What Does a Database Analyst Do? Your 2024 Guide

Database analysts perform various tasks to support an organization's database, providing critical functions for any company that uses data. Those functions include handling who can access or view the database, maintaining and upgrading the database to protect formatting and security, and participating in data cleaning to ensure all structures are constructed safely while providing an optimal user experience.

By 2025, the world will generate an estimated 181 zettabytes of data, up from 97 zettabytes in 2022, according to estimates from Statista [1]. This statistic suggests the need for data professionals will remain ongoing, including data-driven professions such as database analysts.

Read more to explore the role of a database analyst, along with other details like salary information and the type of background that can help you succeed.

Read more: What Does a Data Analyst Do? Your Career Guide

What does a database analyst do? 

Database analysts help companies manage their databases by evaluating existing databases, suggesting strategies for improvements, and overseeing the design and implementation of new databases. In this role, you will need to be familiar with the organization's regulations and goals to ensure that all database processes align accordingly.

You will ensure that the company's databases comply with industry-standard best practices, help contain costs while ensuring optimal operations, and use database analytics to maintain and manage the database. In addition to analyzing, testing, developing, and maintaining the databases, you may also provide support for data-based software.

Read more: 7 In-Demand Data Analyst Skills to Get You Hired

Database analyst tasks and responsibilities 

In this role, your main job is to maintain data storage and innovate ways for a company to handle data collection and storage. Additional duties may include the following:

• Overseeing the development and modification of company databases

• Assessing database design and optimizing according to the company's objectives

• Gathering and interpreting data from the database

• Evaluate existing databases using testing methods and tools

• Preparing reports and making recommendations based on those findings

• Ensuring database accuracy

• Overseeing users' system access

Data analytics vs. database analytics

Data analytics allows professionals to use the information found in data to drive decisions, spot trends, and gain insights about everything from consumer behavior to employee engagement. It applies across various industries and offers value to professionals of all types.

Similarly, database analytics provide data for decision-making. However, this data is specific to the database itself. It provides insight into usage and runtime. It can also tell you how much memory or bandwidth the database uses and the remaining storage. Armed with these details, you'll have the necessary information to fulfill your responsibilities and support your organization's needs and goals. 

Read more: What Is Data Analysis? (With Examples)

Database analyst vs. database administrator or architect

While database analysts use the information in databases to support business functions and strategize ways of collecting that data, other professionals also play a role in working with databases. Other similar jobs include database administrators and architects. How do these roles differ?

Database administrators ensure that data analysts have easy access to the databases they need to find and analyze information. They also oversee security measures to protect databases, monitor operations, and provide ongoing support.

Database architects design new databases, build models, and create the data architecture needed to construct entirely new databases and integrate existing ones into them if needed. They test any modifications and research technical requirements to ensure databases fit within a company's needs.

Read more: What Does a Data Architect Do? A Career Guide

What tools do database analysts use? 

Since database management is part of your tasks, you can expect to use database management tools. These systems, equipment, and software can help you better monitor and manage the database, improve operations, and increase functionality. Some popular examples include:

• MySQL, which allows you to download and transfer information across networks and various applications

• ManageEngine Applications Manager, which helps with tracking database system usage and can help you identify risks and track performance

• DbVisualizer, which helps you quickly see information on large databases to improve efficiency and management

In addition to database management tools, you may also use design and monitoring tools. Depending on the nature of your role, you may use data-cleaning tools as part of your job as well. 

Read more: SQL vs. MySQL: Differences, Similarities, Uses, and Benefits

Database design tools

As a database analyst, you will oversee and sometimes participate in database design. Therefore, it’s essential to be familiar with database design tools, including CASE (computer-aided software engineering) tools. Examples include AllFusion ERwin Data Modeler from AllFusion, Rational Data Architect from IBM, and PowerDesigner from Sybase. These tools help support design and implementation, make diagram creation easier, and facilitate model creation. 

