Database Administrators
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.
Also called: Administrator (Admin), Automatic Data Processing Planner (ADP Planner), Cyber Database Administrator (Cyber DBA), Data Administrator (Data Admin), Data Engineer, Data Management Associate
Median pay
$104,620
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$60,230 – $163,320
People employed
69,990
Holland code
CIE
Conventional · Investigative · Enterprising
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 2.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 3.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 4.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
- 5.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 6.Do you want a job with little physical risk?
- 7.Do you want a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
- 8.Do you want the same hours every week?
The hard parts
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
Database Administrators pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What database administrators do
- 01Modify existing databases and database management systems or direct programmers and analysts to make changes.
- 02Plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard information in computer files against accidental or unauthorized damage, modification or disclosure.
- 03Plan and install upgrades of database management system software to enhance database performance.
- 04Specify users and user access levels for each segment of database.
- 05Test changes to database applications or systems.
- 06Test programs or databases, correct errors, and make necessary modifications.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Active Learning
- Speaking
- Monitoring
Knowledge
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mathematics
- Telecommunications
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
- Intellectual Curiosity
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a bachelor's degree (O*NET Job Zone 4).
- Related work experience: over 4 years, up to and including 6 years.
- On-the-job training: over 3 months, up to and including 6 months.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from database administrators
- Computer and Information Systems Managers82% · +67%
- Clinical Data Managers78% · group pay
- Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists77% · group pay
- Business Intelligence Analysts75% · group pay
- Data Scientists74% · +15%
Change into database administrators
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Clinical Data Managers82% · $120,230
- Bioinformatics Technicians81% · $81,490
- Statistical Assistants81% · $50,330
- Business Intelligence Analysts79% · $120,230
- Operations Research Analysts79% · $88,940
Majors that lead here
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Data Modeling/Warehousing and Database Administration
- Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.