What is required to be a database manager?

Database managers must possess a mix of education, experience, and skills to thrive in this role. Most database manager positions require at least a bachelor’s degree, several years of experience in related roles, and a mix of hard and soft skills. They must enjoy collaborating with other teammates, be detail-oriented, and embrace continued learning to stay up-to-date on industry advancements.

Can I get a data job without a degree?

Many positions require candidates to hold either a bachelor's or master's degree in information technology, computer science, database management, or a related field. That said, some companies may hire candidates who complete a database management boot camp.

How long does IT take to become a database manager?

You can take up 6-11 years to become a database manager. A bachelor's degrees typically require four years of full-time study, while master's programs require between one and two years of further study. Then, you’ll need 2-5 years of experience in related roles. Some roles may allow you to become a database manager with a credential from a bootcamp. Bootcamps can vary significantly, with some lasting only a few weeks and others taking close to a year. Yet, you’ll still need related experience to qualify for a management position.

Is database management a good career?

Yes. Organizations increasingly rely on qualified professionals to use data to create efficient processes and make essential business decisions. Careers in this field also offer great earning potential; computer and information technology professionals earned a median annual salary of $104,420 as of May 2023.

Database Management Careers

Updated on June 24, 2024

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If you’re tech-savvy and want a growing and lucrative career, database management might be for you. Find out more about database management careers.

If you’re considering a career in database management but have more questions than answers at this stage of your research, you have come to the right place. Learn what being a database manager entails, how to qualify for a position, and what you can expect to earn after securing a job. Keep reading to learn more about this vital and growing career.

What Is a Database Manager?

Database managers fulfill essential organizational roles, building and maintaining database systems. Database development needs depend on the company, requiring these professionals to learn about individual storage requirements and develop systems to meet them.

These professionals are also responsible for securing all data and ensuring hackers cannot access sensitive information. They routinely back up data, implement efficiency measures, and train new users to use the database systems. Database managers are also frequently responsible for overseeing others within their departments.

Database Manager Responsibilities

Ensure data security: Maintaining security is one of the most important responsibilities of database managers. They must regularly review protection measures, with some hiring ethical hackers to identify weaknesses.
Create and design new databases: Managers must be familiar with database design tools and use them to design new database systems based on organizational needs. These will vary among companies, requiring professionals to possess a high degree of attention to detail.
Update database permissions: Because databases contain sensitive information, users commonly have varied levels of accessibility. Database managers must update permissions regularly to reflect appropriate levels of access.
Maintain databases so they operate securely and efficiently: Regular maintenance ensures databases run smoothly and involves identifying and repairing errors, eliminating unneeded data, reviewing abnormalities, and comparing data backups to ensure data integrity.
Update database and backup data: Performing data backups is necessary to ensure no data is lost if a system fails or becomes corrupted. Database managers routinely backup data and, when required, perform recoveries.

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Requirements for a Database Management Career

Individuals aspiring to database management roles must meet several requirements, including attaining a certain level of education, gaining experience, and developing the necessary skills. We review what is required for each in this section.

Education

If you want to work as a database manager, pursuing at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field can provide a great foundation for future work opportunities. That said, some positions may require candidates to possess a master’s degree in database management — especially if the role is based in a large company and requires leadership skills.

Alternatively, some companies may hire candidates who complete a data science bootcamp. Consider the type of role to which you aspire and identify which educational pathway works best.

Experience

It’s not uncommon for database manager roles to require candidates to possess some professional experience. Even while still gaining your education, you can start building experience. Applying for an internship in the field can offer great opportunities, as internships allow you to get hands-on training.

You should also always prioritize networking while in school and beyond. Getting to know others in the field can help you learn about open roles and build relationships with those in decision-making positions.

Skills

To succeed, database managers need to possess a mix of soft and hard skills. For instance, they must possess SQL proficiency to design and maintain databases, but they also need to communicate effectively, think critically, and collaborate with others.

When managing teams, these professionals should also possess strong project management and leadership skills, as well as the ability to solve problems.

Database Management Career Outlook and Salaries

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), database administrators and architects earned a median annual wage of $117,450 in May 2023. With companies increasingly relying on technology to manage their business and track customers, there are many job opportunities in this field. The BLS projects 8% job growth, faster than average, in most database management fields.

The industry that employs the most database management professionals is computer systems design and related services. For the most lucrative opportunities, consider pursuing a career in computer and equipment manufacturing or monetary authorities.

The table below provides average salary information for four common database management careers.

Average Annual Salary for Database Management Careers
Job Title	Entry-Level (0-12 months)	Early Career (1-4 Years)	Midcareer (5-9 Years)	Experienced (10-19 Years)
Database Administrator	$60,780	$69,140	$84,440	$95,070
Information Security Analyst	$63,460	$73,480	$87,980	$100,850
Market Research Analyst	$52,370	$60,010	$71,610	$79,510
Software Developer	$68,040	$75,590	$89,240	$100,500

Source: Payscale

Frequently Asked Questions About Database Management Careers

Database management is vital in countless organizations and focuses on managing, storing, and securing data for use in various applications. Database managers oversee these functions and ensure users can access data as needed.

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