Database Administrators

What the job really is

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.

At a glance

• Sector: Computer & Mathematical
• O*NET-SOC code: 15-1242
• O*NET job zone: 4 — considerable preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• 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.
• Approve, schedule, plan, and supervise the installation and testing of new products and improvements to computer systems, such as the installation of new databases.
• Develop standards and guidelines for the use and acquisition of software and to protect vulnerable information.
• Write and code logical and physical database descriptions and specify identifiers of database to management system, or direct others in coding descriptions.
• Develop data models describing data elements and how they are used, following procedures and using pen, template, or computer software.

Tools and technology

AJAX, Amazon DynamoDB, Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud EC2, Amazon Redshift, Amazon Web Services AWS CloudFormation, Amazon Web Services AWS software, Ansible software, Apache Airflow, Apache Cassandra, Apache Hadoop, Apache Hive, Apache Kafka

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Database Architects
• Computer Systems Analysts
• Network and Computer Systems Administrators
• Software Developers
• Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
• Data Warehousing Specialists
• Information Security Engineers
• Web Administrators

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 4 (considerable preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Database Administrators — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.