How To Become An SQL Database Administrator: What It Is and Career Path

What is an sql database administrator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

5 min read

An SQL database administrator (DBA) is responsible for managing and maintaining an organization's SQL databases. They ensure data security, availability, and integrity by creating backups, setting up disaster recovery plans, and performing routine maintenance tasks such as updating software and monitoring performance. SQL DBAs design and implement new databases and optimize existing ones to improve efficiency and meet business needs. They work closely with developers and other IT professionals to troubleshoot issues and provide technical support.

ScoreSQL Database AdministratorUS Average

Salary

7.0

Avg. Salary $89,648

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

4.4

Growth rate 9%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

2.6

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.53%

Asian 27.91%

Black or African American 6.04%

Hispanic or Latino 8.01%

Unknown 5.04%

White 52.47%

Gender

female 20.89%

male 79.11%

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

What are the pros and cons of being an sql database administrator?

Pros

High demand for skilled professionals
Competitive salary and benefits
Opportunities for growth and advancement
Constant learning and development of technical skills
Job security in a technology-driven industry

Cons

High-pressure job with tight deadlines
Long hours and potential for on-call work
High stress environment, particularly during system failures or data breaches
Constant need for attention to detail and accuracy
Continual need to stay up-to-date with changing technology and software updates

Key steps to become an sql database administrator

Explore sql database administrator education requirements

Most common sql database administrator degrees

Bachelor's

68.7 %

Master's

20.9 %

Associate

5.9 %

Start to develop specific sql database administrator skills

Skills	Percentages
Microsoft SQL Server	9.87%
Windows Server	5.25%
SSRS	5.03%
T-SQL	4.47%
Database Backup	4.21%

Complete relevant sql database administrator training and internships

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

Research sql database administrator duties and responsibilities

Create PHP page for loan officers to add to their contact list for leads which interact with the MySQL database.
Manage replication issues during DDL changes over data in Production\development servers.
Lead multiple infrastructure planning and implementation including instance strategy, technical platform selection, architecture design, backup and recovery strategy.
Convert DTS packages used to perform import of customer account and financial data into corporate databases to SSIS packages.

Prepare your sql database administrator resume

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