{"id":42595,"date":"2023-04-12T08:29:25","date_gmt":"2023-04-12T15:29:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/?p=42595"},"modified":"2025-05-06T00:12:20","modified_gmt":"2025-05-06T07:12:20","slug":"how-to-become-database-administrator","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/data-analytics\/how-to-become-database-administrator\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Become a Database Administrator: 2025 Comprehensive Career Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<p>As data collection becomes increasingly important for large enterprises, the demand for data administrators has grown exponentially. With more data to maintain and more value to gain from it, compensation for data administrators has increased too, with senior professionals earning upwards of $180,000.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>However, entering the field isn\u2019t without its difficulties. Real-life experience is essential to landing a job as a database administrator, and this can be hard to come by when you\u2019re just starting.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Of course, with the right knowledge, you can gain the education, skills, and portfolio you need to impress any hiring manager. In this guide, we\u2019ll cover everything you need to know about data administration, the essential skills, and what you can do right now to start working towards your goal.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is It Hard To Become a Database Administrator?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>It can be difficult to become a database administrator because, compared to other tech careers, it\u2019s harder to use portfolio work to compensate for a lack of experience. Real industry experience dealing with unforeseen challenges and large-scale organizations is very important to employers and very difficult for educational courses to simulate or teach.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Does a Database Administrator Do?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>The typical role of a DBA (database administrator) involves multiple responsibilities, including reviewing and approving new database designs, regulating the rules of access to certain data, and monitoring the database\u2019s security protocols. They also maintain everyday operations and oversee upgrades and patches.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How To Become a Database Administrator: A Nine-Step Guide<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-become-a-database-administrator-a-nine-step-guide.jpg\" alt=\"How To Become a Database Administrator A Nine-Step Guide\" class=\"wp-image-42611\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-become-a-database-administrator-a-nine-step-guide.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-become-a-database-administrator-a-nine-step-guide-380x253.jpg 380w, https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-become-a-database-administrator-a-nine-step-guide-380x253.jpg 420w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>There\u2019s no denying that becoming a database administrator takes time, effort, and hard work. However, thanks to online resources and increasingly accessible education options, it\u2019s easy to get started.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div id=\"rank-math-howto\" class=\"rank-math-block\" >\n<div class=\"rank-math-howto-description\">\n\n<\/div>\n\n<ol class=\"rank-math-steps \">\n<li id=\"howto-step-1680566540198\" class=\"rank-math-step\">\n<p class=\"rank-math-step-title \">Learn the Fundamentals<\/p>\n<div class=\"rank-math-step-content \"><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"howto-step-1680566573435\" class=\"rank-math-step\">\n<p class=\"rank-math-step-title \">Meet the Educational Requirements (and Go Beyond)<\/p>\n<div class=\"rank-math-step-content \"><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"howto-step-1680566586739\" class=\"rank-math-step\">\n<p class=\"rank-math-step-title \">Develop Your Skillset<\/p>\n<div class=\"rank-math-step-content \"><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"howto-step-1680566597258\" class=\"rank-math-step\">\n<p class=\"rank-math-step-title \">Work on Sample or Open-Source Projects, or Pursue Volunteer Work for Hands-On Experience<\/p>\n<div class=\"rank-math-step-content \"><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"howto-step-1680566606794\" class=\"rank-math-step\">\n<p class=\"rank-math-step-title \">Pursue an Internship<\/p>\n<div class=\"rank-math-step-content \"><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"howto-step-1680566615842\" class=\"rank-math-step\">\n<p class=\"rank-math-step-title \">Consider a Certification<\/p>\n<div class=\"rank-math-step-content \"><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"howto-step-1680566625701\" class=\"rank-math-step\">\n<p class=\"rank-math-step-title \">Remember: Your Network Is Your Net Worth<\/p>\n<div class=\"rank-math-step-content \"><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"howto-step-1680566636867\" class=\"rank-math-step\">\n<p class=\"rank-math-step-title \">Find a Mentor<\/p>\n<div class=\"rank-math-step-content \"><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"howto-step-1680566648445\" class=\"rank-math-step\">\n<p class=\"rank-math-step-title \">Work Toward the Job You Want<\/p>\n<div class=\"rank-math-step-content \"><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Learn the Fundamentals<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1100\" height=\"826\" src=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-become-a-database-administrator-learn-the-fundamentals.png\" alt=\"how to become a database administrator, learn the fundamentals\" class=\"wp-image-42709\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-become-a-database-administrator-learn-the-fundamentals.png 1100w, https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-become-a-database-administrator-learn-the-fundamentals-380x285.png 380w, https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-become-a-database-administrator-learn-the-fundamentals-380x285.png 420w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>To begin your journey, the first thing you need to do is get familiar with databases. This includes how to use them as well as how to manage them. Here are some examples of basic tasks you can begin with:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li>Creating databases<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li>Querying databases<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li>Configuring databases<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li>Building system objects (e.g tables)<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li>Backing up a database<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li>Restoring a database system<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li>Assigning roles and permissions within a database<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li>Setting up user authentication for security\u00a0<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li>Optimizing database performance\u00a0<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li>Troubleshooting common issues with connectivity or login<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>These are all beginner-level tasks that you will be able to complete using online resources, user guides, or by enrolling in a short <a href=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/data-science\/best-data-warehousing-training\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">introductory online course<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Meet the Educational Requirements (and Go Beyond)<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Once you\u2019re familiar with the basics, it\u2019s time to begin your education in earnest. There are a lot of options available here and you will probably make use of more than one.