Shigoto Zukan
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How to become database administratorseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States IT & Software Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$104,620
25th–75th pct. $79,610–$135,460
Top pay (est.)
$212,300
Top 10% $163,320
Pay in 5 years
$115,300est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$127,000est.
$109,200–$147,400
Outlook score
38/100
★★☆☆☆ Below average
AI replacement risk
78%
High
Job growth (10 yr)
−0.1%
3,300 openings / yr

How to become database administrators

Typical education
Bachelor's degree
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
None

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Database Administrators

Key skills

Reading Comprehension
4.2
Active Learning
4.1
Complex Problem Solving
4.1
Judgment and Decision Making
4.0
Systems Evaluation
4.0
Critical Thinking
4.0
Programming
3.9
Systems Analysis
3.9

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Computers and Electronics
6.1
Customer and Personal Service
4.8
Mathematics
4.6
Engineering and Technology
4.3
English Language
4.2
Education and Training
4.1
Administration and Management
4.0
Administrative
3.5

What the work involves

Working with ComputersEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsAnalyzing Data or InformationProcessing InformationThinking CreativelyOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkUpdating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Important abilities

Oral ExpressionOral ComprehensionWritten ExpressionDeductive ReasoningInductive ReasoningInformation Ordering

Education of workers

Bachelor's degree
89%
Post-bachelor's certificate
4%
Associate's degree
3%
Some college
2%
Master's degree
1%

Training before entry

2–4 years
14%
1–3 months
11%
1–2 years
6%
Up to 1 month
5%
6–12 months
1%

Related work experience

1–2 years
11%
Over 10 years
2%
Up to 1 month
2%
3–6 months
1%
None
1%

Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as database administrators

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.