A SQL Server DBA is ultimately responsible for ensuring that database servers are available to the users, applications, and other teams that depend on it. Overall, there are many things a DBA needs to do to manage a healthy database environment. This salary breakdown sheds some light on what each of those tasks are worth from a financial perspective.
SQL Server DBA job description: A SQL Server Database Administrator (DBA) is responsible for ensuring that the database server and its associated systems are functioning properly, handling problems as they arise, monitoring system activity, and tracking resource usage. The DBA also works with applications developers and business analysts to ensure that databases meet performance requirements.
The average salary for a SQL Server DBA is $123,000 at large companies, as of 2018. Salaries are higher on average at large companies (more than 50 employees) and lower at small companies (less than 50 employees). These salaries can vary geographically. For example, the highest paying cities for this job are Seattle and San Francisco.
Salary For SQL Server DBA Overview
If you’re looking to become a Senior SQL Server Database Administrator, you’ll want to be prepared to earn a great salary. In this post we’ll cover the average salary for a Senior SQL Server Database Administrator, as well as some of the factors that can influence what someone in this role will earn.
The average annual salary for a senior SQL Server database administrator is $104,000. This data was collected from Indeed.com and Glassdoor.com using keywords like “Sql DBA” and “Sql Database Administrator”. This means that these figures are based on real salaries reported by people who have actually worked in this position, rather than just inferences about pay scales.
In addition to having experience working as an IT professional, there are several other factors that can influence how much money someone earns in their job as a Sql DBA:
- Location: The highest paying states for Sql DBAs include California ($110K), New York ($107K), Massachusetts ($106K), and Illinois ($105K). While these states tend to offer higher salaries than others, they also have higher costs of living which may counteract any gains in income (i.e., if you make $60K per year but live where your cost of living is $50
How to Become a Database Administrator
Database managers, sometimes referred to as database administrators, identify a company’s information management needs and create a database to meet those needs. They also merge old and new databases, ensure that databases operate correctly, ensure that database information is secure, and fix any related problems.
A database administrator may work more than 40 hours per week, and the majority are employed full-time. Database administrators work in many industries and may be employed by large corporations, the government, computer service consulting groups, or be self-employed. The job is not physically demanding and few physical injuries or illnesses are associated with this career.
Database Manager Requirements
| Degree Level | Bachelor’s degree |
| Degree Field | Management information systems, computer science, or a related field |
| Licensure/Certification | None required; voluntary certifications available |
| Experience | 1-5 years typically required |
| Key Skills | Analytical, critical-thinking, operations analysis, decision-making, and logic skills; able to use database management, metadata management, object-oriented component, and archival software programs |
| Median Salary (2020)* | $98,860 per year (for database administrators) |
| Job Outlook (2020-2030)* | 8% growth |
Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, O*Net Online.
Getting into the field of database management requires a bachelor’s degree program in management information systems, computer science, or a related field. While licensure or certification isn’t required, voluntary certifications are available from industry companies. Additionally, most managers require anywhere from 1-5 years of experience. The key skills to becoming a database manager are analytical, critical-thinking, and logic skills; operations analysis and decision-making skills; and the ability to use database management, metadata management, object-oriented component, and archival software programs.
How to Become a Database Manager: Steps
Now let’s take a look at the individual steps that you can take to become a database manager, as well as some tips to help your chances of success.
- Earn a bachelor’s degree
- Work as a database developer or data analyst
- Work as a database manager
- Consider earning a master’s degree
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
The BLS states that most database administrators have a bachelor’s degree. Database administrator degree programs at the bachelor’s level are available in computer information systems with a concentration in database systems, computer science or in the computer and information sciences. Classes in these 4-year programs cover topics like discrete structures, web page applications, database systems, data structure and mining, databases and distributed systems, data communications, and database management systems.
To really shine above the competition, complete an internship. Some bachelor’s degree programs allow students to complete an internship during their studies. These internships introduce students to the type of tasks they may perform as a database administrator. This experience may impress employers during job searches.
Step 2: Work as a Database Developer or Data Analyst
The BLS states that many database administrators begin their careers working as database developers or data analysts. Database developers design and implement database technologies, collect information to put into databases, and analyze database efficiency. Data analysts collect and analyze data contained in databases. Both of these careers require a bachelor’s degree. This is one way that you can learn how to get database experience without being fully qualified as a manager yet.
Additionally, to make your skills stand out, earn industry certifications. Microsoft, Cisco, and SQL offer database managers the opportunity to earn voluntary certifications in the use of their products. These certifications often require the completion of training programs and the demonstration of proficiency in operating the company’s product.
Step 3: Work as a Database Manager
After completing 1-5 years of work experience, an individual may be qualified to assume a position as a database manager. These managers ensure that databases operate correctly and are easy to use so that data analysts can perform their job duties. Now you can start your career in database management system operations.
Step 4: Consider Earning a Master’s Degree
Although not required to work in the field, the BLS reports that some large firms may prefer to hire database managers who possess a graduate degree. Master’s degrees are available in database technologies or database management and business intelligence. The curriculum for these programs includes classes in data mining, database security, database performance tuning, and database backup.
how much do SQL-server database administrators earn in top cities?
city salary
atlanta, ga $127,263/yr
boston, ma $150,471/yr
charlotte, nc $126,243/yr
chicago, il $110,671/yr
dallas, tx $131,981/yr
los angeles, ca $144,988/yr
tampa, fl $120,378/yr
Compensation data is provided by Randstad. For non-executive titles (managers and below), roles are organized by annual salaries across three levels of professional experience.
