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What does a database administrator/software engineer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
8 min read
Quoted expert
Frank McCown Ph.D.
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Database administrator/software engineer responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real database administrator/software engineer resumes:

  • Develop and enhance multiple ETL processes using SSIS to automate import and export data from different vendors into master inventory tables.
  • Implement a centralize configuration system for managing application settings, consisting of a desktop application with a WCF backend.
  • Use Perl/CGI, HTML, SYBASE on an AIX UNIX platform.
  • Design new SSIS packages and optimize legacy packages as an ETL developer.
  • Develop a part of corporate web site using HTML, DHTML and JavaScript.
  • Develop an internal system for processing articles using PHP, Webmatrix, MySQL, JavaScript.
  • Contribute to development of C++ (Linux) projects, including notification server, file server, and IoServer.
  • Design and develop reports that used PL/SQL store procedure.
  • Develop PL/SQL packages, procedures, and functions for client application programs.
  • Implement a Flash/Flex XML driven simulation application for a mobile tactical unit.
  • Design and implement the data access layer framework using JDBC and java beans.
  • Receive bonus and award for creating XML xsl-base code to display large volume data for applications.
  • Create stored procedures, jobs and SSIS packages to handle data communications with vendors and internal systems.
  • Attend technical seminars that include DB2, COBOL, IMS, VSAM, JAVA and other latest tools and technology.
  • Develop SSIS packages to import and export data to and from CSV files, excel spread sheets, and between databases.

Database administrator/software engineer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 8% of Database Administrator/Software Engineers are proficient in Java, PL/SQL, and Web Application. They’re also known for soft skills such as Creativity, Analytical skills, and Communication skills.

We break down the percentage of Database Administrator/Software Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Java, 8%

    Attended technical seminars that included DB2, COBOL, IMS, VSAM, JAVA and other latest tools and technology.

  • PL/SQL, 8%

    Used Materialized View and customized PL/SQL procedures for data transformation between two different systems.

  • Web Application, 7%

    Administered database for web applications.

  • Microsoft SQL Server, 6%

    Administered Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle databases.

  • Database Administration, 5%

    Provided database administration and development services in a high demand environment.

  • DBA, 5%

    Job evolved to software development primarily in database applications and other DBA activities

Most database administrator/software engineers use their skills in "java," "pl/sql," and "web application" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential database administrator/software engineer responsibilities here:

Creativity. The most essential soft skill for a database administrator/software engineer to carry out their responsibilities is creativity. This skill is important for the role because "developers are the creative minds behind new computer software." Additionally, a database administrator/software engineer resume shows how their duties depend on creativity: "developed and enhanced multiple etl processes using ssis to automate import and export data from different vendors into master inventory tables. "

Analytical skills. Another essential skill to perform database administrator/software engineer duties is analytical skills. Database administrator/software engineers responsibilities require that "developers must analyze users’ needs and then design software to meet those needs." Database administrator/software engineers also use analytical skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "worked closely with senior-level java enterprise programmers to assist in capturing test data cases for identifying sources of issues. "

Communication skills. This is an important skill for database administrator/software engineers to perform their duties. For an example of how database administrator/software engineer responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "developers must be able to give clear instructions to others working on a project." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a database administrator/software engineer: "created stored procedures, jobs and ssis packages to handle data communications with vendors and internal systems. ".

Detail oriented. A big part of what database administrator/software engineers do relies on "detail oriented." You can see how essential it is to database administrator/software engineer responsibilities because "developers often work on many parts of an application or system at the same time and must therefore be able to concentrate and pay attention to detail." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical database administrator/software engineer tasks: "design of secure object oriented php api infinitely allowing seamless integration of new application features. "

Problem-solving skills. Another crucial skill for a database administrator/software engineer to carry out their responsibilities is "problem-solving skills." A big part of what database administrator/software engineers relies on this skill, since "because developers are in charge of software from beginning to end, they must be able to solve problems that arise throughout the design process." How this skill relates to database administrator/software engineer duties can be seen in an example from a database administrator/software engineer resume snippet: "demonstrated use of ssis as feasible archiving solution. "

See the full list of database administrator/software engineer skills

Compare different database administrator/software engineers

Database administrator/software engineer vs. Software analyst

A software analyst is responsible for creating and designing software programs and applications, as well as modifying existing ones for optimization according to business requirements. Software analysts work with the technical team to draw system codes, analyze programming languages, and ensure the stability and efficiency of software navigation by running multiple quality checks to the system. They inspect the application's performance, configure servers, and improve software infrastructure according to quality findings. A software analyst records resolution reports and provides progress updates, ensuring that the project adheres to budget limitations and set timetables.

