Your Database Administrator Career Guide

More and more companies are using data management systems to inform decisions, produce products, and target specific audiences every day. Advances in business intelligence (BI) technology have improved the collection and analysis of data dramatically. The way companies interpret and store data is critical—which is where the role of a database administrator comes in.

Starting a career as a database administrator requires a combination of educational credentials, workplace and technical skills, hands-on experience, and continued professional development. It's a popular career choice with a higher-than-average salary, a promising career outlook, and opportunities for advancement [1].

What is the job outlook for database administrators?

According to the Government of Canada Job Bank, database administrators are expected to see an increase in new jobs to 29,000 between 2022 and 2032, which is about average [1]. Career progression is possible, with many database administrators becoming database architects.

What is a database administrator?

Database administrators are responsible for setting up the database structure and applications according to the company's needs. These needs typically include data storage, database documentation, database security, and system administration. This ensures the organization and accessibility of data for companies' strategic gain and the protection of sensitive data. Quick access to critical information is vital for customer service, compliance, and use in business development.

What does a database administrator do?

The role of a database administrator varies according to the industry you work in and the type of data you're managing, but typically, you'll have the following duties:

• Identifying user needs and the appropriate database tools such as database management software

• Considering the need for storage space, network requirements, and memory when designing database architecture

• Planning for database development, database installation, and continued database maintenance

• Updating database systems, associated servers and applications

• Creating user profiles and managing access and permissions for database servers

• Completing regular functionality tests to measure database performance

• Creating database backups and recovery systems to ensure organizational data is secure

• Monitoring technical support of databases and documenting complex issues

• Using the database to produce queries for business intelligence reports

Database administrator job description

Database administration calls on a combination of workplace and technical skills to build and manage databases and work with staff who need access. These include:

Technical skills

• Knowledge of computer operating systems

• Microsoft Access

• Oracle

• HTML

• SQL

• Linux

• Java

• Unix

• Sybase

Workplace skills

• Attention to detail

• Ability to prioritize

• Logical thinking

• Detail-oriented

• Problem-solving ability 

• Highly organized

• Excellent communication skills

• Analytical approach 

Database administrator roles

Many database administrators work in-house, looking after internal databases for a specific company. However, specialties also exist within database administration, breaking the role down into areas focused on by different people. These generally fall into three categories:

1. Database design and creation

The first specialty involves creating and designing databases to suit the user's needs. This includes using SQL, coding, and tuning. These people usually work for a technology or software development company as part of a team that can create larger systems of which the database is a part. Relevant job titles include database specialist and database analyst.

2. Database monitoring and system administration

The second specialty is performance database administration, which concerns optimizing the performance of databases and making tweaks to improve performance. The role is proactive because it focuses on improving performance to avoid problems. Relevant job titles include database administrator, systems administrator, and management information systems (MIS) administrator.

3. Database applications and environment

The last specialty is application database administration, which concentrates on integrating applications into databases. This backend work requires the use of a query language such as SQL. Application database administrators also write and debug programs and maintain applications. Relevant job titles include database programmer, database software developer, and database engineer.

What is it like working in database administration?

Like other office-based jobs, database administrators usually work during regular business hours, although they may need to stay late or show up after hours to respond to emergencies. Database administration spans industries, so work in this field has many choices. You may work in retail, health care, hospitality, or research, to name a few. 

Where do database administrators work?

Being a database administrator can be rewarding but also challenging. You are responsible for sensitive data and must follow data protection laws. The role is usually full-time, office-based, often part of an IT team. The career is ever-changing as technology evolves, so it can be exciting, and being adaptable is essential. 

Database administrator salary 

According to Glassdoor, the average Canadian database administrator's annual salary is $76,126, which is above average [2]. 

The database administrator career path

To become a database administrator in Canada, you'll typically need a mix of education, certifications, and hands-on experience. Employers generally prefer a bachelor's degree in fields like computer science or information technology. Certifications like Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) or Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate are also valued. Practical experience gained through internships or entry-level IT roles is crucial for honing your database management skills and advancing your career [3]. Demonstrating your ability to use specific software and have technical skills beyond what's taught in a degree is essential. Many companies ask for training or certification in the database software used in their organization.

Gaining IT experience

Database administrators must demonstrate specific technical skills and hold a degree and certifications. These skills can be from a previous position, such as an entry-level job like data entry or another IT role. You'll need experience to start your career before you can work up to managing sensitive data.

Earning database administrator certifications

The value placed on database administrator certifications is high. More than a degree and experience are required as companies want to know that you have relevant database management skills and can use the appropriate database languages. Certification in the right software, management system, or language can set you apart, even if it isn’t a requirement.

Employers sometimes provide on-the-job training and expect database administrators to engage in professional development. The following list contains some certificate programs and online training you may want to pursue:

• Oracle Certified Professional (OCP)

• IBM Data Science Fundamentals with Python and SQL Specialization

• Oracle Autonomous Database Administration

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate

• IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate

• CompTIA Database+

• CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+)

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

• Microsoft Certified: SQL Server Database Administrator

Take the next step in your data administration career with Coursera

If you’re looking to begin your career as a database administrator, starting with some courses and certifications is a great first step. You can develop a foundation in database management with IBM's Data Science Professional Certificate or Database Management Essentials offered by the University of Colorado on Coursera to launch your database management career.