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What does a database specialist do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
Quoted expert
Dr. Richard Filipink Ph.D.
What does a database specialist do

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.

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Database specialist responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real database specialist resumes:

  • Assist founder with maintaining and improving internet website manage ERP systems, payroll and self-service human resource system.
  • Used T-SQL skills including creation of user define functions, complex store procedures, query optimization to write automate reporting.
  • Design ETL process involving data quality, testing and information delivery and access to the data warehouse.
  • Develop graphical applications using Java and wxWindows C++ API.
  • Experience includes: * Pre- and post-decision processing of Medicare appeals cases.
  • Create procedures, functions, and triggers; handle database performance and tuning.
  • Design and implement an error detection program using UNIX scripts (Korn shell).
  • Create and maintain SSRS reports for company personnel, and for customers to track products.
  • Design queries and reports at management request, and automate periodic reporting requests using VBA.
  • Develop a PHP interface for non-technical users to allow for intuitive data entry and database querying.
  • Develop reusable ETL and reporting processes, increasing the volume of surveys that can be execute annually.
  • Migrate Oracle8i database from NT server to Oracle9i database that enable it to reside on UNIX environment.
  • Improve job scheduling dependencies, allowing the maintenance stream to be easily move to other time windows.
  • Excel base reports are designed with VBA code so that end users can run reports on demand.
  • Design, code, and test new T-SQL functions and store procedures to meet new reporting needs.

Database specialist skills and personality traits

We calculated that 14% of Database Specialists are proficient in Database Management, Database Design, and Database Administration. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Detail oriented.

We break down the percentage of Database Specialists that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Database Management, 14%

    Provided database management, statistical analysis, and reporting for all processes and procedures related to Postdoctoral Fellows.

  • Database Design, 5%

    Reviewed, analyzed and fully tested database design before introducing to full production.

  • Database Administration, 5%

    Assisted management with strategy development of long range requirements for the CA database administration.

  • Windows, 5%

    Converted SIR databases from batch mode on SUN network to Windows based mode for PCs of the Center.

  • Data Entry, 4%

    Assisted in all aspects of information management and data entry for the Community United Way Campaigns and financial/internal operations.

  • Troubleshoot, 4%

    Worked with developers to provide database support and also troubleshoot a variety of database performance issues.

Most database specialists use their skills in "database management," "database design," and "database administration" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential database specialist responsibilities here:

Analytical skills. The most essential soft skill for a database specialist to carry out their responsibilities is analytical skills. This skill is important for the role because "dbas must monitor a database system’s performance to determine when action is needed." Additionally, a database specialist resume shows how their duties depend on analytical skills: "retrieved lost and damaged data stored in old lotus db by using an odbc connection, ms access and vba scripting. "

Communication skills. Many database specialist duties rely on communication skills. "most database administrators work on teams and need to communicate effectively with developers, managers, and other workers.," so a database specialist will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways database specialist responsibilities rely on communication skills: "oversee the design, development, administration and tuning of international telecommunication business databases and data warehouses. "

Detail oriented. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of database specialists is detail oriented. This skill is critical to many everyday database specialist duties, as "working with databases requires an understanding of complex systems, in which a minor error can cause major problems." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "led database management for three of their billion dollar brands utilizing my organization skills and attention to detail. "

Problem-solving skills. A big part of what database specialists do relies on "problem-solving skills." You can see how essential it is to database specialist responsibilities because "when database problems arise, administrators must troubleshoot and correct the problems." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical database specialist tasks: "led database administration activities for large scale implementations from business requirements analysis to solutions delivery and support. "

See the full list of database specialist skills

The three companies that hire the most database specialists are:

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Compare different database specialists

Database specialist vs. Senior information technology specialist

A senior information technology specialist is responsible for handling technology systems and network issues, ensuring the efficiency and optimal performance of the database by configuration and improving network infrastructures. Senior information technology specialists also design computer systems and applications to support business functions and operations, depending on the requirements and budget limitations. They create resolution reports for reference and recommend strategic techniques to prevent the reoccurrence of defects and malfunctions. A senior information technology specialist must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in responding to the end-users' inquiries and concerns about the servers.

If we compare the average database specialist annual salary with that of a senior information technology specialist, we find that senior information technology specialists typically earn a $25,836 higher salary than database specialists make annually.While the two careers have a salary gap, they share some of the same responsibilities. Employees in both database specialist and senior information technology specialist positions are skilled in management system, linux, and etl.

