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Principal Dba Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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

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 ...

SQL DBA

Martinez, CA · On-site

$58.25 - $72.75/hr

Principal Responsibilities: Support of Microsoft 2003/2008/2012 server Support of SQL Server 2008 ... as a SQL Server DBA using associated toolsets such as SQL Admin Studio, MVC, BI, SSRS, etc.

Showing results 21-40

Principal Dba information

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$36.5K

$109.4K

$182K

How much do principal dba jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 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.

Is principal DBA still in demand?

Principal DBAs are in demand due to their expertise in managing complex database systems, ensuring data integrity, and optimizing performance. Organizations value experienced DBAs with skills in SQL, database architecture, and certifications like Oracle or Microsoft SQL Server, especially in data-driven industries and enterprise environments.

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 August 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

Oracle Corporation

Reston, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Oracle rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 151 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 242 rated software companies


Job description

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 Engineering (SRE) team on the shared full stack ownership of a collection of services and/or technology areas and understand the end-to-end configuration, technical dependencies, and overall behavioral characteristics of production services. 

Responsible for the design and delivery of the mission critical stack, with focus on security, resiliency, scale, and performance. Authority for end-to-end performance and operability. Partner with development teams in defining and implementing improvements in service architecture. 

Articulate technical characteristics of services and technology areas and guide Development Teams to engineer and add premier capabilities to the Oracle Cloud service portfolio. Understand and communicate the scale, capacity, security, performance attributes, and requirements of the service and technology stack. Demonstrate clear understanding of automation and orchestration principles. Act as ultimate escalation point for complex or critical issues that have not yet been documented as Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Utilize a deep understanding of service topology and their dependencies required to troubleshoot issues and define mitigations. 

Understand and explain the effect of product architecture decisions on distributed systems. Professional curiosity and a desire to develop a deep understanding of services and technologies. 

This Position will require being available for Shifts and Weekends

#LI-ES2

Only Oracle brings together the data, infrastructure, applications, and expertise to power everything from industry innovations to life-saving care. And with AI embedded across our products and services, we help customers turn that promise into a better future for all. Discover your potential at a company leading the way in AI and cloud solutions that impact billions of lives.

True innovation starts when everyone is empowered to contribute. That's why we're committed to growing a workforce that promotes opportunities for all with competitive benefits that support our people with flexible medical, life insurance, and retirement options. We also encourage employees to give back to their communities through our volunteer programs.

We're committed to including people with disabilities at all stages of the employment process. If you require accessibility assistance or accommodation for a disability at any point, let us know by emailing accommodation-request_mb@oracle.com or by calling 1-888-404-2494 in the United States.

Oracle is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability and protected veterans' status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Oracle will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records pursuant to applicable law.

Disclaimer:
Certain U.S. based or U.S. customer or client-facing roles may be required to comply with applicable requirements, such as immunization/occupational health mandates, and/or drug testing requirements.
Range and benefit information provided in this posting are specific to the stated locations only
US: Hiring Range in USD from: $84,900 to $209,500 per annum. May be eligible for bonus and equity.
Oracle maintains broad salary ranges for its roles in order to account for variations in knowledge, skills, experience, market conditions and locations, as well as reflect Oracle's differing products, industries and lines of business.
Candidates are typically placed into the range based on the preceding factors as well as internal peer equity.
Oracle US offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes the following:
1. Medical, dental, and vision insurance, including expert medical opinion
2. Short term disability and long term disability
3. Life insurance and AD&D
4. Supplemental life insurance (Employee/Spouse/Child)
5. Health care and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts
6. Pre-tax commuter and parking benefits
7. 401(k) Savings and Investment Plan with company match
8. Paid time off: Flexible Vacation is provided to all eligible employees assigned to a salaried (non-overtime eligible) position. Accrued Vacation is provided to all other employees eligible for vacation benefits. For employees working at least 35 hours per week, the vacation accrual rate is 13 days annually for the first three years of employment and 18 days annually for subsequent years of employment. Vacation accrual is prorated for employees working between 20 and 34 hours per week. Employees working fewer than 20 hours per week are not eligible for vacation.
9. 11 paid holidays
10. Paid sick leave: 72 hours of paid sick leave upon date of hire. Refreshes each calendar year. Unused balance will carry over each year up to a maximum cap of 112 hours.
11. Paid parental leave
12. Adoption assistance
13. Employee Stock Purchase Plan
14. Financial planning and group legal
15. Voluntary benefits including auto, homeowner and pet insurance
The role will generally accept applications for at least three calendar days from the posting date or as long as the job remains posted.

Career Level - IC4


Manage, maintain, and optimize mission-critical Oracle database environments. 

This role is responsible for ensuring database availability, performance, security, and recoverability across on-premises and/or cloud-based systems. 

The ideal candidate has strong expertise in Oracle technologies, RMAN backup/recovery, Linux systems, and high-availability architectures such as RAC and Data Guard, with experience in Exadata environments highly preferred.

Required Skills:

  • Must Possess U.S. CITIZENSHIP and an ACTIVE TS/SCI W/POLY SECURITY CLEARANCE To Be Eligible for Consideration
  • Willing to work Shifts and Weekends
  • Strong experience with Oracle Database (11g/12c/19c or later) 
  • Expertise in RMAN backup and recovery, including restore and disaster recovery scenarios 
  • Hands-on experience with Oracle RAC and/or Data Guard 
  • Solid Linux/Unix administration skills (RHEL, Oracle Linux) 

  • Shell scripting (Bash) 
  • System performance tools (top, vmstat, iostat)
  • Strong SQL and PL/SQL skills 
  • Experience with performance tuning (AWR, ASH, execution plans) 
  • Knowledge of Oracle architecture (SGA, PGA, redo/undo, etc.) 
  • Experience with database patching and upgrades 
  • Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills

Preferred But not Required Qualifications

  • Prior SRE experience managing production cloud services.

  • Prior experience in releasing and maintaining cloud services.

  • Production experience managing systems or database environment.

  • Experience with a general-purpose systems language such as:  Python, Perl, Unix Shell and/or database language SQL, PL/SQL,Rust


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About Oracle

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

An Oracle career can span industries, roles, Countries and cultures, giving you the opportunity to flourish in new roles and innovate, while blending work life in. Oracle has thrived through 40+ years of change by innovating and operating with integrity while delivering for the top companies in almost every industry. In order to nurture the talent that makes this happen, we are committed to an inclusive culture that celebrates and values diverse insights and perspectives, a workforce that inspires thought leadership and innovation. Oracle offers a highly competitive suite of Employee Benefits designed on the principles of parity, consistency, and affordability. The overall package includes certain core elements such as Medical, Life Insurance, access to Retirement Planning, and much more. We also encourage our employees to engage in the culture of giving back to the communities where we live and do business. At Oracle, we believe that innovation starts with diversity and inclusion and to create the future we need talent from various backgrounds, perspectives, and abilities. We ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to successfully participate in the job application, interview process, and in potential roles. to perform crucial job functions. That's why we're committed to creating a workforce where all individuals can do their best work. It's when everyone's voice is heard and valued that we're inspired to go beyond what's been done before.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Redwood City, CA, US

Year founded

1977

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