OVERVIEW
What Is a Database Administrator?
Database administrators help companies manage their data, no matter what form it takes. In the process, you’ll often help organizations install relevant data management platforms, configure programs to securely store information, migrate this data to different servers and employee devices, and troubleshoot issues when clients experience difficulty accessing required data.
One of the top available careers for individuals with a data management or data analytics degree, the role of a database administrator typically requires at least an undergraduate degree. In addition, you might need a few years of relevant database management experience to qualify for hire by some employers.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Database Administrator Do?
On a day-to-day basis, a database administrator fulfills a wide range of responsibilities. Whether you’re inputting data, updating firewalls, or configuring their data platforms, you’ll be constantly involved in helping clients manage their own information.
The exact responsibilities of a database administrator can include:
- Installing database servers.
- Maintaining databases for clients or employers.
- Managing database access, to ensure that employees receive access only to the information they need.
- Updating database access parameters and available data according to client or employer preferences.
- Protecting databases from data loss or cybersecurity breaches.
- Troubleshooting issues with database performance or access.
- Communicating with clients and fellow database administrators.
- Updating database platforms to reflect current database management best practices.
- Researching the latest database protection and management methods for potential integration.
These and other responsibilities keep database administrators busy as they work to simultaneously keep a client’s data safe and readily available upon request.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
What Education Does a Database Administrator Need?
If you're interested in securing a stable, high-paying IT career like that of a database administrator, you’ll first need to obtain a bachelor’s degree. A strong option is to earn a bachelor’s degree in information technology, through which you can gain a foundation in modern computing and IT principles.
Many aspiring database administrators consider a bachelor’s degree program in cloud computing, where they develop proficiency in IT applications, network security, and cloud applications. Each field of study with this degree will immediately benefit your skill set once you begin a career as a database administrator.
Alternatively, other students prefer to obtain a bachelor’s degree in data analytics. This program teaches skills like data analysis, machine learning, data visualization, and data systems administration to fully inform your understanding of a database administrator’s role.
Along with a bachelor’s degree, top industry certifications can help you stand out from the competition as you work to find database administration jobs. Certifications from AWS, CompTIA, ITIL, and Linux are all great options for those who want to demonstrate their proficiency in database systems and network security.
Best Degrees for a Database Administrator
Technology
Cloud Computing – B.S.
A three-track program designed to arm you with the certifications and...
A three-track program designed to arm you with the certifications and credentials you need for a career like systems administrator, computer systems analyst, cloud support specialist, AWS support administrator, and more.
- Time: 63% of graduates finish within 37 months.
- Transfer: Your previous college coursework and existing certifications may waive course requirements, helping you finish even faster.
- Tuition: $4,085 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 37 total courses in this program.
- 3 Tracks: Choose between a multi-cloud, AWS, or Azure focused track to learn specific software specialties.
Certifications at no extra cost, including:
- Amazon AWS Cloud Practitioner
- Amazon AWS SysOps Administration–Associate
- Azure Fundamentals
- Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure
- LPI Linux Essentials
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Cloud+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Project+
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Scripting and Automation
- Managing Cloud Security
- Development
- Applications
- Ongoing maintenance and security
Technology
Java Developer Certificate – School of Technology
The Java Developer Certificate helps students gain a critical foundation...
The Java Developer Certificate helps students gain a critical foundation in databases, Java, SQL, and other areas that are crucial for success in the field.
- Time: 6 months from start to finish.
- Cost: $499 for the certificate.
- Courses: 5 courses total in this program.
This certificate is designed to help individuals who want to pursue web development gain important skills and experience, boosting their résumé right away. This program is an important step for your career.
Build your foundational skills in back end web development with a focus on SQL queries, user interface, database management, Java fundamentals and frameworks, and more.
Technology
Information Technology – B.S.
Award-winning coursework and value-add certifications make this online...
Award-winning coursework and value-add certifications make this online program a top choice.
- Time: 61% of graduates finish within 39 months.
- Tuition: $3,725 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 36 total courses in this program.
Certifications included in this program at no additional cost:
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Project+
- CompTIA IT Operations Specialist
- CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist
- Amazon AWS Cloud Practitioner
- ITIL®*^ Foundation Certification
- LPI Linux Essentials
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Scripting and programming
- Networking and security
- Systems and services
- Data management
- Business of IT
Technology
Data Analytics – B.S.
Lean into data, and walk away with a cutting-edge online degree:...
