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What is a database systems administrator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
Dr. Ariful Azad Ph.D.

Database systems administrators develop and manage database systems, which a company uses in order to store and organize information. The database systems administrator chooses the best software for the company's needs, configures it so that data is easily accessed, and manages database security so that sensitive customer information, such as their financial records, are protected. In case of an emergency, they need to know how to recover data that's been lost due to a virus or crash. Database systems administrators need to know a lot about common database management software, such as TIVOLI. They also need to be proficient at using programming languages such as SQL and Perl.

Most database systems administrators have at least a bachelor's degree in computer science. Some choose to get additional certificates specializing in database management. In terms of professional experience, most database systems administrators have several years of experience working with databases before earning a promotion.

It takes several years of hard work to become a database systems administrator, but it pays off in the end. They earn an average salary of $77,250 a year.

What general advice would you give to a database systems administrator?

Dr. Ariful Azad Ph.D.

Director of Graduate Studies for the Dept. of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Assistant Professor of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Indiana University Bloomington

Look for a job that you would enjoy doing, even if it takes some time to find such a position. Internships are great to explore various options.
ScoreDatabase Systems AdministratorUS Average
Salary
6.3

Avg. Salary $80,441

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 17.66%

Black or African American 8.21%

Hispanic or Latino 9.32%

Unknown 5.21%

White 59.05%

Gender

female 21.92%

male 78.08%

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 systems administrator career paths

Key steps to become a database systems administrator

  1. Explore database systems administrator education requirements

    Most common database systems administrator degrees

    Bachelor's

    66.9 %

    Associate

    14.3 %

    Master's

    13.3 %
  2. Start to develop specific database systems administrator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Database Administration5.06%
    Windows Server4.76%
    E-Business4.38%
    Oracle Dba4.34%
    Microsoft SQL Server4.32%
  3. Complete relevant database systems administrator training and internships

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

    • Manage project to design and implement Microsoft SharePoint for the company's Intranet to all locations.
    • Create scripts (bash shell) to schedule and automate processes; and to monitor systems and critical applications.
    • Manage physical volumes, volume groups and logical volumes using AIX LVM in IBM p-series/Power5 servers and replace failed disk.
    • Configure TIVOLI and manage distribute monitoring alerts.
  5. Prepare your database systems administrator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your database systems 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 systems 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 systems administrator resume templates

    Build a professional database systems 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 systems administrator resume.
    Database Systems Administrator Resume
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    Database Systems Administrator Resume
    Database Systems Administrator Resume
    Database Systems Administrator Resume
    Database Systems Administrator Resume
    Database Systems Administrator Resume
  6. Apply for database systems administrator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a database systems 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 systems administrator job

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Average database systems administrator salary

The average database systems administrator salary in the United States is $80,441 per year or $39 per hour. Database systems administrator salaries range between $60,000 and $107,000 per year.

Average database systems administrator salary
$80,441 Yearly
$38.67 hourly

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Database systems administrator reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Pros

I work hard do my job good worker when i work i want the best out of my job starring with each other stand on the work

Cons

Nothing not doing my job


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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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