Database Administrators
SOC code 15-1242 · O*NET-SOC 15-1242.00 · Considerable preparation needed · Computer and IT
Database Administrators pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$104,620
a year
Hourly
$50.30
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$110,090
$52.93 per hour
Middle 50%
$79,610 – $135,460
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$60,230 – $163,320
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
69,990
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $60,230
- $28.96/hr
- 25th percentile
- $79,610
- $38.28/hr
- Median percentile
- $104,620
- $50.30/hr
- 75th percentile
- $135,460
- $65.13/hr
- 90th percentile
- $163,320
- $78.52/hr
What does a database administrator do?
Administer, test, and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems. Coordinate changes to computer databases. Identify, investigate, and resolve database performance issues, database capacity, and database scalability. May plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Modify existing databases and database management systems or direct programmers and analysts to make changes.
- Plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard information in computer files against accidental or unauthorized damage, modification or disclosure.
- Plan and install upgrades of database management system software to enhance database performance.
- Specify users and user access levels for each segment of database.
- Test changes to database applications or systems.
- Test programs or databases, correct errors, and make necessary modifications.
- Train users and answer questions.
- Provide technical support to junior staff or clients.
How to become a database administrator
Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 89% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Bachelor's Degree89%
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate4%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree3%
- Some College Courses2%
Common questions
How much does a database administrator earn?
The national median is $104,620 a year. The full range runs from $60,230 at the 10th percentile to $163,320 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a database administrator without a degree?
Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Critical Thinking3.9/5
- Reading Comprehension3.8/5
- Active Listening3.8/5
- Active Learning3.5/5
- Speaking3.4/5
- Writing3.3/5
- Monitoring3.3/5
Knowledge areas
- Computers and Electronics4.8/5
- English Language4.0/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.9/5
- Mathematics3.5/5
- Telecommunications3.5/5
- Engineering and Technology3.5/5
- Administration and Management3.1/5
- Education and Training3.1/5
Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making, Programming.