Database administrator
Database administrators organise and update computer systems that store data for commercial companies and public organisations.
- Potential salary
- £28,000 starter to £62,000 experienced per year
- Typical hours
- 37 to 39 a week. Working pattern: on call.
- Career area
- Digital and data
- Where they might work
- You could work in an office or at a client's business.
- A typical task
- speak to clients to understand what they want from a database
- Subjects that may help
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma
- Typical route
- You could study for a higher national diploma, degree or postgraduate qualification before joining a company training scheme.
- Interest area used here
- Organising information and detail, Asking questions and research
What you might do
- speak to clients to understand what they want from a database
- work with developers to plan the design of a system
- decide what data to use and how to organise it
- test prototype versions to identify issues or 'bugs'
- update information, create back-up copies and report errors
- make sure users can find the information they want
More tasks (4)
- add new information to a database or transfer existing data into it
- manage who has access to a database and put in security measures
- make sure systems meet data storage and security standards
- provide support for database users
Could this suit me?
Consider which of these skills and ways of working appeal to you.
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- analytical thinking skills
- the ability to work well with others
- maths knowledge
- excellent verbal communication skills
- persistence and determination
More skills
- the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
- complex problem-solving skills
- to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
Routes into this career
University route
- You could study for a higher national diploma, degree or postgraduate qualification before joining a company training scheme.
- Useful subjects include:
- computer science
- business information systems
- software engineering
- information technology management
- mathematics
- You may have an advantage when you look for work if you do a degree that includes a work placement.
- You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course
- equivalent entry requirements
- student finance for fees and living costs
- university courses and entry requirements
University courses that could lead to this career
These are course families, not published offers. A link does not mean the degree is sufficient on its own.
- Computer science
Alternative route. Databases may be one module. The job also uses vendor qualifications and experience.
- Information Systems
Common route. Database work can follow an information or computing degree, usually with further technical training.
Apprenticeship or vocational route
- You could get into this job by applying to do an apprenticeship, such as:
- Data Engineer Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship
- Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
- If you already have a degree or relevant experience, you may be able to do a Digital and Technology Solutions Specialist Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship.
- You may be able to start in a junior or assistant role by doing a Software and Data Level 2, or Hardware, Network and Infrastructure Level 2, Foundation Apprenticeship.
- You can apply for a foundation apprenticeship if you're aged 16 to 21.
- If you're aged 22 to 24, you can apply if you:
- have an education, health and care (EHC) plan
- are in care or have been in care
- are in prison or have been in prison
- You'll usually need:
- no specific qualifications or experience to apply for a foundation apprenticeship
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
- equivalent entry requirements
- guide to apprenticeships
Career progression
- With experience, you could become a:
- systems analyst
- IT project manager
- web developer
- network manager
- You could also work as a consultant or become self-employed.
Subjects that may help
Subject guidance
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course
- no specific qualifications or experience to apply for a foundation apprenticeship
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship