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What does a junior database administrator do?

Updated January 8, 2025
8 min read
Quoted expert
Dr. Richard Huff Ph.D.

A junior database administrator is in charge of managing and overseeing databases, reporting to senior administrators as needed. Their responsibilities typically revolve around coordinating with different departments to gather and ensure data accuracy, maintaining records of all transactions by updating databases, identifying errors or inconsistencies, and performing corrective measures as needed. They may also provide support to staff in complicated areas and resolve issues promptly. Furthermore, as a junior database administrator, it is essential to monitor the performance and security of databases to ensure data safety and smooth workflow.

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Junior database administrator responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real junior database administrator resumes:

  • Create users, roles, and profiles to manage CPU resources and accessibility.
  • Work on automatic storage management (ASM) for managing data in SAN.
  • Lead multiple infrastructure planning and implementation including instance strategy, technical platform selection, architecture design, backup and recovery strategy.
  • Migrate databases from HP-UX to AIX.
  • Create databases on Linux and windows platform\
  • Create SSIS packages to validate, extract, transform and load data to data warehouse databases.
  • Create SSIS packages successfully in production environment.
  • Run commands and scripts in UNIX and SQL.
  • Install agents on various AIX database servers.
  • Migrate database from windows to Linux using RMAN convert.
  • Plan for storage spaces requirements and placing them for optimum I/O performance.
  • Involve in tuning of database by creating efficient store procedures and T-SQL statements.
  • Design, development and maintenance of reports using report services (SSRS).
  • Perform ETL processes to extract, clean and store data from various sources.
  • Perform backup and restoration of databases, as well as troubleshoot and resolve user problems.

Junior database administrator skills and personality traits

We calculated that 6% of Junior Database Administrators are proficient in Microsoft SQL Server, Database Objects, and Database Backup. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Detail oriented.

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

  • Microsoft SQL Server, 6%

    Install, configure, and support Microsoft SQL servers, including clustering, SQL AlwaysOn, and Log Shipping.

  • Database Objects, 6%

    Support activities including designing database objects, creating database objects, and migrating objects from non-production environments to production.

  • Database Backup, 6%

    Enhance database performance, responsible for database backups, implement recovery procedures, and documented new database implementations.

  • PL/SQL, 5%

    Develop, run, and maintain all company reports using PL/SQL and Microsoft SQL queries, stored procedures, and views.

  • DBA, 5%

    Supported and upgraded University's DBA production databases (Oracle 8i, 9i, Oracle Portal) on an 8-week basis.

  • Troubleshoot, 5%

    Provide 'On Call' support, to troubleshoot any database issues as and when they arise.

Most junior database administrators use their skills in "microsoft sql server," "database objects," and "database backup" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential junior database administrator responsibilities here:

Analytical skills. One of the key soft skills for a junior database administrator to have is analytical skills. You can see how this relates to what junior database administrators do because "dbas must monitor a database system’s performance to determine when action is needed." Additionally, a junior database administrator resume shows how junior database administrators use analytical skills: "monitored and maintained database performance and identified / recommended areas that can be improved. "

Communication skills. Another essential skill to perform junior database administrator duties is communication skills. Junior database administrators responsibilities require that "most database administrators work on teams and need to communicate effectively with developers, managers, and other workers." Junior database administrators also use communication skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "manage db2 database administration telecommunications billing systems. "

Detail oriented. junior database administrators are also known for detail oriented, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to junior database administrator responsibilities, because "working with databases requires an understanding of complex systems, in which a minor error can cause major problems." A junior database administrator resume example shows how detail oriented is used in the workplace: "use sales force to manage account details and erp queue. "

Problem-solving skills. junior database administrator responsibilities often require "problem-solving skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "when database problems arise, administrators must troubleshoot and correct the problems." This resume example shows what junior database administrators do with problem-solving skills on a typical day: "skilled in database administration, monitoring, problem prevention, and quick problem resolution. "

Most common junior database administrator skills

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Compare different junior database administrators

Junior database administrator vs. Pl/sql developer

A PL/SQL developer is responsible for managing and designing the network interface of PL/SQL packages according to business requirements and core specifications. PL/SQL developers must have excellent knowledge of technical solutions to create efficient databases and applications with optimal infrastructure and excellent navigation. They conduct multiple quality assessments to ensure the stability of systems before releasing the final outputs, including the development of instructional manuals and troubleshooting guides. A PL/SQL developer also enhance the features of existing packages and resolve possible downtimes and delays.

The annual salary of pl/sql developers is $12,149 higher than the average salary of junior database administrators.While the two careers have a salary gap, they share some of the same responsibilities. Employees in both junior database administrator and pl/sql developer positions are skilled in database objects, pl/sql, and dba.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between junior database administrators and pl/sql developer. For instance, junior database administrator responsibilities require skills such as "microsoft sql server," "database backup," "troubleshoot," and "database administration." Whereas a pl/sql developer is skilled in "sql navigator," "pl/sql packages," "sql loader," and "sql scripts." This is part of what separates the two careers.

