What Does a Data Management Specialist Do?

Key takeaways

Data management specialists gather, store, and analyze data for an organization to use based on their specific goals.

• To work as a data management specialist, you might choose to earn a bachelor’s degree, which 62 percent of data management specialists have, and study subjects such as business or computer science [1].

• Data management specialists use tools such as MySQL, Oracle, and Salesforce to store, sort, and analyze data.

• You can become a data management specialist by refining your skills in data analysis, data entry, and data modeling.

Learn more about the role of a data management specialist to find out if this career is for you. Afterward, consider enrolling in the IBM Data Engineering Professional Certificate. It’s designed to help you learn how to create, design, and manage relational databases and apply database administration (DBA) concepts to database management software, such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, and IBM Db2. Upon completion, you can add this shareable credential to your resume or LinkedIn profile.

What is data management?

Data management involves collecting, storing, securing, processing, and analyzing a business’s data. As more companies use digital avenues to gather data, the need for professionals who know what to do with all those raw numbers also grows. When working in this field, you’ll collect data through different platforms, like website analytics tools, mobile apps, surveys, and forms. Then, you will store the information in secure databases, such as cloud storage, which is a service that allows users to store digital data on remote servers. Proper data storage is vital because it often includes sensitive and private information, like a customer’s address or credit card number.

Data management is a growing field that includes the constant evolution of the different platforms used for data, the types of data collected, and how the business implements data within its primary strategy. Therefore, it helps provide concrete insight into a business’s performance and opportunities to reach potential customers effectively.

What does a data management specialist do?

A data management specialist may perform various tasks contributing to collecting, storing, and analyzing a business’s data. This means that daily tasks will vary depending on projects and business goals.

A data management specialist typically creates the operations and databases to store the data. Then, you'll monitor that database for outdated data, collect new data, and make sure that it’s properly secured. You model, design, and implement data warehouses where businesses store valuable information.

Data management specialists are very detail-oriented and have a sharp eye for accuracy. You are responsible for handling metadata, which is the information you use to create a searchable system for data and tagging data. You also troubleshoot and solve security issues, manage the lifecycle of important information, and provide the right data for audits and review.

While the specific responsibilities of a data management specialist depend on a business’s goals, some everyday tasks you can expect to see include:

• Design enterprise database strategies

• Review data for accuracy

• Design large databases or data warehouses

• Manage and update stored data

• Data validation for data management activities

• Submit data for audits and improvement

What tools do data management specialists use?

Data management specialists use various tools to store, sort, and analyze data. Data management tools are a great way to create smooth, effective processes, increase usability for the team, and create useful reports. Some of these tools include:

• MySQL and MySQL Workbench: Transfer and download information from different networks

• Oracle databases: Securely manage object-relational databases in the cloud or on Linux, Windows, or UNIX systems

• Aquafold Aqua Data Studio: Search, sort, design, and enhance data efficiently

• DbVisualizer: Manage, visualize, and review information in extensive databases

• SolarWinds SQL Sentry: Manage data across different databases

• Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio: Create graphs and other visual reports easily

• ManageEngine Applications Manager: Track system usage to optimize data management processes

• Salesforce: Complete a database structure build based on specific workflow and company requirements

Read more: 10 Data Analysis Tools and When to Use Them

How to become a data management specialist

Data management specialists must have a strong programming and analytics background to succeed. Some typical jobs that provide the opportunity to learn foundational skills for a data management specialist job include administrative assistant, data analyst, or customer service representative. Internships are also a great way to gain needed skills. Experience with data modeling, data management, and problem-solving skills is necessary for success.

Many businesses want data management specialists with at least a bachelor’s degree and some relevant experience and training. If you’re moving into data management from another field, a portfolio with example database sheets and reports will show hiring managers that you know what you’re doing.

Education requirements

According to Zippia, 62 percent of data management specialists have at least a bachelor’s degree [1]. Business administration, computer science, information technology, and computer systems are all excellent degree choices that can help you cultivate the background necessary to succeed in this role. Be sure to take coursework that relates to data management to build your knowledge in this field.

Data management skills

Cultivating your data management skills is critical. Because of the nature of this role, many businesses require you to have hands-on experience with technical skills like the following:

• Data entry

• Data modeling

• Analyzing and reporting on large amounts of data

• Experience with SQL

• Multitasking skills

Data management specialist salary and job outlook

According to Glassdoor, the estimated median total pay for data management specialists in the US is $78,000 per year, with entry-level data management specialist salaries averaging about $68,000 [2]. These figures include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation. In addition to solid earning potential, this profession also shows promising demand.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates data management careers will grow 4 percent from 2024 to 2034, a rate faster than the average for all US professions [3]. Also notable is that data management specialists can develop into multiple leadership roles, such as program manager, director of analytics, clinical research manager, or director of quality control.

How much do data management specialists make?

The amount you earn as a data management specialist may depend on your location. For example, Indeed reports that the average annual salary for a data management specialist is $46,662 [4]. However, a data specialist working in Arlington, Virginia, earns $127,292, compared to the same position in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, earning $40,910 [4]. 

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