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Remember, hard work and motivation are more important than the method of education you choose. Just as an unmotivated person can fail even after attending the best university, a motivated hard worker can succeed even if completely self-taught.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">University Degree<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>While an undergraduate degree is not a hard requirement for becoming a DBA, it is still very common. Typical majors for database administrators include:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li>Computer Science<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li>MIS (Management Information Systems)<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li>Information technology<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li>Software Development<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li>Cloud Computing<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other Learning Resources<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>In addition to universities, there are many other places where you can find relevant information and guidance to help you study.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Online Courses<\/h5>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Online courses are a highly accessible and ultra-focused way to study a new skill like database administration. With sites like Coursera and Udemy, you can find thousands of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/data-analytics\/database-management-courses\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">database management courses<\/a>, covering everything from how to open a database and perform a query, to creating virtual networks with Microsoft Azure.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>You can find long-form courses that take as long as nine months to complete or you can build up your own curriculum from shorter modules of your choice. Guided projects are also available to help you put your knowledge into practice.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Another type of online course is bootcamps. These tend to be six to nine months long and aim to turn beginner-level students into job-ready graduates. If you can\u2019t find one for database administrator roles specifically, you can pick something related like a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/courses\/software-engineering-career-track\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">software engineering bootcamp<\/a>, similar to students who choose a general tech major at university before moving into DBA.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">YouTube, Websites, Blogs, and Books<\/h5>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Online content can help you understand what skills are important and why, learn about industry trends, and discover what life is like as a DBA. Successful professionals can be found publishing their thoughts and views in many formats: YouTube, websites, blogs, books, and podcasts.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Follow Experts on Social Media<\/h5>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>There are even higher numbers of experts creating short-form content on social media. From sharing challenges to posting resources, following these accounts will help you find quality information without even looking for it.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Develop Your Skillset<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1362\" height=\"881\" src=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-become-a-database-administrator-develop-data-administrator-skills.png\" alt=\"how to become a database administrator, develop data administrator skills\" class=\"wp-image-42710\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-become-a-database-administrator-develop-data-administrator-skills.png 1362w, https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-become-a-database-administrator-develop-data-administrator-skills-380x246.png 380w, https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-become-a-database-administrator-develop-data-administrator-skills-380x246.png 420w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1362px) 100vw, 1362px\" \/><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Soft and technical skills are essential for finding and doing a database administrator job.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Technical Skills<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Some core technical skills include:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li>Query languages like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/data-science\/sql-what-you-need-to-know\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/data-science\/sql-what-you-need-to-know\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SQL<\/a><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li>Programming languages like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/data-science\/python-for-beginners\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/data-science\/python-for-beginners\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Python<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/data-science\/history-of-javascript\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/data-science\/history-of-javascript\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Javascript<\/a><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li>Knowledge of database software and database structures<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li>Understanding of relational database frameworks<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li>Experience with Azure, IBM DB2, MySQL, and Oracle databases<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li>Sufficient knowledge of database management systems and database design<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li>Good problem-solving skills<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Soft Skills<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Other essential skills for a career in database administration include:\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li>Business intelligence<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li>Strong communication skills<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li>Critical thinking skills<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li>Excellent speaking and presentation skills<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li>Ability to collaborate with others and make compromises\u00a0<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li>Good organizational skills\u00a0<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li>Detail-oriented approach to tasks<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Work on Sample or Open-Source Projects, or Pursue Volunteer Work for Hands-On Experience<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Any hands-on experience you can earn will be invaluable to your career. When you\u2019re just starting out, your standards don\u2019t have to be too high\u2014it doesn\u2019t matter if the project is small or unpaid, because everyone has to start somewhere, and each job you complete will help.