What is a database administrator, and what does a database administrator do on a daily basis? If you have caught yourself asking these questions as you sift through all of your career options, you are one step closer to finding the best technology career for you. Database administrators are computer science professionals who can work for mid-sized and large corporations or for IT firms that offer services on an outsources basis to clients. Often labeled as a DBA, a database administrator is an expert in ever-advancing database technology. Read on, and learn about the daily duties of a DBA so that you can decide if this is the title you would like to carry.
What Are the General Tasks of a Database Administrator?
In a very general sense, a database administrator is responsible for setting up specialized databases that suit the needs of a company or a specific client so that the system runs as efficiently as possible. Computer science degree holders who choose to pursue a degree in database administration need to be trained and familiar with many of the complex issues that can arise when fine-tuning, testing, modifying and upgrading a database.
Depending on your role as a Database Administrator, you may perform several different tasks on a regular basis. Most professionals in the field install database software on a server and configure the system based on the system’s purpose. In addition to installation, a DBA may perform routine maintenance on databases so that the system is up and running and efficient. Backups, recovery plans, capacity planning, performance monitoring and making adjustments based on the data are all important duties a DBA may perform. It is also very common for an administrator to troubleshoot problems when something goes wrong with the software or a server. It is imperative that DBAs are trained to quickly correct problems so that data is not lost.
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Salary Ranges and Job Outlook
Now that you know some of the tasks a Database Administrator will perform daily, it is important to find out about job outlook in the field before you start studying. The best prospective students not only research schools, they also research job profiles so that they can choose a stable career that pays well. According to data published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job outlook in the field is positive with the agency projecting that employment in the field will grow by 15% in the next eight years. This growth is being driven by the increase need for data specialists in the technology industry.
Another positive aspect of working as a Database Administrator has to do with pay. According to the same survey conducted by BLS, the average salary reported for DBAs is $77,080 per year. This factors in professionals in the 10th percentile and 90th percentile, so your pay could be much higher or lower depending on the setting.
To work in the field of database administration, the first step is to enroll in a respected Bachelor’s degree program majoring in Information Technology or Computer Science. You should focus on finding an accredited program that fits into your busy schedule. After you do this, focus on completing your undergraduate program and look for work as you study. Knowing now what is a Database Administrator does, you can decide which path to take.
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