Database administrator
Database administrators create, organise and look after computer systems that store data for commercial companies and public organisations.
Typical Salary
£28,000 – £62,000
per year
Working Hours
37–39
hours per week
Day-to-day tasks
As a database administrator you'll:
- speak to clients to understand what they want from a database
- plan the design and how to organise and display data
- identify other systems the database will link to
- build a test version in stages and run checks to find issues or 'bugs'
- refine the design after each stage until a working version is ready to use
- fill the database with new information or transfer existing data into it
- decide who will have access and put in security measures
- plan how to update information, create back-up copies and report errors
Skills needed
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- analytical thinking skills
- the ability to work well with others
- maths knowledge
- excellent verbal communication skills
- persistence and determination
- the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
- complex problem-solving skills
- to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
Entry requirements
You'll need to know how to use structured query language (SQL) and database management systems (DBMS).
How to get into this role
You could get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
Career progression
With experience, you could become a:
You could also work as a consultant or become self-employed.