There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, database specialist responsibilities require skills like "database management," "database design," "database administration," and "windows." Meanwhile a typical senior information technology specialist has skills in areas such as "customer service," "database," "project management," and "lifecycle management." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.

Senior information technology specialists tend to make the most money working in the energy industry, where they earn an average salary of $117,267. In contrast, database specialists make the biggest average salary, $95,518, in the finance industry.On average, senior information technology specialists reach similar levels of education than database specialists. Senior information technology specialists are 2.6% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Database specialist vs. Data administrator

As a data administrator, they support the marketing, sales, finance, and operations departments by providing accurate, complete, and current data to the customer, product, inventory, and vendor. It is the data administrator's responsibility to implement and execute data mining projects and makes reports to provide understanding into sales, marketing, and purchasing opportunities and business trends. The role would also include updating information to the company's database and official company website. Moreover, they also do reports about data analysis, forecasting, and other research activities that lead to decision making.

Data administrator positions earn higher pay than database specialist roles. They earn a $2,430 higher salary than database specialists per year.Only some things about these jobs are the same. Take their skills, for example. Database specialists and data administrators both require similar skills like "windows," "data entry," and "troubleshoot" to carry out their responsibilities.

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that database specialist responsibilities requires skills like "database management," "database design," "database administration," and "microsoft sql server." But a data administrator might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "data management," "profiling," "customer service," and "sql server."

On average, data administrators earn a higher salary than database specialists. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, data administrators earn the most pay in the finance industry with an average salary of $92,781. Whereas database specialists have higher pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $95,518.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Data administrators tend to reach similar levels of education than database specialists. In fact, they're 1.5% less 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 specialists in the next 3-5 years?

Dr. Richard Filipink Ph.D.

Professor, Western Illinois University

Everyone will need hardware to run the meetings software and the bandwidth to maintain it. An increase in laptop/desktop preference for home use, as your phone won't be enough to conduct much of your work function.

Database specialist vs. Technology services specialist

Technology Services Specialists are information technology (IT) personnel in a company. They assist internal employees and external clients on everything related to technology. They may specialize in a specific item, such as software, hardware, or network infrastructure. Technology services specialists advise users on the usage of different tools. They should be able to troubleshoot concerns and conduct repair and maintenance activities. They should also know how to address the needs of their clients. Technology Services Specialists may sometimes man helpdesk tickets and respond to these tickets accordingly.

On average scale, technology services specialists bring in lower salaries than database specialists. In fact, they earn a $16,846 lower salary per year.Using the responsibilities included on database specialists and technology services specialists resumes, we found that both professions have similar skill requirements, such as "data entry," "linux," and "powerpoint.rdquo;

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 specialist is likely to be skilled in "database management," "database design," "database administration," and "windows," while a typical technology services specialist is skilled in "customer service," "technical service," "patients," and "customer satisfaction."

Technology services specialists earn the best pay in the manufacturing industry, where they command an average salary of $71,116. Database specialists earn the highest pay from the finance industry, with an average salary of $95,518.Most technology services specialists achieve a similar degree level compared to database specialists. For example, they're 1.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.7% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Database specialist vs. Application support specialist

An application support specialist's role is to utilize their technical expertise in responding to inquiries and addressing issues and concerns, resolving them promptly and effectively. They may communicate with clients through calls or correspondence, even arrange appointments when necessary. Moreover, one may work as a member of a company or independently. As an application support specialist in a company setting, it is essential to coordinate with different department personnel, all while adhering to the company's policies and regulations.

Application support specialists typically earn higher pay than database specialists. On average, application support specialists earn a $4,178 higher salary per year.According to resumes from database specialists and application support specialists, some of the skills necessary to complete the responsibilities of each role are similar. These skills include "troubleshoot," "management system," and "linux. "Each job also requires different skills to carry out their responsibilities. A database specialist uses "database management," "database design," "database administration," and "windows." Application support specialists are more likely to have duties that require skills in "application support," "customer service," "application issues," and "hr. "application support specialists enjoy the best pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $98,607. For comparison, database specialists earn the highest salary in the finance industry.The average resume of application support specialists showed that they earn similar levels of education compared to database specialists. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 2.9% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.6%.

Types of database specialist

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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