💻 Technology ↑ 9% growth · Faster than average

Database Administrator (DBA)

Database administrators design, implement, and maintain the databases that store every organization's most critical data — from customer records to financial transactions. DBAs command strong salaries and are always in demand wherever data security and performance are non-negotiable.

$101,000 Median Salary
168K US Jobs
2–4 years Training
$10,000–$50,000 Typical Cost
Get Free Program Info → Find Schools

💰 Salary & Earning Potential

Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Figures represent national averages — local wages vary by state, city, and employer.

Entry Level
$67,000
Median
$101,000
Experienced
$148,000
Want your state's salary? Select a state below to see local wage data, demand, and training programs.

📈 Job Outlook

9%
Projected Growth (10yr)
Faster than average
168K
Total US Jobs
Active positions nationwide
Oracle DBA, Microsoft SQL Server, or AWS Database Specialty
Required Credential
Oracle DBA, Microsoft SQL Server, or AWS Database Specialty

🎓 Training & Education

Typical Program
Bachelor's in Computer Science or Information Systems
Program Length
2–4 years
Typical Tuition
$10,000–$50,000
Work Setting
Corporations, healthcare, government, financial services
🏆 Credential Required: Oracle DBA, Microsoft SQL Server, or AWS Database Specialty

☀️ Day in the Life

A typical day as a Database Administrator (DBA) involves working closely with clients and colleagues in a Corporations environment. You'll apply your training daily while building expertise and advancing your career.

⚖️ Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • ✅ Strong job security
  • ✅ Rewarding work
  • ✅ Clear career progression
  • ✅ Growing demand

Challenges

  • ⚠️ Can be physically demanding
  • ⚠️ May require ongoing certification
  • ⚠️ Entry-level wages vary by region

🗺️ Database Administrator (DBA) by State

See local salary data, licensing requirements, and schools in your state:

FL FloridaGA GeorgiaTX TexasCA CaliforniaNY New YorkNC North CarolinaIL IllinoisOH OhioPA PennsylvaniaAZ ArizonaAL AlabamaAR ArkansasLA LouisianaMS MississippiSC South CarolinaTN TennesseeVA VirginiaWV West VirginiaKY KentuckyMD MarylandDE DelawareNJ New JerseyCT ConnecticutMA MassachusettsRI Rhode IslandNH New HampshireVT VermontME MaineMI MichiganIN IndianaWI WisconsinMN MinnesotaIA IowaMO MissouriND North DakotaSD South DakotaNE NebraskaKS KansasOK OklahomaCO ColoradoMT MontanaWY WyomingID IdahoUT UtahNV NevadaNM New MexicoWA WashingtonOR OregonAK AlaskaHI HawaiiDC Washington DC