12 of the Best Types of Database Administrator Jobs in 2026

Discover some great types of Database Administrator jobs that are hiring now.

High Paying Database Administrator Jobs

• Senior Database Administrator

  Salary range: $99,500 - $137,000

  The qualifications that you need to become a senior database administrator (senior DBA) include an IT-related degree and technical skills. You can start this career with a bachelor's degree in IT, computer science, or a related subject. Some employers prefer candidates with a master's degree, although experience may be acceptable in place of advanced educational qualifications. While not always required, vendors such as Microsoft and Oracle offer additional database admin certifications. A senior database administrator needs troubleshooting skills and the ability to manage other employees. You also need the ability to train non-technical employees to access data and use apps. While this job does not usually involve programming, you should be familiar with common computer languages.

• Entry Level Database Administrator

  Salary range: $80,000 - $123,000

  The qualifications needed for an entry-level database administrator (DBA) position include at least a bachelor’s degree in information systems, computer science, or an IT related field. Many employers prefer a master’s degree, and if you wish to advance in this career path, this is mandatory. While voluntary, vendor or third-party certifications in database languages like SQL are desirable, as they help you stay current with the technology and the industry. Critical thinking and strong problem-solving skills are imperative for keeping the systems running smoothly and securely. Strong interpersonal skills are helpful to explain IT concepts to non-IT staff.

• Database Administrator Internship

  Salary range: $80,000 - $123,000

  To obtain a database administrator internship, you must be a student working towards a postsecondary degree in database administration or a similar field. You should also be familiar with relevant software, including SQL, Postgres, UNIX, Windows, Microsoft Office, and Enterprise DB. You must be proficient with technology and willing to learn. Additional qualifications include critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, the ability to communicate and collaborate with a team, and a solid understanding of database administration. Most internships prefer candidates with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Most interns do not receive a paycheck, but it is possible to find a paid internship program.

• Virtual Database Administrator

  Salary range: $80,000 - $123,000

  A virtual job refers to a job that can be performed outside of an employer’s office. Also known as remote, work from home, or telecommuting jobs, these positions have become increasingly common because of technology like telephones, internet, email, and video conference calls, which help to facilitate employer-employee communication.

• Union Database Administrator

  Salary range: $80,000 - $123,000

  For those who work for unions, some of the specific jobs include researchers, organizers, administrators, lawyers, communications workers, and clerical staff. Your duties include entering workplaces to speak with workers and provide them encouragement and support if they are interested in joining a specific union, or to negotiate with employers for better working conditions, pay, or benefits for union members. There are numerous types of unions, including health care, public sector, construction, writing, and service workers unions, and they represent a variety of professions, such as nurses, journalists, manufacturers, construction workers, municipal workers, and hotel workers, to name only a few.

• Per Diem Database Administrator

  Salary range: $80,000 - $123,000

  Per diem jobs are short-term positions which are paid by the day. The most common per diem job opportunities are in the medical field, including positions in nursing, hospice, pediatrics, and midwifery. Phlebotomists, operating (OR) assistants, and pharmacists may also work on a per diem basis. Per diem employees are often contracted to work as admissions coordinators, recreation coordinators, and assistants.

• Trainee Database Administrator

  Salary range: $80,000 - $123,000

  The requirements to get a trainee job vary by industry. In some, such as architecture or accounting, you must graduate from an accredited college program before you can begin work. Other industries, such as retail, manufacturing, or telemarketing, may require only a high school diploma or a GED certificate to begin a training program. No matter what profession you are interested in, you should have strong verbal and written communication and an interest in continuing the career.

• Director Database Administrator

  Salary range: $80,000 - $123,000

  A director is a low-level executive in a company or organization that is responsible for a particular project, region, or division. A director of a company is employed to manage the day-to-day business activities of a group or division within an organization. There are different types of directors, but they are all tasked with leading others and meeting the goals of the organization. Directors plan, execute and manage to reach a goal. For example, the sales director would oversee the sales for a particular product or area. An HR director would be tasked with screening applicants and hiring the right candidates, making sure to comply with all employment laws and settling any personnel issues.

• Manager Database Administrator

  Salary range: $80,000 - $123,000

  Managers supervise a team of people; they establish goals, assign tasks, and measure progress. The specific responsibilities of someone in a management position will vary based on the company and industry they work in, but their primary responsibilities remain largely the same. Managers monitor the accomplishments of their staff, focusing on the overall goals of the department. They work with Human Resources to determine and address staffing needs, coordinate and delegate responsibilities, check employee performance, and provide additional training and direction when necessary.

• Full Time Database Administrator

  Salary range: $80,000 - $123,000

  Full-time employment hours are generally determined by the employer. There is no single universal definition; however, various laws and policies govern different types of eligibility and statuses. For example, the Fair Labor Standards Act does not define full-time employment but does require overtime pay after 40 hours of work in a workweek for non-exempt employees. The Affordable Care Act, in determining Applicable Large Employers, defines full-time employees as those working an average of at least 30 hours per week, or 130 hours a month. The H-1B Visa Program defines full-time as 40 hours per week, normally, and in no event would less than 35 hours per week be considered to be full-time employment. In practice, full-time employment is typically between 32 and 40 hours per week.

• Executive Database Administrator

  Salary range: $80,000 - $123,000

  The different types of executive jobs include upper- and senior-level management as well as the C-suite—the highest levels of senior management. The C-suite executives have the word “chief” at the beginning of their titles: Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Operating Officer (COO), and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) are the most common. Companies with a heavy reliance on information technology may also have a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Other executive jobs include vice president and director of various departments.

• Junior Database Administrator

  Salary range: $50,000 - $75,000

  Entry-level database administrators should gain job experience in a junior position and then pursue internal promotion opportunities or secure a higher position with a different company. The next step on your career path is database consultant. If you can show management potential, you may earn a promotion to manage other DBAs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, database administrators with job experience can also pursue positions as computer and information systems (CIS) managers.