Occupation
Database administrator
Database administrators look after the systems where an organisation's data lives. They handle installation, access control, backup and recovery, and performance, and they are accountable when a query slows the business down or a restore is needed.
Also known as: DBA · Database analyst · Data administrator
Occupation content
Part of Information technology, data and cybersecurity
What the work involves
- Install, configure, and patch database platforms
- Grant, review, and revoke database access in line with policy
- Take and test backups so recovery is proven rather than assumed
- Tune slow queries, indexes, and storage layouts
- Plan and rehearse schema changes and version upgrades
How people commonly enter
- A degree in computer science, information systems, or data management
- A college diploma or certificate in database technology
- Database vendor certifications alongside hands-on administration experience
- An apprenticeship route in data or digital technology
- Progression from a developer, analyst, or systems administration role
Typical training: Bachelor's degree
Licensing: Certification common, not usually required
Pathways: Apprenticeship route
Typical work context
Team based · Desk based · High responsibility · Quiet focus · Remote capable · Hybrid office
Related interests
Conventional (organizing) · Investigative (analytical) · Realistic (hands-on)
Related aptitude preparation
These are preparation links only. They do not measure eligibility for this occupation and no score here qualifies or disqualifies anyone.
Skills to practise
Practice suites
Related learning
Family-level learning links for Information technology, data and cybersecurity.
Official sources
Labour-market facts such as pay and employment projections are not reproduced here. Open an official source below for figures, with its own geography and reference period.
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook: Database Administrators and Architects · United States
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- O*NET OnLine — Database Administrators (15-1242.00) · International
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- UK National Careers Service — Database administrator · United Kingdom
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Labour-market context (not part of exploration match)
This is broad family-level context for Information technology, data and cybersecurity in Canada, not a figure for Database administrator. It does not affect matching scores and is not an eligibility determination.
This is a broad Information technology, data and cybersecurity family. Explore the official profile for the chosen occupation; entry education and training can differ within the family.
Canada Job Bank Career Planning · Canada · Current official profile; consult source for its release period
Information technology, data and cybersecurity: education pathways
Some roles in Information technology, data and cybersecurity may be regulated. Confirm whether the specific role requires registration, certification, or a jurisdiction-specific licence.
Canada Job Bank Career Planning · Canada · Current official profile; consult source for its release period
Information technology, data and cybersecurity: licensing
Find jobs
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- Search Canada Job Bank · Canada
- Search USAJOBS · United States federal
- Search EURES · European Union / EEA
- Search Indeed · International (choose location on Indeed)