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Principal Dba Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AVTC Group

Principal Database Administrator

Aurora, CO · On-site

Principal Database Administrator Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: • Database administration of servers in cluster and container environments running a variety of applications to ...

SEI

Principal Database Administrator

Oaks, PA · On-site

They are seeking a Principal Database Administrator to manage and optimize SQL databases, ensuring high availability and performance while collaborating with various teams to support application ...

Oracle

Principal Database Administrator

Reston, VA · On-site

As an Oracle DBA the role will focus on day-to-day DBA support, production troubleshooting, performance tuning, backup and recovery, and high availability. You'll work with Site Reliability ...

Oracle

Principal Database Administrator

Reston, VA · On-site

As an Oracle DBA the role will focus on day-to-day DBA support, production troubleshooting, performance tuning, backup and recovery, and high availability. You'll work with Site Reliability ...

Oracle

Principal Database Administrator

Reston, VA · On-site

As an Oracle DBA the role will focus on day-to-day DBA support, production troubleshooting, performance tuning, backup and recovery, and high availability. You'll work with Site Reliability ...

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Principal Dba information

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$36.5K

$109.4K

$182K

How much do principal dba jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal dba in the United States is $109,393.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,000.00 and $125,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Principal Dba vs Database Architect?

AspectPrincipal DbaDatabase Architect
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field, with certifications like Oracle Certified Professional or Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator AssociateUsually holds a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science or information systems, with certifications such as TOGAF or specific database architecture certifications
Work EnvironmentFocuses on managing, maintaining, and optimizing existing databases within organizationsDesigns and plans new database systems and architectures for future needs
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in large enterprises, financial institutions, and tech companiesFound in organizations developing new systems or migrating to cloud solutions

The Principal Dba primarily manages and maintains existing databases, ensuring performance and security, while the Database Architect focuses on designing and planning new database systems. Both roles require strong technical skills and certifications, but their core responsibilities differ significantly in scope and focus.

How does a Principal DBA typically collaborate with development and infrastructure teams to ensure database performance and reliability?

A Principal DBA often works closely with both development and infrastructure teams to design, implement, and maintain robust database solutions. They advise developers on optimal schema design, query optimization, and best practices for efficient data access, while also coordinating with infrastructure teams on database deployment, backup strategies, and high availability configurations. Regular cross-team meetings and proactive communication help identify potential bottlenecks and ensure database environments meet organizational requirements for security, scalability, and uptime. This collaborative approach is key to maintaining high performance and reliability in production systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Principal DBA, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal DBA, you need deep expertise in database architecture, performance tuning, and advanced SQL, typically supported by a degree in computer science and significant DBA experience. Familiarity with enterprise database platforms like Oracle, SQL Server, or PostgreSQL, as well as certifications such as Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) or Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate, is highly valued. Exceptional problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills help you manage complex projects and collaborate with cross-functional teams. These skills are essential for ensuring data integrity, system reliability, and effective database strategy in large-scale environments.

What is a Principal DBA?

A Principal DBA (Database Administrator) is a senior-level professional responsible for overseeing the design, implementation, maintenance, and security of an organization’s databases. They often lead database strategy, mentor junior DBAs, and ensure the performance, integrity, and availability of data. Principal DBAs also collaborate with architects and developers to optimize database solutions, manage high-level troubleshooting, and enforce best practices for data management. Their role is critical in organizations that depend heavily on complex or large-scale database systems.
More about Principal Dba jobs
What job categories do people searching Principal Dba jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Dba jobs are:
Principal Dba jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Dba job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 73% In-person, 9% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,393 per year, or $52.6 per hour.
Principal Database Administrator

Principal Database Administrator

Geologics

State College, PA

$74 - $107/hr

Contractor

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Principal Database Administrator 

Onsite Location: State College PA or Dulles VA

Required: TS/SCI w/ CI Poly Clearance

No 1099, No third parties, no C2C, No Visas or Green Cards No exceptions (Sorry)

W2 Hourly Contract Only

$74.00 - $107.00 per hour based on experience and benefits package

***No C2C, we can NOT work with outside agencies/vendors, and we can NOT do 1099 

TS/SCI w/ CI Poly CLEARANCE IS REQUIRED***

GeoLogics is hiring a Principal Database Administrator to support teams in State College PA or Dulles VA. You will have the opportunity to directly impact the world around you and contribute to classified programs and technologies you are passionate about. In this position you would be familiar with creating, updating, and managing databases and the code that interacts with them.

Qualifications Required

  • Active TS/SCI w/ CI Poly Clearance 
  • Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 8 years of Database Administration experience.
  • Experience with Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS) solutions including Oracle Exadata and Oracle Intelligent Advisor (OIA).
  • Experience working with Systems and Software Engineers to implement and modify backend databases.
  • Experience using Linux command line to perform database administration activities
  • Experience troubleshooting database issues such as DR, replication & backups and other related issues
  • Experience troubleshooting performance issues
  • Experience with database security controls and audit & compliance requirements.
  • Experience with automating routine tasks.
  • Current Security+ certification or ability to obtain Security+ certification within 90 days of start

 

Qualifications We Prefer

  • Experience virtualizing or containerizing databases.
  • Existing Security+ Certification
  • Experience with AWS
  • Experience with NoSQL database products such as MongoDB and DynamoDB
  • Experience with Spatial databases
  • Coding experience (SQL, Python, Java) is helpful!

 

Responsibilities:

  • Identify and understand customer needs and apply sound, demonstrable understanding of database principles, theories, and concepts related to software engineering to translate those needs to viable design solutions.
  • Demonstrate critical thinking skills with the ability to communicate concepts and ideas well.
  • Use proven problem solving and analytical skills.

Please respond to Meredith Baldwin with your interest level, recent copy of your resume and your availability for a call to Mbaldwin@geologics.com    

*Rates listed are not a guarantee of salary/rate.  Rate offered at time of hire will depend on many factors including education, experience, interview results and skill level

GeoLogics is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer that is committed to hiring a diverse and talented workforce. EOE/Disability/Veteran


Meredith Baldwin
Recruiter
(703) 891-6115
Mbaldwin@geologics.com
#CJ

Education:DegreeEmployment Type: CONTRACTOR

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