Database monitoring tools

Monitoring databases is another essential element of the role. You'll likely want to track metrics like hardware memory and processing power, the performance of SQL queries, and any concurrency issues that arise when multiple users access the database simultaneously. Working with database monitoring tools can help streamline the process, spot and fix problems faster, and increase awareness of potential security issues. Examples of database monitoring tools include: 

• Database Performance Analyzer from SolarWinds

• SQL Power Tools

• dbWatch

• Redgate SQL Monitor

• Site24x7

Data cleaning tools

Depending on the nature of your exact job, you may also work with data cleaning tools to eliminate database errors and mismatches using VBA and SQL codes. You may also use tools such as WinPure, OpenRefine, or Alteryx to clean database data sets, remove duplicates, and convert data into various formats as needed.

Salary and job outlook for a database analyst 

Database analysts in the US earn an average base salary of $101,392 per year, according to Glassdoor [2]. Various factors can affect how much you'll make. For example, an entry-level database analyst earns an average salary of $69,1871, while someone with 15 or more years of experience earns $117,197 on average [2]. 

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics ((BLS) expects the demand for professionals in similar roles to grow by 8 percent in the decade from 2022 through 2032 [3]. Additionally, the larger data analytics market continues growing, with Fortune Business Insights predicting it will reach more than $745 billion by 2030 [4]. That growth is likely to support data-related jobs of all types, particularly since database analysts can be an asset to any company that uses data.

Required skills, education, experience, and certifications

Database analysts are natural problem solvers. They troubleshoot problems as they arise and monitor security protocols to prevent breaches. To be effective, they need a strong knowledge base and skill set. 

Below, examine some of the qualifications you need (and those that can help) to enter the field and gain a role as a database analyst. 

Education

Having a bachelor's degree is the standard among typical database analyst jobs. According to Zippia, 69 percent of people in this role have a bachelor's, many having a background in computer science, management information systems, or business. Another 14 percent have a master's and 12 percent have an associate [5].

What skills are needed to become a database analyst? 

Having a solid skill set is a must. Not only will you need technical skills, but you’ll also need workplace skills like critical thinking and interpersonal communication. 

Technical skills

• Database management

• Database administration

• Database design

• Data analysis

• Data warehousing

• Database schemas, architecture, and tuning

• Proficiency in SQL

• ETL (extraction transformation and loading)

Read more: 7 Skills Every Data Scientist Should Have

Workplace skills

• Strong communication 

• Problem-solving and critical thinking

• Collaboration

• Troubleshooting

• Planning and organization

• Attention to detail

Certifications

The industry doesn’t require certification for this role. However, gaining vendor-neutral certifications or credentials from software vendors may be helpful. Some employers may require you to be certified in specific platforms or products. A couple of credentials to consider include:

• Oracle Certified Professional, MySQL 8.0 Database Administrator, which demonstrates your proficiency working with MySQL, including installing, applying security measures, optimizing it, and validating database backups

• Oracle Database SQL Certified Associate, which demonstrates your ability to understand SQL language, create Oracle database tables, and perform data modeling

Experience

As a database analyst, you will have significant responsibilities in overseeing the organization’s database. You’ll typically need at least a year or more in a data-related role, although many employers look for candidates with hands-on experience to demonstrate practical skills. 

Paths to becoming a database analyst 

You have several paths open to you on your way to becoming a database analyst. Working in entry-level data roles will help you gain the knowledge and professional expertise needed. For example, you might consider entry-level roles in data analytics or data management like database analyst, database administrator, or applications developer. With a year or two of time on the job, you might move into a data manager or programmer analyst role before ultimately getting a job as an analytical manager. 

Database analyst career advancement

After working as a database analyst, you might wonder where you can take your career next. A senior database analyst in the US can earn an average of $130,028, according to Glassdoor [6]. According to Zippia, many people advance their careers and go on to work as data analysts, database administrators, or business analysts [7]. Depending on where you work and the role you aspire to get, you may need additional certifications or continuing education to advance your career. 

Get started today

Database analysts use their coding and IT skills to monitor databases for security, efficiency, and functionality. Working as a database analyst can be rewarding, but you must have the necessary skills and knowledge. If you’re just starting, consider taking an online course like Meta’s Database Engineer Professional Certificate on Coursera, which can help you become familiar with SQL, database creation, and data modeling. Alternatively, the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate can take you from beginner to job-ready to begin your career path.