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The differences between database administrators and senior 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 database administrator and a senior database administrator. Additionally, a senior database administrator has an average salary of $114,969, which is higher than the $81,960 average annual salary of a database administrator.
The top three skills for a database administrator include customer service, linux and microsoft sql server. The most important skills for a senior database administrator are linux, DBA, and troubleshoot.
| Database Administrator | Senior Database Administrator | |
| Yearly salary | $81,960 | $114,969 |
| Hourly rate | $39.40 | $55.27 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 56,992 | 56,932 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Average age | 46 | 46 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
A senior database administrator is in charge of maintaining and managing a database, ensuring its efficiency and security. Their responsibilities revolve around monitoring the performance of databases, identifying any problems or inconsistencies, performing corrective measures, and devising security measures to keep data safe from any cyber-attacks. They are also responsible for responding to any inquiries or concerns, resolving them promptly. Furthermore, as a senior in the field, it is essential to lead and encourage the junior administrators, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
Database administrators and senior database administrators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Database Administrator | Senior Database Administrator | |
| Average salary | $81,960 | $114,969 |
| Salary range | Between $60,000 And $111,000 | Between $88,000 And $149,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | Credit Karma |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Finance |
There are a few differences between a database administrator and a senior database administrator in terms of educational background:
| Database Administrator | Senior Database Administrator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Most common major | Business | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between database administrators' and senior database administrators' demographics:
| Database Administrator | Senior Database Administrator | |
| Average age | 46 | 46 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 61.4% Female, 38.6% | Male, 80.6% Female, 19.4% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 7.1% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 8.7% Asian, 25.3% White, 53.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |