Network administrator vs database administrator

The differences between network administrators and database administrators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a network administrator, becoming a database administrator takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a database administrator has an average salary of $81,960, which is higher than the $71,357 average annual salary of a network administrator.

The top three skills for a network administrator include switches, windows server and troubleshoot. The most important skills for a database administrator are customer service, linux, and microsoft sql server.

Network administrator vs database administrator overview

	Network Administrator	Database Administrator
Yearly salary	$71,357	$81,960
Hourly rate	$34.31	$39.40
Growth rate	5%	9%
Number of jobs	106,886	56,992
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 55%	Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Average age	43	46
Years of experience	2	4

What does a network administrator do?

A network administrator is responsible for managing an organization's computer systems, ensuring its smooth operations and highest efficiency. Network administrators' duties include inspecting network malfunctions, troubleshooting unresponsive programs, improving system processes, analyzing client's specifications, upgrading existing applications, coordinating with the technology department, and creating a report of network issues resolutions. A network administrator should display a strong command of programming languages. Extensive knowledge in the technology industry and analytical and problem-solving skills to manage network problems immediately is also necessary.

What does a database administrator do?

Database administrators use specially designed software to keep, organize, restore, and secure data for businesses, employees, and customers from unauthorized people or unwanted users. They search for potential security risks or issues and proactively correct or find appropriate solutions. They are highly trained tech experts who work full-time for establishments that give computer design services or in industries that have huge databases, such as educational academies, institutions, and insurance firms. It is their responsibility to closely monitor the database system to ensure efficiency and functionality. They work jointly with information systems managers to customize database solutions based on corporate needs. They also coordinate the systems that data analysts use for translating numbers into strategic business plans.

Network administrator vs database administrator salary

Network administrators and database administrators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Network Administrator	Database Administrator
Average salary	$71,357	$81,960
Salary range	Between $56,000 And $90,000	Between $60,000 And $111,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	Seattle, WA
Highest paying state	Washington	Washington
Best paying company	Google	The Citadel
Best paying industry	Finance	Health Care

Differences between network administrator and database administrator education

There are a few differences between a network administrator and a database administrator in terms of educational background:

	Network Administrator	Database Administrator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 55%	Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Most common major	Computer Science	Business
Most common college	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Stanford University

Network administrator vs database administrator demographics

Here are the differences between network administrators' and database administrators' demographics:

	Network Administrator	Database Administrator
Average age	43	46
Gender ratio	Male, 88.6% Female, 11.4%	Male, 61.4% Female, 38.6%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 8.8% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.5% Asian, 9.6% White, 63.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%	Black or African American, 8.1% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 9.2% Asian, 17.7% White, 59.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	9%	6%

Differences between network administrator and database administrator duties and responsibilities

Network administrator example responsibilities.

Lead and manage desktop standards project.
Manage backups using EMC Networker and Avamar.
Manage Solarwinds to monitor servers and networks for all locations.
Manage all provisioning and technical issues for new customer IP blocks.
Deploy and manage storage (windows file servers and NetApp NAS).
Manage all technology: Novell, Microsoft, Cisco, email, library, labs, dorms, programs

Database administrator example responsibilities.

Deploy and manage VMware horizon view on CISCO UCS for VDI deployemet.
Create and manage database security, data encryption, and apply object level security.
Resolve ASM errors, which lead to complete dysfunction of the ASM due to capacity issues.
Fix grid control alerts on the database and monitor the database using grid control including managing of templates.
Create and manage DTS and SSIS jobs to perform extra back up support for company's back up agent and procedure.
Lead multiple infrastructure planning and implementation including instance strategy, technical platform selection, architecture design, backup and recovery strategy.

Network administrator vs database administrator skills

Common network administrator skills

Switches, 7%
Windows Server, 6%
Troubleshoot, 5%
Network Hardware, 5%
Routers, 4%
Lan Wan, 4%

Common database administrator skills

Customer Service, 5%
Linux, 5%
Microsoft SQL Server, 5%
DBA, 4%
Troubleshoot, 4%
Database Administration, 4%

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Network Administrator vs Database Administrator

Updated January 8, 2025

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