What is Database Administration?

Technology is always growing, and companies in all industries around the globe need database administrators (DBAs) to make sure all information stored on their computers is secure and only available to authorized users.

Armed with the knowledge and experience to write and install computer programs and debug software issues, database administrators are the people who help companies of any size set up, maintain and secure large volumes of information.

What is Database Administration?

Database administration ensures that organizational data is secure, well-structured, accessible and reliable, according to Arana Fireheart, an associate dean at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) with experience in systems analysis, database design, DevOps, cloud services and applied AI. "It encompasses the technical oversight of database systems as well as the governance processes that ensure data is stored, maintained, and used appropriately," he said.

Online system security is important, particularly when it comes to companies that capture personal and financial customer information, which is almost every e-commerce business. In your position as a database administrator, you’ll have a chance to develop applicable security measures when designing new, or helping to update existing, databases.

What Does a Database Administrator Do?

As a DBA, your first responsibility is always going to be to maintain the integrity of the company’s data – because even if a database is fast and accessible, it's useless if the data being accessed is distorted.

Fireheart noted that specific day-to-day responsibilities may include:

• Collaborating with developers and analysts
• Installing and updating databases
• Managing security
• Monitoring performance
• Troubleshooting issues

"In many organizations, DBAs also play a role in cloud database management, cost optimization and DevOps-aligned database deployment workflows," he said.

And in the age of AI, he Fireheart noted that database administration is changing. As AI is providing enhanced security and anomaly detection, he said the role of the DBA is starting to shift more toward architecture and governance.

How to Become a Database Administrator

There are a number of vital technical skills necessary for work in database administration, according to Fireheart, from mastery of SQL to training in operating systems, networking and security.

He said any of these degrees could prepare you for the position:

• BS in Computer Science
• BS in Data Analytics
• BS in Information Technologies

Fireheart also noted that you may need experience, as well, such as a background in a support or analyst role.

Career Opportunities in Database Administration

Healthcare organizations require the storage and management of digital records, driven by federal regulations requiring secure storage of patient records and information. Other jobs that use database administration skills include IT consultant, IT project manager, application consultant, and network administrator, to name a few.

You may also choose to continue your education by pursuing an Oracle certification, advance through a master’s degree in IT or even transition into a related field.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), many database administrators are expected to upskill to new positions in the coming years, such as roles in software development, cybersecurity and database architecture. The career might act as a launching pad for one of these roles.

What is the Difference Between a Database Administrator and a Database Architect?

While database administrators operate and maintain databases, the role of the database architect is to actually design and build those databases, BLS said. It's considered a more advanced role, and it often comes with a higher salary.* Database architects earned a median annual salary of $135,980 in 2024, according to BLS, compared to $104,620 for database administrators in that same period.*

Database architects are also poised for higher career growth in the coming years, with BLS reporting a projected 9% increase in roles for database architects by 2034 — three times faster than the average projected growth rate for all occupations.*

Is Database Administration Right for You?

When it comes to computer technology, do you love the idea of maintaining and being responsible for large amounts of data? Do you think it’s fun to develop procedures for capturing data? Is it enticing to think about building a database to maintain various types of information for a company? If so, this field might be for you.

"Database administration continues to evolve rapidly as organizations adopt cloud platforms, AI-driven automation and increasingly complex data ecosystem," Fireheart said.

*Cited job growth projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Actual salaries and/or earning potential may be the result of a combination of factors including, but not limited to: years of experience, industry of employment, geographic location, and worker skill.

Mars Girolimon '21 '23G is a staff writer at Southern New Hampshire University where they earned their bachelor's and master's, both in English and creative writing. In addition to their work in higher education, Girolimon's short fiction is published in the North American Review, So It Goes by The Kurt Vonnegut Museum & Library, X-R-A-Y and more. Connect with them on LinkedIn.