.
- Manage replication & distribution servers, versioning dev & production servers.
- Design and lead team efforts to reduce batch windows through application on new features.
- Manage access to file shares, DFS shares, IIS servers and terminal services.
- Integrate LDAP and setup security at multiple levels to achieve data security and object level security.
- Install and set up the VMWare environment, managing the closing/building and allocation of all virtual servers.
- Train executives on SharePoint and PowerPoint.
- Develop ETL process documentation base on client data warehouse and system requirements.
- Solve technical problems in HP-UX, Solaris and Linux.
- Participate in the design and deployment of new VMWare infrastructure.
- Used Jenkins as a build tool to create build packages.
- Assist with the everyday maintenance of large scale ERP computer systems.
- Design and implement worldwide DNS architecture for caching and authoritative servers.
- Design and develop user-friendly interface using HTML5, CSS, and Java.
- Develop and distribute SAS programs to run across multiple sites utilizing a federate database.
Data administrator skills and personality traits
We calculated that 12% of Data Administrators are proficient in Data Management, Java, and Profiling. They’re also known for soft skills such as Detail oriented, Problem-solving skills, and Analytical skills.
We break down the percentage of Data Administrators that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Data Management, 12%
Researched and documented end user data storage and retrieval requirements, and recommend data management process solutions.
- Java, 11%
Supported the java development team in developing applications.
- Profiling, 10%
Experienced on Database Security by monitoring User Management, Privileges and Roles, Auditing, Profiling, Authentication and Risk management.
- DB2, 7%
Developed and managed the DB2 z/OS database disaster recovery procedures that provided operational continuity.
- Unix, 7%
Worked in Data Center operations with emphasis in production control utilizing Unix servers.
- Sybase, 6%
Supported Sybase ASE 11.5 and MS SQL 7 for Development's VWAP (Volume Weighted Average Price) product.
Most data administrators use their skills in "data management," "java," and "profiling" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential data administrator responsibilities here:
Detail oriented. One of the key soft skills for a data administrator to have is detail oriented. You can see how this relates to what data administrators do because "working with databases requires an understanding of complex systems, in which a minor error can cause major problems." Additionally, a data administrator resume shows how data administrators use detail oriented: "detailed knowledge of microsoft applications (word, excel, and outlook) and experience in performing data entry. "
Problem-solving skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling data administrator duties is problem-solving skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "when database problems arise, administrators must troubleshoot and correct the problems." According to a data administrator resume, here's how data administrators can utilize problem-solving skills in their job responsibilities: "identify and recommend erp system based solutions to automate current processes to improve efficiency, accuracy and standardization. "
Analytical skills. This is an important skill for data administrators to perform their duties. For an example of how data administrator responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "dbas must monitor a database system’s performance to determine when action is needed." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a data administrator: "ensured accurate and timely sales and material master data maintenance in the sap erp system. ".
Communication skills. A big part of what data administrators do relies on "communication skills." You can see how essential it is to data administrator responsibilities because "most database administrators work on teams and need to communicate effectively with developers, managers, and other workers." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical data administrator tasks: "served as the primary object-oriented modeler and developer on several java projects using corba as the middleware communication software. "
The three companies that hire the most data administrators are:
- CBRE Group180 data administrators jobs
- Arrow Electronics52 data administrators jobs
- First Community Bancshares13 data administrators jobs
Choose from 10+ customizable data administrator resume templates
Build a professional data administrator resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your data administrator resume.
Compare different data administrators
Data administrator vs. Database manager
A database developer/database administrator specializes in designing and developing database programs and systems, maintaining and updating them regularly. They are in charge of understanding project needs and guidelines, establishing and implementing test systems to identify potential risks and issues, fixing and upgrading components, and storing data according to protocols. They may also produce and present reports to managers and participate in creating security and recovery plans to protect company data. Moreover, as a database developer/database administrator, it is vital to be proactive at dealing with issues while adhering to company standards.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, data administrator responsibilities require skills like "java," "profiling," "customer service," and "good communication." Meanwhile a typical database manager has skills in areas such as "project management," "database design," "database systems," and "database administration." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Database managers really shine in the professional industry with an average salary of $104,998. Comparatively, data administrators tend to make the most money in the finance industry with an average salary of $92,781.On average, database managers reach similar levels of education than data administrators. Database managers are 4.0% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.9% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Data administrator vs. Data manager
A data manager is responsible for monitoring the efficiency of the company's technology systems and network infrastructures. Data managers ensure the safety and security of the databases to avoid unauthorized access that may pose risks for business operations. They assist the technology team in developing data management protocols and smooth navigation of the network systems. A data manager must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, as well as having a strong command on system codes and programming languages, to immediately identify inconsistencies, and perform troubleshooting to fix these discrepancies.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, data administrator responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "db2," "sybase," "linux," and "good communication." Meanwhile, a data manager has duties that require skills in areas such as "visualization," "data quality," "project management," and "patients." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
In general, data managers achieve higher levels of education than data administrators. They're 7.9% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.9% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for data administrators in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Richard Huff Ph.D.
Assistant professor, assistant chair, Virginia Commonwealth University
As custodians of sensitive data, in many cases, there is a demand for a high level of trustworthiness to be earned by public officials. I would expect agencies will need to set a high bar for ethical standards and communicate them consistently. This will be particularly true for developing and using artificial intelligence (AI). While the future public servant will need a grounding in understanding, interpreting, and using data in meaningful ways, there will continue to be a critical need for ethical sensitivity and reasoning to ensure public policies and programs heed increasing demands for social equity and justice. Technology advancements are unavoidable for the foreseeable future and need to be harnessed and applied appropriately by professional, principled, and ethical public servants.
Data administrator vs. Database specialist
A database specialist is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the databases to maintain the confidentiality of data. Database specialists determine business requirements and manage multiple operating systems to build the database's efficient structures and feasibility. They also install security protection software tools and programs to prevent unauthorized access and potential leak of restricted information. A database specialist coordinates with the system engineers to improve existing databases and upgrade the network infrastructure for optimization.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, data administrators are more likely to have skills like "data management," "profiling," "customer service," and "sql server." But a database specialist is more likely to have skills like "database management," "database design," "database administration," and "microsoft sql server."
Database specialists make a very good living in the finance industry with an average annual salary of $95,518. On the other hand, data administrators are paid the highest salary in the finance industry, with average annual pay of $92,781.database specialists typically earn similar educational levels compared to data administrators. Specifically, they're 1.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.6% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Data administrator vs. Database analyst
A database analyst is primarily responsible for devising strategies on how to handle a company's collection of data and information. Typically, they are in charge of designing and implementing databases, evaluating existing ones, and providing recommendations for improvement. They are also responsible for testing, populating, and maintaining databases, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. Furthermore, as a database analyst, it is essential to adhere to the company's policies and regulations, all while coordinating with other administrators to make sure that all processes align with the company's goals.
Types of data administrator
Updated January 8, 2025
