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Principal Dba Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Role Purpose As a Principal Database Administrator at Accelya, you will serve as the organization's highest-level hands-on database engineering expert, responsible for designing, implementing ...

Position Summary The Principal Database Administrator is a senior technical leader responsible for the design, implementation, optimization, and ongoing support of enterprise database environments ...

Database Engineer - Cleared

Aurora, CO · On-site

$175K - $180K/yr

Principal Database Administrator Location: Aurora, CO (Buckley AFB - Onsite) Clearance: TS/SCI w/ Poly Overview We are seeking a Principal Database Administrator to support high-priority ...

Database Engineer - Cleared

Aurora, CO · On-site

$175K - $180K/yr

Principal Database Administrator Location: Aurora, CO (Buckley AFB - Onsite) Clearance: TS/SCI w/ Poly Overview We are seeking a Principal Database Administrator to support high-priority ...

DBA

Van Buren, AR · On-site

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES * Provide support to the development and technical staff * Monitor ... database administrator role Preferred Skills * 2+ years experience with Microsoft SQL Server 2005 ...

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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
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 Analyst

Principal Database Analyst

Versiti, Inc.

Milwaukee, WI

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Versiti rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

790th of 886 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Versiti is a fusion of donors, scientific curiosity, and precision medicine that recognize the gifts of blood and life are precious. We are home to the world-renowned Blood Research Institute, we enable life saving gifts from our donors, and provide the science behind the medicine through our diagnostic laboratories. Versiti brings together outstanding minds with unparalleled experience in transfusion medicine, transplantation, stem cells and cellular therapies, oncology and genomics, diagnostic lab services, and medical and scientific expertise. This combination of skill and knowledge results in improved patient outcomes, higher quality services and reduced cost of care for hospitals, blood centers, hospital systems, research and educational institutions, and other health care providers. At Versiti, we are passionate about improving the lives of patients and helping our healthcare partners thrive.


The Principal Database Administrator is a senior technical leader responsible for the design, implementation, optimization, and ongoing support of enterprise database environments that underpin Versiti's Blood Establishment Computer Systems (BECS). This role ensures the reliability, integrity, and compliance of data platforms that support critical blood collection, testing, and clinical operations. While the position has a strong focus on Oracle database technologies, it also requires broad database engineering expertise and the ability to support BECSspecific platforms and workflows. The Principal DBA partners with internal teams, vendors, and regulatory stakeholders to maintain secure, highperforming systems; leads complex troubleshooting and analysis efforts; and develops documentation, standards, and training for operational teams. This is a businesscritical role requiring deep technical proficiency, handson administration, and a solid understanding of regulated healthcare environments.


Compensation
The target salary is based on internal averages. Versiti sets salary ranges aligned to local markets in which the job is performed. Compensation decisions take into account internal salary averages and differentiation based on education, experience, skills, and performance. Specific salary and benefits information is shared at the time of the phone screening based on your location and qualifications.
Benefits
Versiti provides a comprehensive benefits package based on your job classification. Full-time regular employes are eligible for Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans, Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays, Short- and Long-term disability, life insurance, 7% match dollar for dollar 401(k), voluntary programs, discount programs, others.


  • Architect, implement, and maintain database solutions supporting BECS and related systems.
  • Drive enterprisegrade availability, resilience, and performance optimization by implementing advanced monitoring frameworks, validating disaster recovery architectures, and managing backup and recovery processes across all database environments.
  • Lead database upgrades, patching, migrations, and validation activities in alignment with regulatory and organizational standards.
  • Collaborate with application teams, infrastructure engineers, and vendors to support system integrations and data workflows.
  • Create and maintain comprehensive documentation, SOPs, and training materials for support and operational teams.
  • Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and guidance to junior and cross-functional partners.
  • Develop and enforce database security policies, access controls, and audit mechanisms to meet FDA, AABB, CAP, and other compliance requirements.
  • Conduct advanced troubleshooting, performance tuning, and root-cause analysis for complex database and application issues.
  • Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification
  • Understands and performs in accordance with all applicable regulatory and compliance requirements
  • Complies with all standard operating policies and procedures

Education

  • Bachelor's Degree Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field (or equivalent experience). required

Experience

  • 7-9 years Oracle DBA experience in enterprise environments. required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Expertise in Oracle database architecture, backup/recovery strategies, and performance tuning required
  • Knowledge of Linux system administration and shell scripting. preferred
  • Knowledge of additional database technologies (e.g., SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL) for crossplatform awareness. preferred

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