Data modeler vs database administrator

The differences between data modelers and database administrators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a data modeler and a database administrator. Additionally, a data modeler has an average salary of $100,495, which is higher than the $81,960 average annual salary of a database administrator.

The top three skills for a data modeler include ETL, data analysis and data architecture. The most important skills for a database administrator are customer service, linux, and microsoft sql server.

Data modeler vs database administrator overview

	Data Modeler	Database Administrator
Yearly salary	$100,495	$81,960
Hourly rate	$48.31	$39.40
Growth rate	9%	9%
Number of jobs	81,645	56,992
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 70%	Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Average age	46	46
Years of experience	4	4

What does a data modeler do?

A data modeler is responsible for designing and creating network systems and applications for efficient and secured data storage solutions. Data modelers work closely with the data management team to identify business needs and execute data modeling techniques for comprehensive analysis. They also strategize in improving existing data systems, upgrading infrastructure, and configuring information for compatibility with every business unit. A data modeler must have excellent technical skills, as well as a strong command of programming languages to modify and optimize data models for smooth navigation and access.

What does a database administrator do?

Database administrators use specially designed software to keep, organize, restore, and secure data for businesses, employees, and customers from unauthorized people or unwanted users. They search for potential security risks or issues and proactively correct or find appropriate solutions. They are highly trained tech experts who work full-time for establishments that give computer design services or in industries that have huge databases, such as educational academies, institutions, and insurance firms. It is their responsibility to closely monitor the database system to ensure efficiency and functionality. They work jointly with information systems managers to customize database solutions based on corporate needs. They also coordinate the systems that data analysts use for translating numbers into strategic business plans.

Data modeler vs database administrator salary

Data modelers and database administrators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Data Modeler	Database Administrator
Average salary	$100,495	$81,960
Salary range	Between $73,000 And $138,000	Between $60,000 And $111,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	Seattle, WA
Highest paying state	California	Washington
Best paying company	Meta	The Citadel
Best paying industry	Pharmaceutical	Health Care

Differences between data modeler and database administrator education

There are a few differences between a data modeler and a database administrator in terms of educational background:

	Data Modeler	Database Administrator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 70%	Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Most common major	Computer Science	Business
Most common college	-	Stanford University

Data modeler vs database administrator demographics

Here are the differences between data modelers' and database administrators' demographics:

	Data Modeler	Database Administrator
Average age	46	46
Gender ratio	Male, 71.0% Female, 29.0%	Male, 61.4% Female, 38.6%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 28.6% White, 51.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%	Black or African American, 8.1% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 9.2% Asian, 17.7% White, 59.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	6%	6%

Differences between data modeler and database administrator duties and responsibilities

Data modeler example responsibilities.

Lead efforts to analyze data for source/target mappings, create T-SQL scripts for data processing.
Involve in data governance processes relate to data quality and information management, managing the metadata repository etc.
Accomplish at designing dashboards and data summaries for technical and non-technical audiences and facilitating implementation of business strategies and missions.
Design the data marts in dimensional data modeling using star and snowflake schemas.
Develop data architecture prototypes and data models including ETL staging models, audit control models and traditional data warehouse dimension/fact models.
Work extensively with XML schema generation.

Database administrator example responsibilities.

Deploy and manage VMware horizon view on CISCO UCS for VDI deployemet.
Create and manage database security, data encryption, and apply object level security.
Resolve ASM errors, which lead to complete dysfunction of the ASM due to capacity issues.
Fix grid control alerts on the database and monitor the database using grid control including managing of templates.
Create and manage DTS and SSIS jobs to perform extra back up support for company's back up agent and procedure.
Lead multiple infrastructure planning and implementation including instance strategy, technical platform selection, architecture design, backup and recovery strategy.

Data modeler vs database administrator skills

Common data modeler skills

ETL, 6%
Data Analysis, 6%
Data Architecture, 6%
Physical Data Models, 5%
Data Warehouse, 5%
Tableau, 5%

Common database administrator skills

Customer Service, 5%
Linux, 5%
Microsoft SQL Server, 5%
DBA, 4%
Troubleshoot, 4%
Database Administration, 4%

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Data Modeler vs Database Administrator

Updated January 8, 2025

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