Database Administrator Career

A database administrator career looks very promising, especially with the continuous rise of Information Technology and the internet. This article is intended to educate individuals who are thinking about building a career as a database administrator by providing them with details they should know about this profession.

What is a Database Administrator?

A database administrator is the person in charge of the set-up, design, and maintenance of a company’s database. They often work closely with computer programmers and database analysts, and have their very own department in most companies collectively known as the IT Department. Most professionals in this career field work 40 hours every week though some may work longer than that depending on the needs of the company.

Database Administrator Job Duties

A database administrator’s scope of responsibilities includes storing, analyzing, organizing, and using data. They test computer systems and databases, as well as troubleshoot and coordinate for needed changes. They identify a user’s requirements and at the same time, they are tasked to set up computer databases. In addition to this, they are also responsible for integrating data for both old and new systems and they ensure that everything is working smoothly.

Database Administrator Skills

A database administrator should possess certain skills that will make this person better suited for the job. Aside from computer knowledge and technical skills, it is required that this professional should have strong problem-solving skills. He or she must also be highly analytical since the job entails paying close attention to every detail. Aside from this, a database administrator must also have personal qualities including teamwork and excellent communication skills because he or she will be working with a team of individuals.

Database Administrator Education

To have a database administrator career, an individual must have a bachelor’s degree, or at the very least, an associate’ degree with a major in computer science, management information systems, or information science. Database administrators whose line of work specializes on network architecture would often be required by employers to have MBA programs, whereas webmaster database administrators would only need an associate degree or a professional certification.

Database Administrator Salary

Not only is the database administrator career in demand but it also offers very good compensation packages. Based on the data gathered as of 2009, the mean hourly wage is $35.72, with a mean annual wage of $74,290. Entry-level database administrators can have a salary of $40,780 however most highly skilled and qualified professionals in this field can be paid as much as $114,200 per year.

Database Administrator Job Outlook

The future of database administrators seems to be very solid. Early projections show that people in this career path will have a very bright future ahead, since employment has been projected to rise by 20% until 2018. But as an added note, growth in this occupation is being affected by offshore outsourcing. Many companies have decided to employ database administrators from other countries with lower wages.

With a projected growth of 20% until 2018, which translates to 286,600 new jobs, individuals can expect great employment prospects from this profession. By equipping themselves with the needed education, training, and skills, a bright future awaits database administrators.