How to Become a Database Administrator
Administer, test, and implement database systems, ensuring data integrity, security, and performance. It typically requires a bachelor's degree, with a median salary of $104,620 per year and about average projected job growth.
Median pay
$104,620/yr
Typical range
$60,230 to $163,320
Job growth
-1%
Openings / yr
3,800
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- SQL
- Database Design
- Performance Tuning
- Backup and Recovery
- Data Security
Helpful certifications
- Oracle Certified Professional
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator
- AWS Database Specialty
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
82/100
Work-life balance
72/100
Stress level
38/100
Satisfaction
70/100
Related careers
- Product Manager$166,790 median
- DevOps Engineer$135,980 median
- Software Developer$135,980 median
- Cybersecurity Analyst$129,180 median
- Data Scientist$120,230 median
- IT Project Manager$116,580 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Database Administrator make?
The median pay for a Database Administrator is $104,620 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The typical range runs from $60,230 to $163,320, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Database Administrator?
The usual entry point is a bachelor's degree. Common majors are Computer Science, Information Technology, Management Information Systems, and Data Science.
Is Database Administrator a growing field?
The BLS projects about average demand for this role, about -1% over the decade, with roughly 3,800 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Database Administrator use most?
Common skills for this role are SQL, Database Design, Performance Tuning, Backup and Recovery, and Data Security.
Planning to become a Database Administrator?
Save this career to your PlanexAI path and track the majors, courses, and milestones that lead to it.
Not sure this is right for you?
Take our free 2-minute quiz to match your interests to majors and careers.
Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.