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>If you want to start working on something straight away, you can start a personal sample project, or a guided project you find online. While you work on this, you can also search for collaborative projects like open-source or volunteer initiatives.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>If possible, you can also find some small freelance jobs to experience what it\u2019s like to understand and deliver on client requirements.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Create a GitHub Profile<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/github.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">GitHub profiles<\/a> are the industry standard for displaying, showcasing, and sharing your projects. It can act as a portfolio or as part of a portfolio to show potential employers or anyone else you want to work with.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>If you find a collaborative project to work on, you\u2019ll most likely also share and edit work on GitHub with the other participants.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pursue an Internship<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>The most impressive form of experience you can have as a new graduate is a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/data-science\/data-engineering-internship\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">professional data internship<\/a>. You can find these independently using specialist job boards, or enroll in a university course that includes a year\u2019s work placement.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Internships are valuable because they\u2019re almost identical to professional experience\u2014you\u2019ll be in a real office, helping a talented team of real DBAs with actual projects, and adhering to deadlines. Not only will it solidify the skills and knowledge you obtained during your study, but it will also teach you how to work with others in a professional environment.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Consider a Certification<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>The world of database administration is closely linked to organizations like Microsoft, Google, IBM, and Amazon because they provide thousands and thousands of companies with database servers and services.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Because of this, it can be very useful to earn one or multiple professional certifications in this area. For example, if you\u2019re applying to a company that uses Azure, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/data-science\/microsoft-azure-certification\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Microsoft Azure certification<\/a> will instantly prove that you have the exact expertise they need. There are also many <a href=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/data-analytics\/sql-certifications\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SQL certifications<\/a> you can earn as well.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"bg-leaf-50 p-4 my-3\"><h4 class=\"fw-bold text-center\">Get To Know Other\tData Analytics Students<\/h4><div class=\"row row-cols-1 row-cols-lg-3\"><div class=\"col\"><div class=\"card success-story-card h-100 d-flex justify-content-between mb-0\"><div class=\"flex-grow-1 text-center\"><a class=\"d-inline-block rounded-circle\" href=\"\/success\/nelson-borges\" style=\"width:125px;height:125px;overflow:hidden\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/springboard-images\/image\/upload\/v1640121633\/Student%20Success\/Nelson_Borges_375x375.png\" alt=\"Nelson Borges\" style=\"object-fit:contain;max-width:170px;height:125px\" \/><\/a><p class=\"fw-bold mb-0\">Nelson Borges<\/p><p class=\"text-muted lh-1\">Insights Analyst at LinkedIn<\/p><\/div><div class=\"w-100 d-block d-md-none mt-3\"><\/div><p class=\"mb-0 mx-auto text-center\"><a class=\"btn btn-primary mx-auto\" href=\"\/success\/nelson-borges\">Read Story<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"col d-none d-md-block\"><div class=\"card success-story-card h-100 d-flex justify-content-between mb-0\"><div class=\"flex-grow-1 text-center\"><a class=\"d-inline-block rounded-circle\" href=\"\/success\/jo-liu\" style=\"width:125px;height:125px;overflow:hidden\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/springboard-images\/image\/upload\/v1654053530\/Student%20Success\/Jo_Liu.jpg\" alt=\"Jo Liu\" style=\"object-fit:contain;max-width:170px;height:125px\" \/><\/a><p class=\"fw-bold mb-0\">Jo Liu<\/p><p class=\"text-muted lh-1\">App Quality Analyst at Snap Inc.<\/p><\/div><p class=\"mb-0 mx-auto text-center\"><a class=\"btn btn-primary mx-auto\" href=\"\/success\/jo-liu\">Read Story<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"col d-none d-md-block\"><div class=\"card success-story-card h-100 d-flex justify-content-between mb-0\"><div class=\"flex-grow-1 text-center\"><a class=\"d-inline-block rounded-circle\" href=\"\/success\/maura-fields\" style=\"width:125px;height:125px;overflow:hidden\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/springboard-images\/image\/upload\/v1666800621\/Student%20Success\/Maura_Fields_1.jpg\" alt=\"Maura Fields\" style=\"object-fit:contain;max-width:170px;height:125px\" \/><\/a><p class=\"fw-bold mb-0\">Maura Fields<\/p><p class=\"text-muted lh-1\">Data Analyst at Northeastern University<\/p><\/div><p class=\"mb-0 mx-auto text-center\"><a class=\"btn btn-primary mx-auto\" href=\"\/success\/maura-fields\">Read Story<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Remember: Your Network Is Your Net Worth<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Although you won\u2019t start applying for jobs until you\u2019ve completed your education, preparing for the job search begins the moment you decide to become a DBA. One of the most valuable things you can do during this time (other than studying) is networking.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">LinkedIn<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Every introduction is full of possibilities\u2014you never know what someone might have to offer you in the future or what you might have to offer them. LinkedIn is a great way to keep track of all your connections. It doesn\u2019t matter if you shared an amazing conversation or just a quick greeting, everyone you meet deserves an invitation to connect on LinkedIn.