Computers and math
Database administrator
Administer, test, and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems. Coordinate changes to computer databases. Identify, investigate, and resolve database performance issues, database capacity, and database scalability. May plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases.
Median pay
$104,620
Growth to 2035
0%
little or no change
Openings a year
3,300
Time to qualify*
Minimal
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Database administrator
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Bachelor's degree
- On-the-job training
- None
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Database administrator: 16% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- Modify existing databases and database management systems or direct programmers and analysts to make changes.
- Plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard information in computer files against accidental or unauthorized damage, modification or disclosure.
- Plan and install upgrades of database management system software to enhance database performance.
- Specify users and user access levels for each segment of database.
- Test changes to database applications or systems.
- Test programs or databases, correct errors, and make necessary modifications.
- Train users and answer questions.
- Provide technical support to junior staff or clients.
Also called: Database Administration Manager · Database Administrator (DBA) · Database Analyst · Database Coordinator · Database Engineer · Database Manager · Development and Database Administration Manager · IS Admin (Information Systems Administrator)
Outlook and AI
Database administrators held 75,000 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 74,900 by 2035 (0%, little or no change; all jobs: +3.5%).
Occupational substitution, capital/labor substitution - share decreases as this occupation's tasks are increasingly automated and consolidated into other roles.
Compare with
- Database administrator vs. Database architect
- Database administrator vs. Computer systems analyst
- Database administrator vs. Network and computer systems administrators
- Database administrator vs. Software engineer
- Database administrator vs. Computer occupations, all other
- Database administrator vs. Information security analyst