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The differences between database specialists and systems specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a database specialist, becoming a systems specialist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a systems specialist has an average salary of $86,020, which is higher than the $77,642 average annual salary of a database specialist.
The top three skills for a database specialist include database management, database design and database administration. The most important skills for a systems specialist are customer service, veterans, and troubleshoot.
| Database Specialist | Systems Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $77,642 | $86,020 |
| Hourly rate | $37.33 | $41.36 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 41,500 | 127,812 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 54% |
| Average age | 46 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
A database specialist is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the databases to maintain the confidentiality of data. Database specialists determine business requirements and manage multiple operating systems to build the database's efficient structures and feasibility. They also install security protection software tools and programs to prevent unauthorized access and potential leak of restricted information. A database specialist coordinates with the system engineers to improve existing databases and upgrade the network infrastructure for optimization.
Systems specialists are professionals who maintain, troubleshoot, and install information and computer systems. They identify the software, data, and hardware needs of companies. Generally, they work in physically demanding indoor environments installing complicated networks. They manage, lead, and coordinate technical support for new software, upgrades, and products. Also, they configure systems for the users and assess data from different sources to make a decision.
Database specialists and systems specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Database Specialist | Systems Specialist | |
| Average salary | $77,642 | $86,020 |
| Salary range | Between $53,000 And $111,000 | Between $61,000 And $120,000 |
| Highest paying City | Sacramento, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | BP America Inc |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a database specialist and a systems specialist in terms of educational background:
| Database Specialist | Systems Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 54% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between database specialists' and systems specialists' demographics:
| Database Specialist | Systems Specialist | |
| Average age | 46 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 47.6% Female, 52.4% | Male, 74.2% Female, 25.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 17.8% White, 59.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | Black or African American, 11.5% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 10.7% White, 55.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 11% |