Database administrators
Administer, test, and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems. Coordinate changes to computer databases. Identify, investigate, and resolve database performance issues, database capacity, and database scalability. May plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases.
BLS SOC 15-1242 · O*NET-SOC 15-1242.00 · BLS 2025–2035 · O*NET 31.0
Median annual wage, 2025
$104,620
Projected change, 2025–2035
-0.1%
2025–2035 annual average openings
3,300
AI exposure
Very high
Editorial analysis
The database is becoming better at telling administrators what is wrong
Database administrators have already seen cloud services automate backups, replication, patching, scaling, and portions of routine maintenance. AI extends that trend by helping diagnose slow queries, identify abnormal workloads, recommend indexes, explain execution plans, forecast capacity, and summarize operational problems.
Routine maintenance shrinks; responsibility does not
A database can recommend a performance change without understanding that a particular application has a critical overnight process or that a seemingly unused table exists for a regulatory reason. Administrators still need to understand workloads, recovery requirements, permissions, dependencies, and the consequences of a change.
- Performance tuning can begin with AI-generated diagnoses.
- Capacity forecasting and anomaly detection can become more predictive.
- Managed database platforms reduce some traditional server-maintenance duties.
- Security, recovery, data integrity, migration, and high-stakes troubleshooting remain important.
The role may continue moving away from manually tending individual servers and toward managing data platforms, cloud services, reliability, governance, and automation across many systems.
Labor-market picture
Two measures, different questions
These measures offer two different ways to understand the occupation: BLS projections show how national employment may change over time, while relative AI exposure highlights where tasks may intersect with AI-related capabilities. Read them with the work profile and your local context to decide what deserves closer investigation.
Employment
- Employment, 2025
- 75,000 jobs
- Projected employment, 2035
- 74,900 jobs
- Projected change, 2025–2035
- -100 jobs (-0.1%)
Relative AI exposure
BLS category: Very high. This is a relative task-exposure classification, not a forecast of employment change, automation, wages, or worker replacement.
Relative AI exposure · Very high
Work profile
Representative tasks
These task statements come from O*NET 31.0. They are source facts, not labels assigned by the AI exposure measure.
- Modify existing databases and database management systems or direct programmers and analysts to make changes.
- Plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard information in computer files against accidental or unauthorized damage, modification or disclosure.
- Plan and install upgrades of database management system software to enhance database performance.
- Specify users and user access levels for each segment of database.
- Test changes to database applications or systems.
- Test programs or databases, correct errors, and make necessary modifications.
Skills that matter
Skills in the source profile
Importance uses O*NET's 1–5 scale. Level uses its 0–7 scale. Select a skill to see its source definition and reported values.
Technology and tools
These technology records come from O*NET and show software or tools reported in the occupation profile. They describe work context, not a required checklist for every employer.
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- Access software
- Backup or archival software
- Data base management system software
- Web page creation and editing software
- Object or component oriented development software
- Web platform development software
- Data base user interface and query software
Preparation
- Typical entry education
- Bachelor's degree
- Related experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
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Source provenance
Labor-market and exposure facts: bls-ep-2025-35. Work profile: onet-31.0. Verify release details on the Sources page.