Top Database Management
Careers: 2021 List
Companies rely on data to understand their target markets and consumer preferences. This data allows businesses to efficiently deliver goods and services to their customers. Some companies also use different data to run their operations and make essential business decisions.
These data management solutions require experts in the data governance field. If you’re considering a data management career, read on as we break down the essential information in this field. Learn about the highest-paying database management jobs, salary outlook, entry-level options, and education pathways.
Why Pursue a Database Management Career?
One of the main reasons why you should pursue a career in this field is that the demands for tech professionals, data management professionals included, are very high. Since the supply is low, those who are patient enough to educate themselves and commit to the field will enjoy great job prospects.
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If you are only just beginning your career pathway, you can expect to remain hireable to prospective employers by the time you get an education. If you get a Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science, you will be able to do almost all of these jobs.
What Industries Are Hiring Database Management Professionals?
Given the nature of the job and functions of a database management professional, they are usually involved in data hosting companies, data processing providers, educational institutions, and computer systems design providers. These professionals can also be found working in the healthcare, financial, and retail industries.
If you decide to work in the database management industry, you will find yourself working on customer data derived from converted databases. You will work with various database management systems, database languages, and data sources. During these processes, you may be tasked to offer training and support to remote and field-based personnel.
Highest-Paying Database Management Careers at a Glance
If you look at the job outlook in the table below, you would see that most data management jobs have a projected growth rate of 10 percent or higher. This means that there will be many more jobs in the next decade.
All information on median pay, job outlook, and minimum education requirement information comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and ZipRecruiter. Job growth percentages refer to the increase in opportunities between 2019 and 2029.
| Job Title | Min. Education | Job Outlook | Median Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or IT | 10% | $151,150 |
| Computer Network Architect | Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or IT | 5% | $116,780 |
| Software Developer | Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or IT | 22%* | $110,040 |
| Information Security Specialist | Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or IT | 31% | $103,590 |
| Database Administrator | Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, or IT | 10% | $98,860 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, or IT | 7% | $93,370 |
| Operations Research Analyst | Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, or IT | 25% | $86,200 |
| Quality Assurance Analyst | Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or IT | 22%* | $72,834 |
| Market Research Analyst | Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, or IT | 18% | $65,810 |
| Computer Support Specialist | Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or IT | 8% | $55,510 |
*Job growth statistics have been sourced from BLS data on software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers.
The Best Database Management Careers in 2021
If you think database management is the right industry for you, consider exploring these top database management jobs that are expected to be high in demand. Take an in-depth look at the best database management careers of 2021.
Computer and Information Systems Manager
Computer and information systems managers are sometimes referred to as project managers or IT managers. This is considered a senior-level position. They are involved in planning, directing, and coordinating all sorts of computer-related organizational activities, including database administration. They also help identify organizational IT goals.
Computer and Information Systems Manager Responsibilities
- Executes various computer systems
- Manages staff of support specialists, analysts, and programmers
- Evaluates system functionality
- Consults with different users to determine their specific needs
- Chooses and purchases appropriate software and hardware
Computer Network Architect
Computer network architects are usually tasked with building design and data communication networks such as local and wide area networks. Both the LANs and WANs range from small and short-ranged networks to multiple-user platforms like cloud infrastructure. Computer networks are vital for data storage.
Computer Network Architect Responsibilities
- Builds computer networks by considering such factors as security, infrastructure requirements, bandwidth, and more
- Uses existing network traffic information to estimate the network’s growth
- Considers all factors that would affect network security
- Ensures that all security equipment is installed where it needs to be
Software Developer
Software developers are responsible for designing and developing applications in the digital world. They transform ideas into actionable plans that developers and users can play and use. Many software developers work on data processing and storage solutions for databases. To become a software developer, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree.
Software Developer Responsibilities
- Designs new tech and propose its development
- Works with other developers and the QA team to ensure that the product they’re developing passes quality standards
- Fixes bugs and errors of the tech they develop or work on
- Ensures that the software they develop is relevant and up to date
Information Security Specialist
Your job as an information security specialist requires you to devise an operational plan to fortify an organization’s networks and computer systems. Expect that as security threats and cyber attacks increase, your job scope will also expand. Information security specialists protect a company’s data and create security measures for databases.
Information Security Specialist Responsibilities
- Designs and implements safety and security controls
- Monitors all network activities to pinpoint possible vulnerable points
- Acts on malware attacks and security breaches
- Analyzes the company’s IT specifications to identify security risks
Database Administrator (DBA)
Database administrators direct and perform various database environment maintenance-related functions. They also ensure that the company and its applications are functional and efficiently operated. If you become a database administrator, you will earn one of the highest data science salaries.
Database Administrator (DBA) Responsibilities
- Establishes user needs and monitors their security and access
- Manages parameters and monitors performance to provide quick responses to various front end users
- Maps out the planned database’s conceptual design
- Considers front end and backend user accessibility and data organization
Computer Systems Analyst
A computer systems analyst is often assigned to analyze engineering, business, science, and various processing issues to make electronic data work. Apart from that, they also analyze improvement opportunities, automation methods, procedures, and user requirements. In the end, they need to recommend the right software to use.
