Your Database Administrator Career Guide

Data management systems aid an increasing number of companies, helping them inform decisions, produce products, and target specific audiences every day. Advances in business intelligence (BI) technology have dramatically improved data collection and analysis. The way companies interpret and store data is critical—which is where the role of a database administrator comes in.

Starting a career as a database administrator requires a combination of educational credentials, workplace and technical skills, hands-on experience, and continued professional development. It's a popular career choice with a higher-than-average salary, a promising career outlook, and opportunities for advancement.

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IBM Data Science

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Data Science, Generative AI, Predictive Modelling, Data Analysis, Model Selection, Data Visualization, Python Programming, Pandas, Numpy, Dashboards and Charts, Matplotlib, dash, Relational Database Management System (RDBMS), Cloud Databases, Jupyter notebooks, SQL, regression, Clustering, SciPy and scikit-learn, classification, Machine Learning, CRISP-DM, Data Mining, Methodology, K-Means Clustering, Github, Jupyter Notebook, Data Science Methodology, Rstudio, Deep Learning, Big Data, Quering Databases, Data Generation, Interviewing Skills, Resume Building, Career Development, Job Preparation

What is the job outlook for database administrators?

Any company that utilises a database could need skilled professionals to create, maintain, and manage its systems. You can find opportunities in organisations ranging from small businesses to large enterprises, with Prospects noting that vacancies increasing year-over-year, suggesting sustained demand in the UK [1].

What is a database administrator?

Database administrators set up the database structure and applications according to the company's needs. These needs typically include data storage, database documentation, database security, and system administration. In short, you’ll perform functions to ensure the proper people have data accessibility in alignment with companies' strategic goals whilst protecting sensitive data. Quick access to critical information is vital for customer service, compliance, and use in business development.

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IBM Data Science

Prepare for a career as a data scientist. Build job-ready skills – and must-have AI skills – for an in-demand career. Earn a credential from IBM. No prior experience required.

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Average time: 4 month(s)

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Skills you'll build:

Data Science, Generative AI, Predictive Modelling, Data Analysis, Model Selection, Data Visualization, Python Programming, Pandas, Numpy, Dashboards and Charts, Matplotlib, dash, Relational Database Management System (RDBMS), Cloud Databases, Jupyter notebooks, SQL, regression, Clustering, SciPy and scikit-learn, classification, Machine Learning, CRISP-DM, Data Mining, Methodology, K-Means Clustering, Github, Jupyter Notebook, Data Science Methodology, Rstudio, Deep Learning, Big Data, Quering Databases, Data Generation, Interviewing Skills, Resume Building, Career Development, Job Preparation

What does a database administrator do?

The role of a database administrator varies according to the industry you work in and the type of data you're managing. Typically, you'll have the following duties:

• Identifying user needs and the appropriate database tools, such as database management software.

• Considering the need for storage space, network requirements, and memory when designing database architecture.

• Planning for database development, database installation, and continued database maintenance.

• Updating database systems, associated servers, and applications.

• Creating user profiles and managing access and permissions for database servers.

• Completing regular functionality tests to measure database performance.

• Creating database backups and recovery systems to ensure organisational data is secure.

• Monitoring technical support of databases and documenting complex issues.

• Using the database to produce queries for business intelligence reports.

Database administrator job description

To succeed in this position, you’ll need a robust skill set that includes familiarity with computers and specific programming languages. Database administration calls on a combination of workplace and technical skills to build and manage databases and work with staff who need access. These include:

Technical skills

• Knowledge of computer operating systems

• Microsoft Access

• Oracle

• HTML

• SQL

• Linux

• Java

• Unix

• Sybase

specialization

Applied Data Science

Get hands-on skills for a career in data science. Learn Python, analyze and visualize data. Apply your skills to data science and machine learning.

