How to Become a Database Administrator

Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Database Administrator

What does a Database Administrator do?

A Database Administrator manages and maintains the company database of medium to high complexity. Optimizes database configuration and access. Being a Database Administrator resolves database performance and capacity issues. Performs database recovery and back-up. Additionally, Database Administrator may involve in some development work. May require a bachelor's degree of computer discipline or its equivalent. Typically reports to a manager. The Database Administrator gains exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. To be a Database Administrator typically requires 2 to 4 years of related experience.

People's Opinions on Database Administrator responsibilities

Database administrators benefit from a bachelor's degree or master's degree in computer science.

12/11/2019: Newark, NJ

A database administrator, also written DBA in the field, is primarily responsible for data integrity in an organization.

01/07/2020: Terre Haute, IN

There are many certifications available for becoming a certified database administrator.

10/20/2019: Chicago, IL

Many of these certifications are offered by database vendors themselves.

10/18/2019: San Bernardino, CA

Database administrator certifications may be earned by passing a series of tests and sometimes other requirements.

10/03/2019: Hopkinsville, KY
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Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Database Administrator

Best tips for those who want to become a Database Administrator

Here are some tips to become a Database Administrator.

People's Opinions on best tips

Don’t be afraid to take a unique path to your goal.

02/23/2020: Seattle, WA

Try to Build Centralized Data Systems.

11/06/2019: Battle Creek, MI

Manage Alerts and Notifications.

11/16/2019: Columbus, MS

Decide Which Technology – Oracle or Microsoft.

02/01/2020: Helena, MT

Streamline Backup and Restoration.

11/14/2019: Ann Arbor, MI
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Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Database Administrator

Best colleges and universities for Database Administrator

  • Butler University
  • Carroll College
  • Cooper Union
  • High Point University
  • Princeton University
  • Providence College

Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Database Administrator

Is being a Database Administrator Worth it?

People's Opinions on lifestyles

Work remotely to design, build and automate MongoDB architecture, design physical and logical database designs and set up and maintain backup and recovery.

12/26/2019: Utica, NY

Deliver database administration solutions employing SQL Server Database, TSQL, Tableau, SSIS, SSRS, SSAS, ETL.

12/19/2019: Augusta, GA

Provide after hours and weekend support as required for on call responsibilities, database refreshes, testing, technology upgrades, and other off hour assignments.

02/07/2020: Fort Lauderdale, FL

Participate as assigned in the testing and recommendation of tools and utilities to improve the effectiveness of managing and supporting the database environments.

12/22/2019: Seattle, WA

Your challenge will be administrating Oracle databases for top-tier US companies and assisting them with disaster recovery and cloud migration.

10/24/2019: Portland, OR
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Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Database Administrator

What skills do you need to be a Database Administrator?

In order to succeed at this level, when working with both management positions and positions more junior, a variety of skills are required.  A strong grasp of the following skills is needed to perform this role: Backup/Recovery, Change Data Capture, Data Archiving, Data Loss Prevention, Data Manipulation, Data Migration, Data Recovery, Data Retention, Data Validation, Database Migration, Database Monitoring/Alerts, Database Performance Tuning, Database Reporting, Database Management, Log Analysis, Log Management, Log Shipping, Scripting, Storage Management.  You would need to be proficient in the following: Database Software, Database Management System.  Although there may be many skills for success in this role, some companies may be willing to provide on the job training if you excel in other areas.

People's Opinions on Database Administrator skills

A database administrator's salary varies based on the area of expertise, level of experience, education, certifications, and other factors.

11/23/2019: Boca Raton, FL

This job role requires knowledge of the hardware prerequisites for an efficient database server and communicating those requirements to the system administrator.

01/17/2020: Ogden, UT

The DBA must understand the particular security model that the database product uses and how to use it effectively to control access to the data.

01/26/2020: Idaho Falls, ID

Experienced in cloning the databases using HOT and COLD backups.

12/12/2019: Sarasota, FL

Experienced in SQL, PL/SQL, Shell Scripting, Partitioning, Logical and Physical Database Design, Backup and Recovery procedures.

12/10/2019: Hopkinsville, KY
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Step 6: View average salary for Database Administrator

How much does a Database Administrator make?

The average salary range for a Database Administrator is from $90,307 to $114,140. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.

Salary range for a Database Administrator
$90,307 to $114,140

Step 7: Find relevant Database Administrator jobs, and apply.

Looking for Database Administrator jobs?

Here are some Database Administrator jobs in the United States.

Search Database Administrator Jobs in the United States

Step 8: Explore Career Path of Database Administrator