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.
Database administrator responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real database administrator resumes:
- 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.
- Promote code, database, cube, ETL between different environment in AWS EC2.
- Mentor Jr developers and assist Sr DBA's in other locations who are new to SQL.
- Design, customize, implement and tune DB2, UDB and IMS databases and elements on AIX, Linux and z/OS.
- Handle upgrades, installation, and configuration of SQL databases and relate components (SSRS, SSIS, and SSAS).
- Provide technical support for application developers and Unix administrators.
- Provide operational/development SSIS support for ETL failures and package modifications.
- Perform general DBA tasks such as reorganization, backup/recovery and security management of RDBMS.
- Develop and optimize PL/SQL and Java store procedures and packages for maximum database access performance.
- Used full SDLC on projects and establish development standards.
Database administrator skills and personality traits
We calculated that 5% of Database Administrators are proficient in Customer Service, Linux, and Microsoft SQL Server. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Detail oriented.
We break down the percentage of Database Administrators that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Customer Service, 5%
Produced 60% of business through repeats and referrals by providing exceptional customer service and fostering excellent business and customer relationships.
- Linux, 5%
Performed installations & configurations of Oracle databases on Linux and Windows platforms to assist the development department with product compatibility certifications.
- Microsoft SQL Server, 5%
Worked in a Microsoft SQL Server 2000 standalone and clustered environment designed for high-availability, redundancy and fail-over.
- DBA, 4%
Worked independently as communication freelancer DBA Roy's Contracting and Technologies.
- Troubleshoot, 4%
Initiate operating procedures using Electronic Technical Manuals to troubleshoot electrical and mechanical malfunction associated with equipment errors.
- Database Administration, 4%
Perform SQL Database administration including software installations/configurations.
Most database administrators use their skills in "customer service," "linux," and "microsoft sql server" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential database administrator responsibilities here:
Analytical skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a database administrator to have is analytical skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "dbas must monitor a database system’s performance to determine when action is needed." Database administrators often use analytical skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "monitor database system utilization and query performance, working closely with development teams to provide the highest level of database performance. "
Communication skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling database administrator duties is communication skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "most database administrators work on teams and need to communicate effectively with developers, managers, and other workers." According to a database administrator resume, here's how database administrators can utilize communication skills in their job responsibilities: "lead consultant on team brought in to fix database performance issues with telecommunications billing system. "
Detail oriented. database administrators are also known for detail oriented, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to database administrator responsibilities, because "working with databases requires an understanding of complex systems, in which a minor error can cause major problems." A database administrator resume example shows how detail oriented is used in the workplace: "developed erp case studies for database-oriented courses in the college of business. "
Problem-solving skills. database administrator responsibilities often require "problem-solving skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "when database problems arise, administrators must troubleshoot and correct the problems." This resume example shows what database administrators do with problem-solving skills on a typical day: "resolved and proactively supported database performance and capacity issues, and replication and other distributed data issues. "
The three companies that hire the most database administrators are:
- General Dynamics Mission Systems
353 database administrators jobs
- General Dynamics303 database administrators jobs
- Oracle183 database administrators jobs
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Compare different database administrators
Database administrator vs. Sql server developer
A structured query language (SQL) server developer is a specialist who is tasked to develop and maintain systems to store, organize, and access databases. With their experience in data architect and management, SQL server developers can develop and scale SQL databases based on the needs of their organization. They conduct troubleshooting in databases which involve data validation and extensive testing to ensure that the end user's specifications are met. They are also involved in the maintenance of the organization's server.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, database administrator responsibilities require skills like "customer service," "linux," "dba," and "troubleshoot." Meanwhile a typical sql server developer has skills in areas such as "sql server analysis," "ssis packages," "ssas," and "c #." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Sql server developers tend to make the most money working in the health care industry, where they earn an average salary of $95,274. In contrast, database administrators make the biggest average salary, $92,665, in the health care industry.The education levels that sql server developers earn slightly differ from database administrators. In particular, sql server developers are 10.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a database administrator. Additionally, they're 0.5% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Database administrator vs. Sql developer
An SQL developer is responsible for designing database systems for storing and accessing business information. SQL developers incorporate a high-level of data management and technical knowledge to ensure the safety and security of the systems, preventing unauthorized access that may put the company's reputation in jeopardy. They evaluate the network infrastructure, run multiple diagnostic tests, and update the information security systems for optimal performance and efficient navigation. An SQL developer must have excellent skills in programming languages, data engineering, and software management to handle the complexities of system commands and data validation.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real database administrator resumes. While database administrator responsibilities can utilize skills like "customer service," "linux," "troubleshoot," and "database administration," sql developers use skills like "sql server analysis," "ssis packages," "c # .net," and "javascript."
On average, sql developers earn a higher salary than database administrators. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, sql developers earn the most pay in the health care industry with an average salary of $93,938. Whereas database administrators have higher pay in the health care industry, with an average salary of $92,665.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Sql developers tend to reach higher levels of education than database administrators. In fact, they're 8.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.5% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for database 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.
Database administrator vs. Tableau developer
A tableau developer is responsible for creating data visualization solutions to enhance business processes. You will perform varied duties and responsibilities that may include preparing Tableau dashboard reports, creating business intelligence reports, and working closely with developers. Other tasks that you will likely perform are creating tools to effectively store data within the organization, conducting unit tests and developing database queries, and developing technical documentation. As a tableau developer, you will also conduct testing and troubleshooting systems and assisting non-technical staff in interpreting data.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from database administrator resumes include skills like "customer service," "linux," "dba," and "troubleshoot," whereas a tableau developer is more likely to list skills in "tableau dashboards," "visualization," "tableau server," and "tableau desktop. "
Tableau developers make a very good living in the pharmaceutical industry with an average annual salary of $101,413. On the other hand, database administrators are paid the highest salary in the health care industry, with average annual pay of $92,665.Most tableau developers achieve a higher degree level compared to database administrators. For example, they're 11.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.4% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Database administrator vs. Database developer
A database developer specializes in designing and creating storage programs according to a client's needs. Their responsibilities revolve around meeting with clients to discuss their preferences and requirements, coordinating with other teams, identifying errors or inconsistencies by conducting regular maintenance tests, and monitoring its performance to ensure smooth workflow. A database developer may also respond to inquiries and concerns, provide corrective measures, produce instructional materials for the database users, and develop strategies to keep the data safe and secure.
Types of database administrator
Updated January 8, 2025