Pl/sql developers really shine in the finance industry with an average salary of $98,883. Comparatively, junior database administrators tend to make the most money in the finance industry with an average salary of $82,435.The education levels that pl/sql developers earn slightly differ from junior database administrators. In particular, pl/sql developers are 7.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a junior database administrator. Additionally, they're 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Junior database administrator vs. Sql developer

An SQL developer is responsible for designing database systems for storing and accessing business information. SQL developers incorporate a high-level of data management and technical knowledge to ensure the safety and security of the systems, preventing unauthorized access that may put the company's reputation in jeopardy. They evaluate the network infrastructure, run multiple diagnostic tests, and update the information security systems for optimal performance and efficient navigation. An SQL developer must have excellent skills in programming languages, data engineering, and software management to handle the complexities of system commands and data validation.

A career as a sql developer brings a higher average salary when compared to the average annual salary of a junior database administrator. In fact, sql developers salary is $11,490 higher than the salary of junior database administrators per year.A few skills overlap for junior database administrators and sql developers. Resumes from both professions show that the duties of each career rely on skills like "microsoft sql server," "database objects," and "pl/sql. "

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, junior database administrator responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "database backup," "troubleshoot," "database administration," and "recovery procedures." Meanwhile, an sql developer has duties that require skills in areas such as "sql server analysis," "ssis packages," "c # .net," and "power bi." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

Sql developers may earn a higher salary than junior database administrators, but sql developers earn the most pay in the health care industry with an average salary of $93,938. On the other hand, junior database administrators receive higher pay in the finance industry, where they earn an average salary of $82,435.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Sql developers tend to reach higher levels of education than junior database administrators. In fact, they're 6.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for junior database administrators in the next 3-5 years?

Dr. Richard Huff Ph.D.Dr. Richard Huff Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Assistant professor, assistant chair, Virginia Commonwealth University

The emphasis on data-driven public policy, management, and decision making will continue to require a creative and ethical approach to data analytics. Public agencies will have a need for technical expertise tempered with the recognition of the increasing demands for high levels of trust among stakeholders for how data is safeguarded and managed.

As custodians of sensitive data, in many cases, there is a demand for a high level of trustworthiness to be earned by public officials. I would expect agencies will need to set a high bar for ethical standards and communicate them consistently. This will be particularly true for developing and using artificial intelligence (AI). While the future public servant will need a grounding in understanding, interpreting, and using data in meaningful ways, there will continue to be a critical need for ethical sensitivity and reasoning to ensure public policies and programs heed increasing demands for social equity and justice. Technology advancements are unavoidable for the foreseeable future and need to be harnessed and applied appropriately by professional, principled, and ethical public servants.

Junior database administrator vs. Bi developer

A BI developer, also known as a business intelligence developer, is primarily responsible for designing and implementing different systems that solve and improve business processes and operations. Their responsibilities revolve around coordinating with department personnel to gather accurate data, performing research and analysis, evaluating and improving existing business systems, and conducting regular inspections, providing corrective measures should there be any issues. Moreover, one must generate reports and maintain accurate data of all processes and transactions, in adherence to the company's policies and regulations.

On average scale, bi developers bring in higher salaries than junior database administrators. In fact, they earn a $15,632 higher salary per year.junior database administrators and bi developers both have job responsibilities that require similar skill sets. These similarities include skills such as "microsoft sql server," "database objects," and "pl/sql," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a junior database administrator is likely to be skilled in "database backup," "troubleshoot," "database administration," and "recovery procedures," while a typical bi developer is skilled in "power bi," "dashboards," "data analysis," and "ssas."

Bi developers earn the best pay in the health care industry, where they command an average salary of $95,173. Junior database administrators earn the highest pay from the finance industry, with an average salary of $82,435.bi developers typically earn higher educational levels compared to junior database administrators. Specifically, they're 14.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.6% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Junior database administrator vs. Sql server developer

A structured query language (SQL) server developer is a specialist who is tasked to develop and maintain systems to store, organize, and access databases. With their experience in data architect and management, SQL server developers can develop and scale SQL databases based on the needs of their organization. They conduct troubleshooting in databases which involve data validation and extensive testing to ensure that the end user's specifications are met. They are also involved in the maintenance of the organization's server.

Sql server developers tend to earn a higher pay than junior database administrators by an average of $13,164 per year.While their salaries may vary, junior database administrators and sql server developers both use similar skills to perform their duties. Resumes from both professions include skills like "microsoft sql server," "database objects," and "pl/sql. "While some skills are required in each professionacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities, there are some differences to note. "database backup," "dba," "troubleshoot," and "database administration" are skills that commonly show up on junior database administrator resumes. On the other hand, sql server developers use skills like sql server analysis, ssis packages, ssas, and sql server profiler on their resumes.sql server developers enjoy the best pay in the health care industry, with an average salary of $95,274. For comparison, junior database administrators earn the highest salary in the finance industry.The average resume of sql server developers showed that they earn higher levels of education compared to junior database administrators. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 8.2% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.2%.

Types of junior database administrator

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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