If we compare the average database administrator/software engineer annual salary with that of a software analyst, we find that software analysts typically earn a $20,852 lower salary than database administrator/software engineers make annually.While their salaries may differ, the common ground between database administrator/software engineers and software analysts are a few of the skills required in each roleacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities. In both careers, employee duties involve skills like java, pl/sql, and web application.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between database administrator/software engineers and software analyst. For instance, database administrator/software engineer responsibilities require skills such as "microsoft sql server," "database administration," "dba," and "recovery procedures." Whereas a software analyst is skilled in "test data," "scrum," "sql server," and "test cases." This is part of what separates the two careers.

Software analysts really shine in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $86,986. Comparatively, database administrator/software engineers tend to make the most money in the retail industry with an average salary of $93,353.On average, software analysts reach similar levels of education than database administrator/software engineers. Software analysts are 3.1% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Database administrator/software engineer vs. Software developer

A software developer is responsible for designing application systems to support the user and business' needs. Duties of a software developer include testing software codes, performing diagnostic programs and troubleshooting, interpreting system data and establishing efficient parameters, and ensuring the compatibility of the systems. A software developer must have an excellent knowledge of computer programs and programming languages to understand its complexities, especially on detecting system defects and malfunctions. A software developer must have strong attention to detail, communication, and decision-making skills to coordinate with the team and also work independently under minimal supervision.

Software developer positions earn lower pay than database administrator/software engineer roles. They earn a $11,731 lower salary than database administrator/software engineers per year.A few skills overlap for database administrator/software engineers and software developers. Resumes from both professions show that the duties of each career rely on skills like "java," "pl/sql," and "web application. "

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, database administrator/software engineer responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "database administration," "dba," "recovery procedures," and "database servers." Meanwhile, a software developer has duties that require skills in areas such as "python," "database," "debugging," and "git." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

Software developers earn a lower average salary than database administrator/software engineers. But software developers earn the highest pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $96,138. Additionally, database administrator/software engineers earn the highest salaries in the retail with average pay of $93,353 annually.software developers earn similar levels of education than database administrator/software engineers in general. They're 3.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for database administrator/software engineers in the next 3-5 years?

Frank McCown Ph.D.Frank McCown Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Associate Professor, Harding University

Software continues to move to mobile devices and the web and away from desktop applications. The pandemic has encouraged growth in applications that make in-person transactions go away, and that trend will likely continue. Obviously AI-enabled or assisted applications will continue to grow.

Database administrator/software engineer 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.

On average, database developers earn lower salaries than database administrator/software engineers, with a $8,415 difference per year.database administrator/software engineers and database developers both have job responsibilities that require similar skill sets. These similarities include skills such as "java," "pl/sql," and "microsoft sql server," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a database administrator/software engineer is likely to be skilled in "web application," "database administration," "recovery procedures," and "database servers," while a typical database developer is skilled in "c #," "ssrs," "bi," and "data models."

Database developers make a very good living in the finance industry with an average annual salary of $96,203. On the other hand, database administrator/software engineers are paid the highest salary in the retail industry, with average annual pay of $93,353.database developers typically earn similar educational levels compared to database administrator/software engineers. Specifically, they're 2.7% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Database administrator/software engineer vs. Software development engineer

A software development engineer is responsible for designing and developing software systems and applications based on clients' specifications and business needs. Software development engineers manage operating systems and analyze network codes to maintain the compatibility of the software applications and control systems. They also run diagnostic tests for every software structure to ensure smooth navigations and perform immediate troubleshooting for inconsistencies. A software development engineer must have a strong command of programming languages, as well as technological processes and analytical skills.

Software development engineers typically earn higher pay than database administrator/software engineers. On average, software development engineers earn a $9,895 higher salary per year.According to resumes from database administrator/software engineers and software development engineers, some of the skills necessary to complete the responsibilities of each role are similar. These skills include "java," "pl/sql," and "web application. "While some skills are required in each professionacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities, there are some differences to note. "microsoft sql server," "database administration," "dba," and "recovery procedures" are skills that commonly show up on database administrator/software engineer resumes. On the other hand, software development engineers use skills like aws, python, web services, and scrum on their resumes.software development engineers enjoy the best pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $127,910. For comparison, database administrator/software engineers earn the highest salary in the retail industry.The average resume of software development engineers showed that they earn higher levels of education compared to database administrator/software engineers. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 6.1% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.5%.

Types of database administrator/software engineer

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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