How to Become a Database Administrator Career Path and Job Description

The answer lies in getting an entry-level IT support joband working your way up to DBA. However, even getting an entry-level IT job is not that easy, as employers expect people in these roles to have proven skills. We simplied the whole process of picking a bootcamp into a simple and fun 21 Day Challenge. To get started, download the Career Karma app and join thousands of people taking control of their careers and switching into technology. For example, let’s say you are working for an education course provider. Your responsibility would be to ensure all data for the provider’s courses was stored safely and ensure students could readily access the information they need when they need it.

• Individuals who are interested in becoming a database administrator can start by developing the skills they’ll need to be successful in this field.
• In your work as a database administrator, you will likely experience SQL queries or statements that take unacceptably long to run and return results.
• The database analyst’s role may be similar to that of the database architect.
• The ability to solve problems and troubleshoot database issues as they arise.
• Learn about the education and preparation needed to become a marketing communication manager.

Many different types of DBAs exist, the most common type being the general-purpose DBA, who performs all types of administrative and data-related work. However, it’s not uncommon for DBAs to focus on specific problem domains. Monster data shows the median database administrator salary is $89,740 per year. Pay varies depending on where you work and your experience level.

How to be a database administrator

Responsibility for maintaining a fully functioning database also lies with the database administrator. Database administrators must regularly perform routine tests and modifications to ensure that a database is performing and running correctly.

Many companies may offer to pay for the certification costs, as new certifications increase the skill level of their employees and may positively impact the quality of work going forward. Numerous companies, agencies, educational institutions, and medical institutions require increasingly complex data to be managed, analyzed, and securely stored. Database administrators are in high demand for providing accurate, safe storage of personal, financial, and other proprietary data.

After Getting Your First DBA Job

A strong generalized background in relational database management systems, including an understanding of structured query language , is a basic prerequisite for all database professionals. More specific and advanced database skills and knowledge are required to operate specific platforms, including various Oracle products , Microsoft SQL Server, IBM DB2 and more. The BLS states that most database administrators have a bachelor’s degree. How to become a cloud engineer Database administrator degree programs at the bachelor’s level are available in computer information systems with a concentration in database systems, computer science or in the computer and information sciences. These starting positions of database developer and data analyst can be an excellent way to learn new skills while gaining industry experience, without the pressure of overseeing others at the administrative level.

The DBA would also ensure professors could amend courses when changes were required. Association for Information Science and Technology ASIS&T, an interdisciplinary association of professionals, encourages skill-building and career development related to information sciences and technologies. This association provides continuing education, publications, and other valuable information. Linux Foundation Training Dedicated to spreading quality technology education across the globe, the Linux Foundation offers certification programs and courses. Given that I graduated college with over three years of work experience, I had no trouble finding a job.

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It plays a vital role when database management comes into the picture. If you are also looking to start your career in the field of database administration, keep reading this article to know step by step how to achieve this goal.

Database administrators who work in data processing and hosting services make an average of $103,930 per year, while those who work in education typically earn a salary of $75,520, according to the BLS. If you plan on pursuing a master’s degree, add on another one to three years. Additionally, it can take several weeks or months to learn a specific database program and get certified in that program. Database administrators How To Become a Project Manager: A Comprehensive Guide take on the vital role of protecting data from identity thieves and other cybercriminals. Add to that plentiful job opportunities and the potential to earn a six-figure salary, and you’re on your way to a rewarding career. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , database administrator jobs are expected to increase by 10% over the next ten years—that’s much higher than the average occupational growth rate.

Your Path Toward a Career as a Database Administrator Starts at Maryville

For example, a DBA may be assigned to an application team to assist with integration between a database and a broader application. The DBA may also be responsible for working with business analysts to derive insights from a dataset. As the internet and technology become increasingly important parts of our lives, the amount of data we are generating has been growing. Hire the Best Freelance Razor Developers Updated Daily This means that there has been a growth in demand for qualified database administrators who can manage this data. Meanwhile, New Jersey, Washington, California, Connecticut, and New York pay database administrators the highest mean wages. Still, aspiring professionals must consider the cost of living in major metropolitan areas when choosing their work location.

• After all, data is the currency of the future, and if you can establish yourself as an administrator of that data, then you’ll always be in demand.
• Most organizations require a four-year college degree in an IT field.
• As for your daily routine, most database administrators work in an office setting at a computer workstation.
• Take a look at my post series Your Road To Becoming a DBA for information on how to get started on a career as a DBA.
• Most beginning DBA’s start learning Oracle after earning a Bachelors or masters degree in computer science or information systems.

This means a programming language like R or Python, commonly used in statistics, and a database language such as SQL. You should also know about how to interact with different database clients such as PostgreSQL, MySQL, and NoSQL. AIS’s career services include an academic careers job board, an information systems and technology job board, networking services, and career development information. This is also an optional step, as it’s related to the previous step of getting a role as a database developer first. The next step, after you’ve decided between Oracle and Microsoft, is to learn the SQL language related to that type of database. Sure, there are other database systems out there, but they are not as widely used in companies these days.

Essential Steps Toward Becoming a SQL Server DBA

A casual intrection with our Analytics team yelded not much information except that I will have to aquire skills related to BI and doing SAAS and MS SQL Server will be helpful. I am a system Engineer and this my first job but I want to change my profile. I’m not sure where this exactly will land myself, but I have a 2 year old daughter to think of and a computer science degree will be some where positive. If your path is one that you have consciously chosen to follow and it’s headed where you want to go then absolutely. Ultimately you need to decide what’s the right balance for your business and your future plans. I hope I’ve answered your questions and please feel free to drop me an email if I can help further.