Database administrator
Plan and build computer systems to hold vital information for organisations. Make sure the systems are secure and work properly.
About the job
What it's like
Plan, build and manage computer systems that hold vital information for organisations. You’ll make sure the systems are secure and function well.
You could work on a variety of databases, such as a bank’s customer account networks or a hospital’s patient records.
You’ll make sure each database system works properly and is easy for your colleagues to use when they deal with customers or clients. You’ll probably have access to Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to help you optimise each database’s performance.
A database administrator is a similar role to a database architect. As an administrator, you'll focus on managing existing databases while an architect deals with the creation of new systems. There can be crossover between these roles and you may still plan and create new databases as an administrator.
It’s important that you’re comfortable working with web-based technologies and AI platforms. You’ll also need to understand data protection issues and stay up to date with developments in technology.
Your tasks might include:
monitoring the performance and security of existing databases
implementing fixes and improvements
produce and communicate performance reports
establishing what a new database is for, who’ll use it and what other systems it'll link to
planning the structure of the database and organising it using AI software
building a test version and checking the results to iron out any technical problems
filling the database with new information or transfering existing data into it – AI can make this process easier
planning how to update information, create back-up copies and report errors
using AI software to identify sensitive data and suggest ways to keep it secure
You'll work on projects with other IT professionals, such as analysts, programmers and project managers. You may also supervise technical support staff and train people who will use the system.
In senior roles, you’ll be responsible for strategic planning, information policy, budgets and managing client relationships.
Hours
You would normally work 37 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. However, you may have on-call duties to deal with technical problems outside of normal office hours.
Environment
You could work at one site if you are employed by a company to manage their databases.
Travel
If you work for a company that builds databases for other organisations, you would travel to meet clients. Some contracts may involve overnight stays away from home.
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Financial and professional services Digital technologies
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- database administration
- sap sybase adaptive server enterprise
- sql services
- shell commands
- cpu time
- greenplum
- sed (programming language)
- grep
- netstat
- awk (programming language)
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- problem solving
- observation
- cooperating
- written communication
- working with technology
- attention to detail
- sorting
- developing a plan
- time management
- reliable
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Administration and Information Technology
Computing Science
Foundation Apprenticeship: Software Development
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
Most database administrators have degrees in a computing subject such as computing science, information technology or software engineering. Some entrants have a degree in maths or a business subject.
Entry to a degree (SCQF level 9/10) requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of four Highers at B or relevant Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7), Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) qualifications.
A Modern Apprenticeship in IT & Telecommunications (SCQF level 5/6) could also provide the skills and knowledge required for a junior database administrator.
It is also possible to study for a postgraduate IT conversion qualification (SCQF level 11).
Qualifications and experience in IT support, programming or web development will be of value.
Industry-specific knowledge and qualifications in:
structured query language (SQL)
database management systems (DBMS) including DBMS (relational database management systems)
OODBMS (object-oriented database management systems)
XML database management systems
You may need a driving licence for some jobs.
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