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Database Administrator  What They Do

Just the Facts


Administers, tests, and implements computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems. Coordinates changes to computer databases. May plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases.

This career is part of the Information Technology cluster Information Support and Services pathway.


A person in this career:

  • Tests programs or databases, corrects errors and makes necessary modifications.
  • Modifies existing databases and database management systems or directs programmers and analysts to make changes.
  • Plans, coordinates and implements security measures to safeguard information in computer files against accidental or unauthorized damage, modification or disclosure.
  • Works as part of a project team to coordinate database development and determine project scope and limitations.
  • Writes and codes logical and physical database descriptions and specifies identifiers of database to management system or directs others in coding descriptions.
  • Trains users and answers questions.
  • Specifies users and user access levels for each segment of database.
  • Approves, schedules, plans, and supervises the installation and testing of new products and improvements to computer systems such as the installation of new databases.
  • Reviews project requests describing database user needs to estimate time and cost required to accomplish project.
  • Develops standards and guidelines to guide the use and acquisition of software and to protect vulnerable information.

Insider Info

Dig into the details and check out what people in this job have to say about their work.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

  • You would sit most of the time. There's some walking and standing. You may have to lift and carry things like books, papers or tools weighing 10 lbs. or less.
  • Work in this occupation involves using your hands to hold, control, and feel objects more than one-third of the time
  • Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
  • Sound and noise levels are loud and distracting
  • Work in this occupation involves making repetitive motions more than one-third of the time
  • Work in this occupation involves sitting more than one-third of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

  • Seeing clearly up close
  • Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
  • Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

  • Regular working hours and limited travel

Specialty and Similar Careers

Careers that are more detailed or close to this career:

  • Data Architect -- Provides advanced technical support in the research, experimentation, business analysis and use of systems technology including architecture, integration capabilities and database management.
  • Database Administration Manager --
  • Database Analyst -- Designs, develops and administers data management solutions using database management software.
  • Database Coordinator --
  • Database Developer -- Designs, develops, tests, implements and maintains new and existing databases. Creates management methods and systems to access efficiently the information stored in databases.
  • Database Programmer --
  • Information Systems Manager --
  • Management Information Systems Director (MIS Director) --
  • System Administrator -- Responsible for effective provisioning, installation/configuration, operation, and maintenance of systems hardware and software and related infrastructure.