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What is a senior database administrator and how to become one
A senior database administrator manages and maintains an organization's databases. They design, install, configure, and upgrade systems for efficient performance and security. Senior database administrators troubleshoot issues and suggest solutions to improve functionality. They work closely with developers, analysts, and IT professionals to create a database that meets the organization’s needs. In addition, they develop data management and disaster recovery policies. A senior database administrator requires an understanding of database technology, analytical skills, and communication.
What general advice would you give to a senior database administrator?
Eileen Cyr Ed.D.
Professor, Springfield College
Breathe - the airline advice of putting on your oxygen mask before assisting others is 100% applicable to today's teachers.
Avg. Salary $114,969
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 9%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.54%
Asian 25.34%
Black or African American 7.15%
Hispanic or Latino 8.68%
Unknown 5.13%
White 53.16%
Genderfemale 19.43%
male 80.57%
Age - 46American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 46Stress level is moderate
7.1 - high
Complexity level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work life balance is good
6.4 - fair
What are the pros and cons of being a senior database administrator?
Pros
High earning potential
In-demand skill set
Ability to work remotely
Job security
Potential for flexible work arrangements
Cons
Long hours, including evenings and weekends
Being on-call 24/7 for emergencies
Repetitive tasks can become tedious or boring
Sitting for long periods of time can lead to health issues
Limited opportunities for creative or innovative work
Senior database administrator career paths
Key steps to become a senior database administrator
Explore senior database administrator education requirements
Start to develop specific senior database administrator skills
Skills Percentages Linux 5.12% DBA 4.76% Troubleshoot 4.56% Database Administration 4.47% Microsoft SQL Server 4.42% Complete relevant senior database administrator training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New senior database 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 senior database administrator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real senior database administrator resumes.Research senior database administrator duties and responsibilities
- Manage and monitor disk space, database space, CPU, memory and cache, user connections.
- Conduct Linux administration activities and manage test databases.
- Lead multiple infrastructure planning and implementation including instance strategy, technical platform selection, architecture design, backup and recovery strategy.
- Install and configure databases on windows and Unix servers.
Get senior database administrator experience
Generally, it takes 2-4 years to become a senior database administrator. The most common roles before becoming a senior database administrator include database administrator, oracle database administrator team lead and senior oracle database administrator.Prepare your senior database administrator resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your senior database 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 senior database 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 senior database administrator resume templates
Build a professional senior database 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 senior database administrator resume.
Apply for senior database administrator jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a senior database administrator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first senior database administrator job
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Average senior database administrator salary
The average senior database administrator salary in the United States is $114,969 per year or $55 per hour. Senior database administrator salaries range between $88,000 and $149,000 per year.
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Updated January 8, 2025
