Database systems administrator vs senior system administrator

The differences between database systems administrators and senior system administrators 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 systems administrator, becoming a senior system administrator takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a senior system administrator has an average salary of $98,146, which is higher than the $80,441 average annual salary of a database systems administrator.

The top three skills for a database systems administrator include database administration, windows server and e-business. The most important skills for a senior system administrator are linux, windows server, and troubleshoot.

Database systems administrator vs senior system administrator overview

	Database Systems Administrator	Senior System Administrator
Yearly salary	$80,441	$98,146
Hourly rate	$38.67	$47.19
Growth rate	9%	5%
Number of jobs	120,036	100,873
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 67%	Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Average age	46	43
Years of experience	4	2

What does a database systems administrator do?

The Database System Administrators outline, write and maintain computer database systems. They operate with database software to determine ways to organize, keep, and direct data. They distinguish user needs, establish computer databases, and assess systems making sure they work as they should. They also help maintain security, data stability, troubleshooting, and back up. Additionally, they supply user training, assistance, and feedback as well as create disaster recovery proposals. Skills required for the position include comprehension and relevant experience in database management systems.

What does a senior system administrator do?

A senior system administrator specializes in overseeing the computer system operations in an organization. Their responsibilities primarily revolve around monitoring the performance of all software and hardware, installing servers, configuring systems, and making sure every technical aspect is running smoothly. Should there be any issues, they must take charge of troubleshooting and providing solutions. As someone with more experience, a senior system administrator leads and evaluates the performances of fellow skilled professionals in the department, all while adhering to the company's policies and regulations.

Database systems administrator vs senior system administrator salary

Database systems administrators and senior system administrators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Database Systems Administrator	Senior System Administrator
Average salary	$80,441	$98,146
Salary range	Between $60,000 And $107,000	Between $75,000 And $126,000
Highest paying City	Seattle, WA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	Washington	California
Best paying company	Sysmex	Cambridge Associates
Best paying industry	Manufacturing	Finance

Differences between database systems administrator and senior system administrator education

There are a few differences between a database systems administrator and a senior system administrator in terms of educational background:

	Database Systems Administrator	Senior System Administrator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 67%	Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most common major	Computer Science	Computer Science
Most common college	Stanford University	Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Database systems administrator vs senior system administrator demographics

Here are the differences between database systems administrators' and senior system administrators' demographics:

	Database Systems Administrator	Senior System Administrator
Average age	46	43
Gender ratio	Male, 78.1% Female, 21.9%	Male, 89.0% Female, 11.0%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 8.2% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 9.3% Asian, 17.7% White, 59.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%	Black or African American, 8.9% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.6% Asian, 11.8% White, 61.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage	6%	9%

Differences between database systems administrator and senior system administrator duties and responsibilities

Database systems administrator example 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.
Monitor disk usage and manage space allocation utilizing LVM.
Administer and manage configurations for LAN-to-LAN and remote access VPN connections allowing for secure communications.

Senior system administrator example responsibilities.

Manage and optimize the design and delivery of project associate with AIX arena.
Manage all installs and setup of new servers, and server upgrades to server 2008 R2.
Implement IIS servers for both the internal and external web servers and managing security on all web servers.
Design, implement, and manage a network and domain extension in a remote location via a secure VPN link.
Manage Cisco network equipment including firewalls and switches.
Administer and manage daily backups via Symantec NetBackup.

Database systems administrator vs senior system administrator skills

Common database systems administrator skills

Database Administration, 5%
Windows Server, 5%
E-Business, 4%
Oracle Dba, 4%
Microsoft SQL Server, 4%
Troubleshoot, 4%

Common senior system administrator skills

Linux, 7%
Windows Server, 6%
Troubleshoot, 5%
System Administration, 4%
PowerShell, 4%
SAN, 4%

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Database Systems Administrator vs Senior System Administrator

Updated January 8, 2025

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