1. Home: Explore careers
  2. Database administrator

Database administrator

Alternative titles for this job include

Database administrators create, organise and look after computer systems that store data for a company.

Average salary (a year)

£24,000 Starter

to

£45,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 a week

You could work

on call

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a database administrator

You could get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

University

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.

Entry requirements

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

More Information

Apprenticeship

You may be able to get into this job through a digital and technology solutions professional degree apprenticeship.

If you already have a degree or relevant experience, you may be able to do a digital and technology solutions specialist masters degree apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Direct Application

You may be able to apply directly for a place on a graduate training scheme. You can usually apply if you have a degree in any subject.

More Information

Career tips

Experience in IT support, programming or web development will help.

Further information

The Chartered Institute for IT and techskills have more details about careers and training in computing.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • analytical thinking skills
  • the ability to work well with others
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • persistence and determination
  • the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
  • complex problem-solving skills
  • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to know structured query language (SQL) and database management systems (DBMS).

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

You'll work with an organisation to:

  • establish the purpose of the database
  • decide who can access the database
  • identify other systems the database will link to
  • plan how to organise, find and display data
  • build a test version and check the results for bugs
  • fill the database with new information or transfer existing data into it
  • plan how to update information, create back-up copies and report errors
  • put in security measures

Working environment

You could work in an office or at a client's business.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a:

You could also work as a consultant or become self-employed.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Data Analyst: Masters Degree Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £25,000.00 Annually
  • Location: Sheffield

Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship (Software Engineer)

  • Wage: £16,800.00 Annually
  • Location: Oakfield Business Park, Stephenson Road, Westbury, Wiltshire
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Computing (Business Information Systems) for Adults (New Provision)

  • Provider: BARNET & SOUTHGATE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 11 September 2023
  • Location: Barnet

BTEC L3 Double ICT

  • Provider: COLTON HILLS COMMUNITY SCHOOL
  • Start date: 01 September 2023
  • Location: Wolverhampton
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Search further careers

Related careers

Skills assessment

Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.

Speak to an adviser

You can call 0800 100 900 or use webchat to speak to an adviser.

We're open:

  • 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday
  • 10am to 5pm Saturday and bank holidays

We're closed Sunday, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Is this page useful?

Yes No

Thank you for your feedback.

Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.