Database Administrator
Administer, test, and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems. Coordinate changes to computer databases. Identify, investigate, and resolve database performance issues, database capacity, and database scalability. May plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases.
Annual openings
120
BLS median wage
$118,340
Typical education
Flexible / varies by employer
10-year growth
+6%
Career requirements
What does this career require?
The education, credentials, and on-the-job competencies Colorado employers expect for this role.
Typical education
Flexible / varies by employer
Credential requirement
Getting certified in the appropriate or similar database administration environment or toolset can usually help you get a job – however, it’s important to understand which certifications employers want to see on your resume. You can do this by looking at current job postings to see what certifications employers are requiring.
Credential detail
Certifications that are valued by some employers include: • Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) • Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) • Oracle Database Administrator Certified Associate • Oracle Database Administrator Certified Professional • Information Technology Information Library (ITIL)
Work experience
No previous work experience is required for some roles, for others, one to three years from a lower level position is required.
Experience detail
This job could be a first job after completing education, could be a promotion from a lower-level administrator role, or could be a lateral move for a career preference match.
Remote work
Some companies (information technology companies for example) and jobs (such as call center support) offer the opportunity for staff to work remotely, including from rural locations. To see if a job offers this opportunity, please review job postings from job banks such as ZipRecruiter, Indeed or ConnectingColorado, and look for key words such as "location independent", "remote", "virtual", "telecommute", "flex" or for companies posting the same job in many locations.
Employer competency information
- Problem Solving & Decision Making — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions; creating alternative solutions to problems and selecting the one that best balances key considerations (e.g., requirements, ease of support, cost); bringing an independent perspective and creativity (“do not just copy and paste solutions”). Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve (e.g., wait time on a server, wait time on a query) or correct performance (e.g., system settings), particularly relative to databases and database management; evaluate systems proactively; creating and applying measures to monitor system performance with warning triggers.
- Critical & Analytical Thinking — Identifying a set of ways to solve a problem when it arises and then picking the best option given key criteria including cost, risks to the data and environment and other systems, and time; identify ways to preclude problems before they occur; efficiently troubleshoot when problems arise.
- Planning & Organizing — Monitoring/assessing performance of the IT system and its performance (e.g., up or not, processing speed, resource reserves including storage); ensuring data integrity (the data going in is correct, verified by checks and the system); preclude problems by spotting warning signs and reacting before problems arise.
Is this work a fit?
What the work actually feels like
How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.
Work style
- With kids/peopleOccasionally
- On a computerOccasionally
- Outdoors / on-siteOccasionally
- With your handsOccasionally
Interests it draws on
- Technology
Automation exposure
Low exposure
Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.
A typical day
- Modify existing databases and database management systems or direct programmers and analysts to make changes.
- Plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard information in computer files against accidental or unauthorized damage, modification or disclosure.
- Plan and install upgrades of database management system software to enhance database performance.
- Specify users and user access levels for each segment of database.
- Test changes to database applications or systems.
- Test programs or databases, correct errors, and make necessary modifications.