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OVERVIEW

Database administrators refer to programming professionals who manage and maintain databases and servers. The advancement in computer hardware, back-end programming languages, and the rising demand for organized data-keeping made this job a trending career.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: WHAT DO THEY DO?

• Plan data capacity consumption

• Design tables and databases

• Implement data backup and recovery 

• Identify user needs to administer and make databases

• Collaborate with data analysts who will need databases

• Create and manage dashboards, database reports, and visualizations.

• Tune-up database systems

WORKPLACE - WHERE DO THEY WORK?

DBAs work in companies that maintain databases and servers. They do work in the following industries and in any settings or situations where a database is needed.

• Airline catering companies that use Systems Applications and Products SAP and database programs.

• Banks,

• Compulsory Social Security System

• Construction

• Data Centers

• Electricity

• Financial Intermediation

• Gas and Water Supply

• Hospitals that maintain patient and medical record programs

• Hotels and Restaurants

• insurance companies,

• Internet service providers,

• Manufacturing

• Public Administration

• Real Estate

• Storage and Communication

• Transport

SKILLS NEEDED

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Most or some DBAs are graduates of computer science and engineering. However, other people with no programming educational background can work up to DBA careers by changing careers or studying.
 

Full-time study route

Taking a degree or course in the following:

• Computer science 

• Computer engineering

• Information science

• Management information system

Remote and self-study

Certifications in one to two or more of these competencies:

• Structured Query Language

• Statistics (more for data science jobs)

• Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) - Specialisation in either of these popular RDBMS or database management systems:

• Oracle DB

• MySQL

• Microsoft SQL Server 

• PostgreSQL

• MongoDB

• Cassandra database

PAYSCALE

DBAs are humbly paid compared to other IT roles. Their pay scale depends on certification, experience, location, company size, and skills. Here’s a resource of the average DBA salary in the Philippines.

Note: The data presented above is subject to change in the job market and time.
 

JOB MARKET OUTLOOK

The increase in the number of industries and companies that use computers will give more opportunities to database professionals. Being a DBA isn’t easy because it requires concentration, dedication, and planning. For example, the healthcare system will boom, and a database will be needed to manage patient, doctor, and medical data. Soon, hospitals and clinics will need DBA or computer professionals who can use SAP or any healthcare management programs.
 

RISK OF AUTOMATION

Like any other occupation, it’s hard to predict that robots will replace such a job. According to willrobotstakemyjob.com, DBAs have a moderate automation risk of 56%. AI could run some repetitive tasks of DBAs, but not all of them can be run by AI. Human oversight and AI will shape the work environment of DBAs in the future.
 

PROSPECTS FOR CAREER ADVANCEMENT

DBAs may progress into leadership or specialist positions. Those who mastered a sure database may move to manage big data.
 

RISKS

While DBAs may not face the same risks compared to firefighters and police, these database professionals may face the following health risks:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Too much screen exposure can lead to headaches and eye ailments such as eye strain.

• A sedentary lifestyle can lead to belly fat increase and risk of blood sugar increase in individuals with diabetes and high blood pressure.

• Neck strain

• Back problems

• Joint pains