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Online Communities<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>If you choose to study independently or through an online course, it can seem difficult to meet people and network. Online communities can help you overcome this by bringing together students, enthusiasts, and professionals from all over the world.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Data-related communities can be found everywhere, from the <a href=\"https:\/\/datatalks.club\/slack.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Data Talks Club<\/a> on Slack to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/datascience\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Data Science subreddit<\/a> (with over 860,000 members!).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conferences and Meet-Ups<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Conferences may feel like a professionals-only club, but participation is often open to students, juniors, and enthusiasts too. There are both online and in-person data conferences you can look into and it\u2019s best to try to attend a mixture of both to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/news\/learning-in-public-build-network\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">develop your network<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Find a Mentor<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=99Fxpmt92LI<\/div>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>There\u2019s just no substitute for a real professional who will answer your questions directly. This is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/career-advice\/why-having-a-mentor-is-important-for-career-growth\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/career-advice\/why-having-a-mentor-is-important-for-career-growth\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">what a mentor can be<\/a>: someone who knows more than you and is willing to share that knowledge.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>This kind of relationship can help you pinpoint your weaknesses early on and discover new areas to study, as well as give you inside information on what it\u2019s like to work as a DBA. If you find a mentor at your first job or internship, you can also get valuable information about how the company works, what it values, and how to position yourself for promotions and new opportunities.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Work Toward the Job You Want<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>At a certain point in your education, you\u2019ll likely find yourself with specific interests and talents that you want to focus on. Leaning into this is a great idea, as you will be able to cultivate a specialization that will help you become more valuable to employers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Apply to Junior Roles and Gradually Progress up the Ladder<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Being realistic about your experience level is very important when it comes to job searching. Not only will it be easier for you to land a junior role, but it will also be a more beneficial role for your career.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tailor Your Resume to Each Role<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>You will find the jobs you want under various role titles such as \u201csystems administrator,\u201d \u201capplication database administrator,\u201d and \u201c(specific database service) database administrator.\u201d When you apply to roles, it\u2019s important to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/data-analytics\/data-analyst-resume\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">tailor your resume<\/a> and cover letter to each application. This definitely takes a lot of time but will show employers that you\u2019re a serious candidate.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Practice Your Interview Skills<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Once you\u2019ve landed an interview, you will need to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/data-science\/data-science-interview-preparation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">practice your interview skills<\/a>. There are various ways you can do this, from researching common interview questions and drafting answers to hiring a professional to train and practice with you.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Career Transition to Database Administrator: Where To Start<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/career-transition-to-database-administrator-where-to-start.jpg\" alt=\"Career Transition to Database Administrator Where To Start\" class=\"wp-image-42612\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/career-transition-to-database-administrator-where-to-start.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/career-transition-to-database-administrator-where-to-start-380x253.jpg 380w, https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/career-transition-to-database-administrator-where-to-start-380x253.jpg 420w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>There are multiple paths into database administration, depending on what kind of previous roles and experience you have.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related Career Transition<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>When you\u2019re moving from a tech-related position to database administration, there are a lot of ways in which your previous experience and existing network can help you out during the process.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>For example, with prior knowledge of computer science and programming languages, you might be able to jump straight into database-specific courses and study content. You\u2019re also likely to know or work with a few DBAs at your current company that can give you tips and referrals, and put you in touch with useful people in their network.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Unrelated Career Transition<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>If you don\u2019t work in the tech industry, your network might not be as useful, but can still help. Most businesses work with data, even if your previous role had no relation to it. Finance, retail, food, and many other industries collect and use enough data to need a database administrator, and your knowledge of their specific industry can be valuable.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Much Can You Earn as a Database Administrator?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Here\u2019s what you can expect to earn:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Entry-Level<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1105\" height=\"482\" src=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/entry-level-database-administrator-salary.png\" alt=\"Entry-Level Database Administrator salary\" class=\"wp-image-42613\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/entry-level-database-administrator-salary.png 1105w, https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/entry-level-database-administrator-salary-380x166.png 380w, https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/entry-level-database-administrator-salary-380x166.png 420w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1105px) 100vw, 1105px\" \/><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>As an entry-level database administrator in the United States, you can expect to make between <a href=\"https:\/\/www.glassdoor.com\/Salaries\/database-administrator-salary-SRCH_KO0,22.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">$59,000-$92,000<\/a> during your first year on the job.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mid-Level<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1107\" height=\"477\" src=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/mid-level-database-administrator-salary.png\" alt=\"Mid-Level Database Administrator salary\" class=\"wp-image-42614\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/mid-level-database-administrator-salary.png 1107w, https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/mid-level-database-administrator-salary-380x164.png 380w, https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/mid-level-database-administrator-salary-380x164.png 420w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1107px) 100vw, 1107px\" \/><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>After spending three or four years as a database administrator, you will have developed enough experience and expertise to land higher-paying roles. At this level, your annual salary should be somewhere between <a href=\"https:\/\/www.glassdoor.com\/Salaries\/database-administrator-salary-SRCH_KO0,22.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">$70,000-$105,000<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Senior<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1107\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/senior-database-administrator-salary.png\" alt=\"Senior Database Administrator salary\" class=\"wp-image-42615\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/senior-database-administrator-salary.png 1107w, https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/senior-database-administrator-salary-380x165.png 380w, https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/senior-database-administrator-salary-380x165.png 420w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1107px) 100vw, 1107px\" \/><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Once you have around 10 years of experience, you will be ready for just about any senior DBA role. At this stage, your salary can reach upwards of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.glassdoor.com\/Salaries\/database-administrator-salary-SRCH_KO0,22.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">$165,000<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How To Become a Database Administrator FAQs<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>We\u2019ve got the answers to your most frequently asked questions:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1680566452854\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Is Becoming a Database Administrator a Good Career?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Databases are an integral part of an organization&#8217;s infrastructure and the demand for DBAs isn\u2019t going away anytime soon. This, combined with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.glassdoor.com\/Career\/database-administrator-insights_KO0,22.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">high job satisfaction<\/a> and competitive salaries, makes database administration a great career.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1680566464351\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Can You Become a Database Administrator Without a Degree?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Degrees are popular in this field, but it is possible to become an entry-level database administrator without a college education. You can learn the essential skills in other ways, such as independent study or online courses, and gain experience through personal, open-source, and volunteer projects.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1680566478895\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Does a Database Administrator Have To Code?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Many people in database administration jobs do know how to code, as computer science is a popular major in this field. However, the most important skill for a DBA is knowing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/data-science\/joining-data-tables\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">how to use SQL<\/a>, which is a domain-specific language, not a programming language like Python or C++.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\n<p class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#efeff6\"><strong>Since you&#8217;re here&#8230;<\/strong><br>Considering a career in data analytics? We can get you there. Don\u2019t take our word for it \u2013 check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/reviews\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">student reviews<\/a>. After just 6 months of study in our fully flexible <a href=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/courses\/data-analytics-career-track\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Data Analytics Bootcamp<\/a>, we\u2019ll boost you into a job in the field or your tuition back. Get started now with our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/resources\/learning-paths\/data-analysis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">free data analytics course<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As data collection becomes increasingly important for large enterprises, the demand for data administrators has grown exponentially. With more data to maintain and more value to gain from it, compensation for data administrators has increased too, with senior professionals earning upwards of $180,000.\u00a0 However, entering the field isn\u2019t without its difficulties. Real-life experience is essential [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":123,"featured_media":42610,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_eb_attr":"","_eb_data_table":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[134],"tags":[],"marketing_tags":[1464],"class_list":{"0":"post-42595","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-data-analytics"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42595"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/123"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=42595"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42595\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":56593,"href":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42595\/revisions\/56593"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/42610"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=42595"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=42595"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=42595"},{"taxonomy":"marketing_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/marketing_tags?post=42595"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}