Database Administrators
Database administrators and architects create or organize systems to store and secure data.
Is database administrators a good career?
It scores 19/100 and ranks #340 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays well above the U.S. median wage ($104,620 vs $61,390)
Possible tradeoffs
- Employment is projected to decline (-0.7% through 2034)
- Typically requires a bachelor's degree
What database administrators earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. database administrators earn between $79,610 and $135,460 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Live database administrators jobs
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- Typical education
- Bachelor's degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow as fast as average through 2034.
Education
Database administrators and architects typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology or a related field, such as engineering; some DBAs study business. Employers may prefer to hire applicants who have a master’s degree focusing on data or database management, typically either in computer science, information systems, or information technology.
Database administrators and architects need an understanding of database languages, such as Structured Query Language, or SQL. DBAs will need to become familiar with whichever programming language their firm uses.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Certification is typically offered directly from software vendors or vendor-neutral certification providers. Employers may require their database administrators and architects to be certified in the products they use.
Advancement
Database administrators and architects may advance to become computer and information systems managers. Experienced database administrators may advance to become database architects.
Important qualities
Analytical skills. DBAs monitor a database system’s performance to determine when action is needed. They must evaluate information from a variety of sources to decide on an approach.
Communication skills. Most database administrators and architects work on teams and need to convey information effectively to developers, managers, and other workers.
Detail oriented. Working with databases requires an understanding of complex systems, in which a minor error can cause major problems.
Problem-solving skills. When database problems arise, administrators and architects must troubleshoot and correct the problems.
Related occupations
How much do database administrators make?
The national median wage is $104,620 a year, with the middle half earning between $79,610 and $135,460 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is database administrators a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 19 of 100 and ranks #340 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change -0.7% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a database administrator?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree.
Where do database administrators earn the most?
Among states, Utah pays the highest median ($135,750). Local pay for every state and metro is below.