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Predictive Modelling, Data Analysis, Model Selection, Data Visualization, Python Programming, Dashboards and Charts, Matplotlib, dash, Pandas, Data Science, Jupyter notebooks, Numpy, K-Means Clustering, Github, Jupyter Notebook, Machine Learning, Data Science Methodology, Methodology

Workplace skills

• Attention to detail

• Ability to prioritise

• Logical thinking

• Detail-oriented

• Problem-solving ability 

• Highly organised

• Excellent communication skills

• Analytical approach 

Database administrator roles

Many database administrators work in-house, looking after internal databases for a specific company. However, specialities also exist within database administration, breaking the role down into areas focused on by different people. These generally fall into three categories:

1. Database design and creation

The first speciality involves creating and designing databases to suit the user's needs. This includes using SQL, coding, and tuning. These people usually work for a technology or software development company as part of a team that can create larger systems of which the database is a part. Relevant job titles include database specialist and database analyst.

2. Database monitoring and system administration

The second speciality is performance database administration, which concerns optimising database performance and making tweaks to improve performance. It’s a proactive role that focuses on improving performance to avoid problems. Relevant job titles include database administrator, systems administrator, and management information systems (MIS) administrator.

3. Database applications and environment

The last speciality is application database administration, which concentrates on integrating applications into databases. This backend work requires the use of a query language such as SQL. Application database administrators also write and debug programs and maintain applications. Relevant job titles include database programmer, database software developer, and database engineer.

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What is it like working in database administration?

Database administration spans industries, so work in this field offers many choices. As long as an organisation has a database, you may work in the private, public, or third sectors, increasing opportunities for remote work. 

Where do database administrators work?

Being a database administrator can be rewarding but also challenging. You must safeguard sensitive data and need to follow data protection laws. It’s highly specialised, and job opportunities are rising. The role is usually full-time, often as part of an IT team. The career is ever-changing as technology evolves, making it an exciting position that requires a good deal of adaptability.  

Database administrator salary 

According to the National Careers Service, the average database administrator's annual salary ranges from £24,000 to £45,000 per year [2].

The database administrator career path

Requirements for these roles vary depending on industry, company, and location. Relevant areas of study include operational research, computer science, maths, and computer information systems. Demonstrating your ability to use specific software and have technical skills beyond what's taught in a degree is essential. 

Gaining IT education and experience

Database administrators must demonstrate specific technical skills and hold a degree as a minimum. You may also enter this field via an apprenticeship. These skills can be from a previous position, such as an entry-level job like data entry, database assistant, or another IT role. You'll need experience to start your career before you can work up to managing sensitive data.

Earning database administrator certifications

Employers sometimes provide on-the-job training and expect database administrators to engage in professional development, which may include certifications. The following list contains some certificate programmes and online training to consider:

• Oracle Certified Professional (OCP)

• IBM Data Science Fundamentals with Python and SQL Specialisation

• Oracle Autonomous Database Administration

• Computer Service Technician (CST)

• IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate

• Microsoft Certified Database Administrator

• Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate

• IBM Certified Database Associate - DB2 9 Fundamentals

Take the next step in your data administration career with Coursera

Having the appropriate qualifications, experience, and skills is essential to building a thriving career as a database administrator. Consider exploring online courses and programmes to help boost your knowledge base and your CV. For example, after completing IBM's Data Science Professional Certificate or the standalone course, Database Management Essentials from the University of Colorado on Coursera, you’ll develop a solid foundation in database management to help advance your database management career journey.

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IBM Data Science

Prepare for a career as a data scientist. Build job-ready skills – and must-have AI skills – for an in-demand career. Earn a credential from IBM. No prior experience required.

4.6

(78,717 ratings)

711,872 already enrolled

Beginner level

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Average time: 4 month(s)

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Skills you'll build:

Data Science, Generative AI, Predictive Modelling, Data Analysis, Model Selection, Data Visualization, Python Programming, Pandas, Numpy, Dashboards and Charts, Matplotlib, dash, Relational Database Management System (RDBMS), Cloud Databases, Jupyter notebooks, SQL, regression, Clustering, SciPy and scikit-learn, classification, Machine Learning, CRISP-DM, Data Mining, Methodology, K-Means Clustering, Github, Jupyter Notebook, Data Science Methodology, Rstudio, Deep Learning, Big Data, Quering Databases, Data Generation, Interviewing Skills, Resume Building, Career Development, Job Preparation

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Database Management Essentials

Database Management Essentials provides the foundation you need for a career in database development, data warehousing, or business intelligence, as well as ...

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Average time: 122 hour(s)

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Skills you'll build:

Databases, Critical Thinking, Data Visualization, SQL