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What is a database programmer/analyst and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
Quoted expert
Dylan Brewer
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a database programmer/analyst. For example, did you know that they make an average of $41.39 an hour? That's $86,091 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 9% and produce 10,500 job opportunities across the U.S.

What general advice would you give to a database programmer/analyst?

Dylan BrewerDylan Brewer LinkedIn profile

Assistant Professor, Georgia Institute of Technology

Students with a bachelor's degree in economics from Georgia Tech often find employment opportunities in a variety of fields, including technology, consulting, banking, and policy/nonprofit organizations. In addition, lots of students go on to pursue graduate degrees. Here are some typical jobs that economics graduates from Georgia Tech might pursue:

Tech:
Data analyst roles at tech companies like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, etc.
Business analyst or product manager roles at tech firms
Economic analyst positions at tech companies, analyzing market trends and consumer behavior
Positions in financial technology companies, leveraging economic knowledge and data skills

Consulting:
Economic consultant roles at major consulting firms like McKinsey, BCG, Deloitte, etc.
Management consulting positions, providing data-driven business strategy advice
Consulting roles focused on economic analysis, forecasting, and risk assessment

Banking/Finance:
Roles in investment banking, such as financial analyst or associate positions
Positions in commercial banking, such as credit analyst or loan officer
Opportunities in corporate finance, financial analysis, and risk management departments
Roles in asset management firms, hedge funds, and other investment companies

Policy/Nonprofit:
Economic policy analyst positions at think tanks, research organizations, or government agencies
Roles in economic development organizations, analyzing policies and initiatives
Opportunities at nonprofit organizations focused on economic issues, such as poverty alleviation or microfinance
Positions in international organizations like the World Bank or IMF, working on economic development projects

Graduate studies:
Economics PhD and masters programs focused on research
Legal (JD) programs and other social sciences PhD programs
Data science masters programs

The quantitative and analytical skills gained through an economics degree, combined with Georgia Tech's strong reputation in STEM fields, make economics graduates attractive candidates for roles that involve data analysis, forecasting, and strategic decision-making across various industries.
ScoreDatabase Programmer/AnalystUS Average
Salary
6.7

Avg. Salary $86,091

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
4.4

Growth rate 9%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.54%

Asian 17.75%

Black or African American 7.96%

Hispanic or Latino 9.17%

Unknown 5.19%

White 59.37%

Gender

female 27.70%

male 72.30%

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 programmer/analyst career paths

Key steps to become a database programmer/analyst

  1. Explore database programmer/analyst education requirements

    Most common database programmer/analyst degrees

    Bachelor's

    68.0 %

    Associate

    15.0 %

    Master's

    13.9 %
  2. Start to develop specific database programmer/analyst skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Database Design9.11%
    Oracle Sql6.51%
    PL/SQL6.10%
    Microsoft SQL Server5.04%
    JCL4.29%
  3. Complete relevant database programmer/analyst training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New database programmer/analysts 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 programmer/analyst based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real database programmer/analyst resumes.
  4. Research database programmer/analyst duties and responsibilities

    • Maintain, debug, and manage PC base manufacturing/planning/costing systems to ensure accurate forecasting, scheduling, and production planning.
    • Assist in building architecture of marketing reporting system base on SSRS packages.
    • Use pattern recognition to write Java code to correct anomalies in source data.
    • Apply business rules to develop procedures using PL/SQL to abstract data from different sources.
  5. Prepare your database programmer/analyst resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your database programmer/analyst 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 programmer/analyst 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 programmer/analyst resume templates

    Build a professional database programmer/analyst 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 programmer/analyst resume.
    Database Programmer/Analyst Resume
    Database Programmer/Analyst Resume
    Database Programmer/Analyst Resume
    Database Programmer/Analyst Resume
    Database Programmer/Analyst Resume
    Database Programmer/Analyst Resume
    Database Programmer/Analyst Resume
    Database Programmer/Analyst Resume
    Database Programmer/Analyst Resume
  6. Apply for database programmer/analyst jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a database programmer/analyst 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 programmer/analyst job

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Average database programmer/analyst salary

The average database programmer/analyst salary in the United States is $86,091 per year or $41 per hour. Database programmer/analyst salaries range between $65,000 and $113,000 per year.

Average database programmer/analyst salary
$86,091 Yearly
$41.39 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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