Database Administrator Essay Sample

Are you new to the world of databases? If you’re familiar with Microsoft Office programs such as Microsoft Excel or Microsoft Access, then you’re well on your way to knowing what Database Administration is. Once the knowledge of what Database Administration is clear, then it is a simple leap forward to understanding the role a database administrator plays in the field of technology. The job market is rich with employment opportunities in this field and with the fast paced way technology is growing it’s important to have a way for storing, managing and retrieving information. For the purpose of this paper, the focus will be on different job descriptions of data administrators and the salaries offered in these varying positions.
You may be asking yourself the question: What do database administrator’s do? Payscale.com defines the role of the database administrator as: “A Database Administrator’s main task is to maintain and support the large files that contain a company’s business information.” Sites like Indeed.com, Dice.com, and Monster.com offer plenty of options for those seeking jobs in the database administration field. A simple search on Dice.com offers up 29 different positions just on the first page alone. There are many different types of DBA positions to choose from based on your skill level and interests. Basic descriptions of an entry-level DBA positions are alike in that the position requires knowledge of Structured Query Language (SQL), UNIX, or Oracle in order to qualify for the position. The differences come in once employers classify whether or not the position calls for a Jr. DBA, DBA, or Sr. DBA. Some companies require that DBA’s have certification, while others do not.
There is wide salary range between entry level and experienced DBA’s. However, this is good to see in that it means that a beginner has room to grow in pay as well as experience. Payscale.com states “A Database Administrator (DBA) earns an average salary of $68,843 per year.” The website lists the lowest salary as starting around $40,000 and the highest salary seems to cap out around the low $100,000’s. In an era where it takes most people two or three jobs just to make ends meet, this salary seems rather ideal as it offers a lot of room for career growth. Most employers base salary upon experience, but the description of the database administrator position on Payscale.com mentions that most employees in this field typically have no more than 20 years experience. If you’re seeking a career in this field, it seems like you can just jump right in, and get started earning money.
In essence, the role of the DBA “is to ensure that the information contained in those files is constantly available to the users of that information”. While to some this may not be the most exciting career choice, the opportunities offered in this field make it seem like database administration is the IT field of choice to get into. As mentioned before, the age of information is growing and there is a need for people to be able to easily catalog and retrieve data. There is simply too much data for it to go unchecked. A person looking to be employed in this field only need earn their Bachelor’s degree and in some cases only need certification and a minimum of one year experience in areas such as SQL, Oracle or UNIX in order to obtain a decent starting salary.

Works Cited

PayScale, Inc. n.p., 2015. Web. 26 Feb. 2015.