What does a Database Administrator do?
Database administrators ensure a company’s database is operational, secure, and searchable by building database systems according to the specialized roles of their users, and with regard to the end-users’ needs and views. They are responsible for the storing, organizing, presenting, and usage and analysis of the company’s database management software. They strive to meet the company’s storage and database needs through implementation of new databases or by integrating existing data from old to new systems. They also perform tests or modifications to ensure that a database runs and performs correctly.
Database administrators solve problems by troubleshooting programs or hardware to fix issues that arise. They routinely discuss and coordinate security measures with both the companies where they work and other administrators. They will use software to store and organize data and to ensure the data in their view is both secure from unauthorized access and simultaneously readily available for authorized users. As collaborators with data analysts, they ensure relevant parties can easily access the databases. Database administrators need a bachelor’s degree in information or computer science and often need a master’s degree in database information or information technology.
- Support the database management system and all related software.
- Also, monitor and manage database performance and troubleshoot database problems.
- Conduct performance tuning of indexes and databases in general.
- Perform database system backup and recovery functions via RMAN.
- Coordinate, recommend, configure, install and maintain Microsoft SQL servers.
- Conduct regular team meetings to ensure deliverables are met.
- Maintain data files and monitor systems configuration to ensure data integrity.
- Interact with clients, analysts, and other team members to resolve issues.
- Audit data hygiene reports making data updates as required.
- Create queries, exports, and reports, including customized reports as needed.
- Perform reviews and provide input to design and data flow.
- Manage data products, including production of dashboards senior managements use in reporting.
- Work with necessary teams to identify and report application bugs.
- Oversee the work of mid- and junior-level contractor DBAs.
- Work directly with customers' technical resources to devise and recommend solutions based on the understood requirements.
- Identify, and act on, areas for process improvement, and automation.
- Plan, coordinate, and recommend security measures to safeguard databases.
- Bachelor's or Graduate's Degree in computer science, engineering, information systems, or information technology or equivalent experience.
- Experience with Microsoft Vista and SQL Server.
- Experience with DMLSS, MYSQL, PostgreSQL, UNIX, and DBMS software and systems.
- Experience with Linux, Oracle Database, Cloud software and systems, and Agile.
- Familiarity with relational databases, backup and recovery, and scripting.
- Demonstrated high availability for client problem solving.
- Experience with enterprise resource planning.
- Experience with DB2 UDB, UDB, and DB2 software and systems.
Database Administrator Salaries
Average Base Pay
Database Administrator Career Path
Learn how to become a Database Administrator, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Database Administrator Insights
NuWare“There is a lot of respect for your personal time and I think nuware offers a good work life balance”
“It is an honest and hardworking organisation under the guidance of the founder Ms Yip.”
Ek Software“I am working here and I joined recently FEB 2022 cool Environment with good friends.”
MTN Nigeria“MTN is the best brand to work with because of the core values that is upheld top”
Trumid Financial“Not really a con as I sad above..Working extended hours when needed but that's rewarded”
Trumid Financial“It had been a great start up to work with to build skillset.Very ambitious team.”
General Motors (GM)“Meaning that you have a chance of getting a great manager or a terrible manager.”
BRGroup“I would highly recommend working at BRGroup to anyone who is looking for a great career opportunity.”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of database administrators
A database administrator, or DBA, sets up databases based on the needs of individual organizations and manages the operations of databases to ensure they run efficiently and correctly. On the typical day of a database administrator, a key responsibility is testing database functionality to make sure it's searchable, secure, and fully operational.
Working as a database administrator can be a fulfilling and appealing career for people who enjoy using technology. The need for database administrators continues to increase, making this an in-demand job that offers high earning potential and the opportunity for a good work-life balance.
The average salary for a database administrator is $5,536 per year. Advancing to a senior database administrator role increases the average salary considerably. A higher-level database administration role might involve managing other database administrators or handling more complex management tasks.
There are challenges to being a database administrator, as the position involves maintaining the security of a database and ensuring that all who need access can get into it. But attention to detail and strong technical skills can help individuals succeed in this role.