Database Administrator Training

What do database administrators do?

A database administrator, often abbreviated as "DBA," manages and maintains complex software and file storage systems.

Databases drive business. Nearly every company in the United States relies on a database of some kind, ranging from off-the-shelf organizational software to powerful, custom accounting and manufacturing solutions. Database administrators:

• Define the parameters of each database in a company's platform
• Ensure access, uptime, and data integrity
• Manage both the physical equipment and the software required to maintain complex databases
• Defend data platforms against threats from external sources and internal failures

Senior DBAs often act as system architects, envisioning the combination of hardware and software required to meet an employer's needs. Mid-tier database administration professionals often partner with project teams tasked with digging into complex data for insight into company operations. Entry-level DBAs handle routine chores like archiving, optimizing, and backing up large database storage volumes. Most of the work happens at a computer workstation, but DBAs increasingly participate in company planning and project meetings.

What is the job outlook for database administrators?

According to a Forrester Research report, global businesses spend more than $3.5 trillion on their information technology budgets every year. Even though that figure represents growth in four of the last five years, corporate spending on outsourcing and consulting has slowed as hiring managers focus more of their resources on building a bench of strong internal IT professionals.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) concurs. A report from the agency's Occupational Outlook Handbook predicts as much as a 30 percent increase in employer demand for computer network, systems, and database administrators in the next few years. More than a quarter million new database administration professionals will join the field over the coming decade, making experience and certifications two of the most sought-after attributes for senior database administration roles.

In an interview with technology trade publication CIO, staffing consultant John Mahoney noted that the collapse of the tech bubble in the early 2000s forced many employers to scrutinize their DBA hirings more closely. Recruiters and hiring managers may take longer to fill an open database job, but they're often more willing to pay for top talent and a long-term commitment. Since few companies have ways to cultivate DBA talent internally, recruiters almost always look outside an organization to fill empty jobs.

What is the salary for database administrators?

In a salary survey conducted by the BLS, more than half of database administrators reported earning over $71,000 per year. The same survey suggests that most DBA professionals earn significantly more than workers in other professions. However, a DBA's industry, experience, and certification level can add tens of thousands of dollars in annual compensation.

Glassdoor.com tracks salaries for technology jobs at companies across the United States. Its website visitors report huge differences in compensation based on database complexity and the security level of the information stored in a company's systems. Recent pay package reports include:

• $140,000 for a senior DBA project manager in New York City. Working for a pharmaceutical company in the Big Apple means a higher salary to offset the higher cost of living. Project management experience and exposure to highly secretive drug development processes mean an even bigger payday for the right candidate.
• $105,000 for a database administrator in Palo Alto, California. Hot competition for jobs at technology companies in Silicon Valley results in slightly lower salaries than similar careers in New York, despite a similar cost of living.
• $65,000 for a database analyst in Cleveland. This junior DBA role at a regional bank may pay less than the national average, but offers a great learning opportunity and a salary far higher than the regional norm for all jobs.

Wall Street Journal reporter Marisa Taylor writes that many IT professionals take a 10-year career journey from an entry-level salary to an above-average compensation package. Unlike jobs that involve small, routine pay increases, database administrators can experience quantum shifts in pay when professionals demonstrate significant value to their employers.

What training and/or certification is needed to become a database administrator?

At many technology startups and in tech-driven communities like Silicon Valley, a talented programmer can become a database professional by showing off a solid portfolio and respected references. Outside the IT sector, hiring managers often rely on professional DBA certification programs to screen prospective job candidates. Some of the most highly sought database administration certifications include:

• Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA). Redmond's large footprint across small and medium businesses has made this certification powerful for DBAs looking for work at hospitals, banks and service businesses across the country.
• Oracle DBA. The most sought-after certification, according to top recruiters interviewed by CIO and The Wall Street Journal. Regular software update cycles require DBAs to engage in near-constant learning to stay competitive.
• MySQL Database Administrator. Companies often select MySQL for its low price tag, but rely on skilled MySQL administrators to keep their systems afloat.

Because database technology changes frequently, many database administrators must build ongoing professional development into their routines. Not only must DBAs stay abreast of security updates and planned software upgrade cycles, they must anticipate the kinds of company mergers and acquisitions that made some once-popular database platforms obsolete. Technology recruiters prefer to hire DBAs that can think about the architecture and the security of database applications across a variety of applications, rather than risk sticking to a particular product or vendor.