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What is a database developer/database administrator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
Ahmed Temani
introduction image

Database developers and administrators are responsible for creating and maintaining secure and high-capacity databases. They work towards ensuring top performance of company databases and take care of every phase of the work involved, from planning to execution, troubleshooting, and educating users on best practices related to handling databases.

You will be a valuable member of the IT department if you take on this role. You will design, test, and operate database systems. You will perform maintenance work, manage data, and make sure sensitive information is securely protected. You will also be there to guide application developers, review coding, customize SQL installations, upgrade data and application schema, and much more.

A degree in computer science, programming, or another IT-related area might be necessary to take on this position. Experience working with various programming languages, SQL coding most commonly, will be essential. A solid understanding of data and schema standards will be non-negotiable, but great communication skills and an affinity for teamwork will also be important. Working in this position, you can expect to make $79,000 on average per annum.

What general advice would you give to a database developer/database administrator?

Ahmed Temani

Senior Instructor, University of Richmond

A lot of the buzz is about using chatbots to improve coding efficiency. However, there is a great need for systems level thinking and design as software is deployed across cloud and edge computing devices. Gaining more experience in systems design provides you with additional skills that complement whatever AI-based technology gets deployed.
ScoreDatabase Developer/Database AdministratorUS Average
Salary
6.7

Avg. Salary $86,335

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
4.4

Growth rate 9%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
2.6
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.54%

Asian 23.00%

Black or African American 7.90%

Hispanic or Latino 9.14%

Unknown 5.19%

White 54.23%

Gender

female 19.34%

male 80.66%

Age - 46
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 46
Stress level
4.4

Stress level is moderate

7.1 - high

Complexity level
9.2

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
8.1

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Database developer/database administrator career paths

Key steps to become a database developer/database administrator

  1. Explore database developer/database administrator education requirements

    Most common database developer/database administrator degrees

    Bachelor's

    67.6 %

    Master's

    20.4 %

    Associate

    8.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific database developer/database administrator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Microsoft SQL Server7.95%
    PL/SQL7.06%
    ETL5.18%
    DBA3.93%
    Database Design3.64%
  3. Complete relevant database developer/database administrator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New database developer/database administrators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a database developer/database administrator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real database developer/database administrator resumes.
  4. Research database developer/database administrator duties and responsibilities

    • Employ SSAS and SSRS to automate data and reporting requirements by customers, vendors, and state and federal regulatory agencies.
    • Design, create and manage numerous reports within SSRS, using grouping, totals, sub-reports, expressions, adding actions.
    • Create T-SQL packages, procedures, functions, triggers, alerts, scripts for automation and DTS packages for ETL.
    • Perform daily DBA activities, including database backup and recovery initiatives, testing, and performance monitoring/tuning.
  5. Prepare your database developer/database administrator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your database developer/database administrator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a database developer/database administrator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable database developer/database administrator resume templates

    Build a professional database developer/database administrator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your database developer/database administrator resume.
    Database Developer/Database Administrator Resume
    Database Developer/Database Administrator Resume
    Database Developer/Database Administrator Resume
    Database Developer/Database Administrator Resume
    Database Developer/Database Administrator Resume
    Database Developer/Database Administrator Resume
    Database Developer/Database Administrator Resume
    Database Developer/Database Administrator Resume
    Database Developer/Database Administrator Resume
  6. Apply for database developer/database administrator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a database developer/database administrator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first database developer/database administrator job

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Average database developer/database administrator salary

The average database developer/database administrator salary in the United States is $86,335 per year or $42 per hour. Database developer/database administrator salaries range between $61,000 and $122,000 per year.

Average database developer/database administrator salary
$86,335 Yearly
$41.51 hourly

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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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