Lean into data, and walk away with a cutting-edge online degree:
- Time: 62% of graduates finish within 36 months.
- Tuition and fees: $3,835 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 39 total courses in this program.
Certifications in this program at no additional cost include:
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- CompTIA Data+
- CompTIA Project+
- Udacity Nanodegree—a unique, highly recognized credential designed to prepare you for a career in data science
- MSI Change Management (Optional Certification)
- Certiprof Design Thinking Professional Certificate (Optional Certification)
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Data management
- Data wrangling
- Statistical analysis
- Visualization
- Leadership and management
- Model deployment & storytelling
Technology
Accelerated Information Technology Bachelor's and Master's Degree
Earn both your bachelor’s in IT and master’s in IT management at a faster...
Earn both your bachelor’s in IT and master’s in IT management at a faster pace with fewer courses.
- Time: Approximately 5 years.
- Tuition: $3,835 per 6-month term for the bachelor's degree; $4,040 per term for the master's portion.
- Courses: 42 total courses in this program.
Certifications included in this program at no additional cost:
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA IT Operations Specialist
- CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist
- Amazon AWS Cloud Practitioner
- ITIL®*^ Foundation Certification
- PMI CAPM
- LPI Linux Essentials
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Scripting and programming
- Networking and security
- Systems and services
- Data management
- Business of IT
This program allows students to earn their bachelor's degree in IT and move directly into a master's degree in IT management, cutting down on the total number of courses to complete.
Business
MBA Information Technology Management
Earn the online college degree that can move your career into IT upper...
Earn the online college degree that can move your career into IT upper management:
- Time: Graduates can finish in 12 months
- Tuition: $4,755 per 6-month term
- Courses: 11 total courses in this program
Sample careers and jobs this business degree will prepare you for:
- Management
- Project Management
- Leadership
- Innovation
- Communications
- Information Systems Security
Learn to navigate emergencies, execute strategies, and optimize systems with the competencies within this specialty MBA.
Technology
Data Analytics Skills Certificate – School of Technology
The Data Analytics Skills Certificate will prepare you to demonstrate...
The Data Analytics Skills Certificate will prepare you to demonstrate foundational analytics concepts and build job-ready skills in fields like data analysis, data visualization, SQL, Python and Excel .
- Time: 4 months from start to finish.
- Cost: $2,000 for the certificate.
- Courses: 6 courses total in this program.
This certificate is designed to help aspiring data analysts begin their journey, gain valuable experience, and add a critical credential to their résumé. You are also guaranteed admission into a WGU School of Technology degree program. All of these courses can be applied to a course in the B.S. Computer Science and B.S. Data Analytics degree programs. This certificate will prepare you for the next step in your career.
This certificate can help build fundamental skills in data analysis, and also help those with no technical background begin to build vocational identity for a long-term career in data analytics.
How Much Does a Database Administrator Make?
$77,865
The exact income of a database administrator can vary based on a number of different factors. These can commonly include your employer, employer’s location, years of experience, and education.
In general, the salary of a database administrator can average $77,865, with a range of roughly $50,000 to $116,000 earned each year.
What Is the Projected Job Growth?
10%
Employment for database administrators is expected to grow by 10% from 2019 to 2029. This forecasted growth rate is much higher than the average across all occupations and indicates a favorable outlook for the position in years to come.
Projected employment growth for database administrators is largely tied to the rising popularity of database use. Large and small companies alike are turning to databases to secure their information, prevent data breaches, and ensure data is used correctly.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Database Administrator Need?
Database administrators put developed skill sets to work each day, whether they’re communicating with clients or troubleshooting data collection programs. Ultimately, each skill that you use as a database administrator will help clients keep data safe and accessible whenever necessary.
The skills a database administrator needs can include:
- Database operations: The ability to manage all aspects of a database, including data installation and protection, user permissions, data analysis, and platform updates.
- Technological proficiency: The ability to fully use all devices required for the position, including any computers, tablets, phones, online platforms, and any of the most popular operating systems.
- Problem-solving: The ability to troubleshoot and overcome any issues that might be affecting database performance.
- Interpersonal communication: The ability to correspond with clients, company representatives, and fellow IT staff members.
- Cybersecurity: The ability to protect databases and all devices from data breaches and other technology-related risks.
- Organization: The ability to prioritize database tasks and upkeep in order to ensure that a client’s data is appropriately managed, secured, and available upon request.
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