8 Simple Steps For How to Become a Database Administrator

Database administrators must address and come up with solutions for issues with data storage, data organization, and data security. Generally, the more computer languages and platforms a DBA is proficient in, the higher the likelihood they will be hired for an open DBA position. Even the smallest error can cause a cascading and negative effect within databases. Therefore, most employers will look for DBAs who have excellent attention to detail.

• For instance, would I be better served focusing my efforts on extending my knowledge on MS SQL or Oracle?
• While data roles in the past were mostly offered to college graduates, this has been changing rapidly over the last few decades.
• LITA’s job-finding tool allows users to search for or post jobs by region.
• Hi Shrikant, I think that it depends on who you ask and what the specific role entails.

Database management systems and database security processes are also key areas of focus at DatabaseJournal.com. The role may include installation, configuration, management, performance monitoring, security, data recovery, what is sql dba and more. In this learning path, discover database basics, explore data structures, and learn critical database management skills. Fortunately, database administrators can find many continuing education resources online.

What degree is needed for database administration?

All previous experience can be considered as potentially valuable. There’s a lot more to being a Data Professional than technical skills alone. In my opinion programming is an incredibly valuable skill to posses, particularly when it comes to task and process automation. Focusing on data related subject areas could be advantageous however at this level, all knowledge is valuable. That said, some of the professional development posts are applicable to a great many areas.

Job opportunities and salaries also vary considerably by industry and location. For example, the computer systems design and related services industry employs nearly twice as many database administrators as any other industry. Usually part of administrative teams, entry-level database administrators help manage and update server programs, operating systems, and databases. According to PayScale, database administrators usually make between $53,292 and $90,167, depending on experience. The truth is that a significant proportion of SQL Server Database Administrators (DBA’s) start out in an alternative discipline, that is to say they are Accidental DBA’s. These individuals acquire the necessary experience on the job within their existing role in order to make the transition to a Junior DBA position. Bachelor of Computer Science – You can’t go wrong with a basic bachelor’s degree in computer science, which offers a holistic range of CS skills ranging from programming to data entry.

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These are mostly used for very large datasets, such as those on large websites where relational databases would not be ideal. Some examples of these databases are Cassandra, Hadoop and MongoDB. But by and large, SQL is still a must-have skill for any serious DBA. Considered all together, becoming an entry-level database administrator means anywhere from two to seven years. But once you land your first database administrator job, it will take at least another three years before you’ll be able to develop any sort of proficiency as a DBA. Well, you will find that strangely, most highly-knowledgeable DBAs shy away from the ‘expert’ moniker.

• They will be the one manning the database to ensure these technologies coordinate well with how companies want their systems to function.
• The “very first” book you should read when starting out on the road to becoming a DBA is Thomas Larock’s DBA Survivor.
• Your manager “should” be able to provide you with some guidance/support in this area, particularly with regard to Goals but don’t go to them empty handed.

You should be familiar with distributions, statistical tests, and similar mathematical concepts. Statistics is important at any company, but this skill is even more important in data-driven roles where you’ll need to be able to interpret data at scale. Creating reports by querying the database, if a specific set of data is required. The most common career path for a DBA is to obtain a graduate degree in Information Science, Computer Science, Software Engineering, and Information Technology. It is best to start with an internship and gradually pawn your way into the market. Prior to the interview, do a research of the company overview to know what kind of business they engage in. From there, you should be able to match your own skill sets with what the job demands.

How Much Does a Database Administrator Make?

This wide range of skills is often difficult to obtain without rigorous learning and years of hands on experience. Typically, database administrators should be detail-oriented and organized. Those who possess strong problem-solving abilities and can think outside of the box may also excel in database administration. Organizations acquire data from within the company and from consumers, but what happens to that information? Database administrators design and build databases to store data and information securely. Once security data measures are established, database administrators work to maintain and organize the secured information.

The median annual wage for database administrators was $84,950 in May 2016. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $47,300, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $129,930. Database administrators make sure that data analysts can easily find information they need in there database.