Computer Systems Analyst Responsibilities
- Provides technical support and guidance for computer system troubleshooting and development
- Identifies software, hardware, and system data components necessary to match user needs
- Develops implementing guidelines to secure systems
- Monitors systems to pinpoint potential errors and other document instructions and system information
Operations Research Analyst
Operations research analysts use their mathematical expertise and analytical methods to lead organizations into sound decisions. They weigh the benefits of various data solutions and help the management choose the best solution. They work in teams within organizations to perform their responsibilities.
Operations Research Analyst Responsibilities
- Researches ways to develop possible solutions to operational issues
- Advises management on strategies to improve their operation
- Keeps tabs and evaluates key metrics to assess the company’s performance
- Assesses the efficiency and timeliness of company decisions
Quality Assurance Specialist
A quality assurance (QA) specialist is often tasked with testing products to ensure that they meet the manufacturing standards. These specialists also work on software development tests, especially checking their output for glitches, bugs, or errors. QA specialists help make sure that databases are reliable and have strong security.
Quality Assurance Specialist Responsibilities
- Suggests improvement points that need to be implemented before the product gets launched
- Conducts audits to ensure product standards and integrity
- Troubleshoots a system to keep its performance, usability, and reliability
- Attests to the reliability of the software manufacturing process
Market Research Analyst
Working in this data analyst role requires providing upper management with timely information in statistical data, industry trends, financials, and market activities. Market research analysts must have strong data science skills to collect data. These pieces of crucial information will be analyzed to make business decisions.
Market Research Analyst Responsibilities
- Collects various data on marketplaces, competitors, and consumers
- Consolidates data gathered and transforms the information into presentations, reports, and actionable items
- Compiles and analyzes statistical data
- Performs reliable and valid market research
Computer Support Specialist
Also known as technical support specialists or IT support specialists, computer support analysts offer technical assistance to customers, staff, and other company members. They also use software and computers to offer sound advice to the people they assist. They must be familiar with all types of software, including databases.
Computer Support Specialist Responsibilities
- Responds to tech queries and support tickets
- Talks to customers to identify the technical issue they’re experiencing
- Connects to the customer’s computers by remote access and troubleshoot issues
- Locates and troubleshoots network and hardware malfunctions
What Role Does Location Play in Database Management Salaries?
Location is an essential factor in determining salaries because the cost of living can make a salary higher or lower. In areas where the cost of living is high, it is also highly likely that the minimum wage is higher than in other areas. With a rate that aligns with the cost of essential commodities and other daily expenses, these employees can live comfortably.
According to ZipRecruiter, data scientists earn the most in New York, New Hampshire, and California. The same data reports that data scientists make the lowest salaries in North Carolina, Missouri, and Texas.
Common Entry-Level Jobs in Database Management
If you are hoping to begin a career in database management immediately after graduating from university or college, consider pursuing one of the entry-level database management jobs listed below.
| Job Title | Min. Education | Entry-Level Pay |
|---|---|---|
| SQL Database Administrator | Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science or Computer Science | $67,353 |
| Database Support | Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science or Computer Science | $66,615 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | Bachelor’s Degree in IT or Computer Science | $59,833 |
| IT Database Administrator | Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science or IT | $56,391 |
| Technical Support | Bachelor’s Degree in IT or Computer Science | $33,203 |
What Education Is Required for a Career in Database Management?
Almost every career in database management has a minimum educational requirement of a bachelor’s degree. You can pursue any program related to computer science, data science, information technology, and other tech topics.
These programs will provide you with the basics of database management and introduce you to the principles, theories, and applications you need. They will help you efficiently carry out your future role as a database management professional.
Suppose you don’t have the time or financial resources to finish a four-year degree at university. You can also enroll in an associate degree program related to the tech and computer fields. Even with an associate degree, you can land entry-level jobs in database management.
Can I Study Database Management Online?
Yes, you can enroll in coding bootcamps or take advantage of the courses offered by online learning platforms. Though their learning and training methods are different, these education pathways will offer you the essential skills and knowledge you need to start a successful career as a database management professional.
There are coding bootcamps that offer scholarships for eligible students who want to start a career in tech. Online course platforms also offer discounted prices or even free sessions. Check out their websites for more specific info. You can also enroll in one of the best online data science courses.
Common Personality Traits in Database Management Professionals
Along with the technical knowledge needed for a career in this field like machine learning and data integration skills, there are also various soft skills needed in this profession. Here are some of the traits of a successful database management professional.
You’ll need to be analytical, organized, a good communicator, and a team player. You’ll be working with a team of professionals and managing various projects at once. Communication skills will allow you to thrive within your team, with management professionals, and with clients.
Is a Database Management Job Good for Me?
If you feel that the traits listed above match your skills, a career in database management would be a great choice for you. As the statistics above show, even entry-level professionals in this field enjoy high salaries. If you’re interested in combining tech and data with business, database management could be a path to pursue.
