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Database administrator

Also called DBA, data manager, database manager

Database administrators test, implement and administer computer databases. They use their expertise in database management systems to plan, coordinate and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases. They also use scripts and configuration files to tailor a database to users' needs.

Will there be jobs?Yes, good prospects59 jobs to fill by 2035 for every 100 people doing this work today.ICT professionalsWhat does it pay?Well above averageFrom about €2,900 (Slovakia) to €7,300 (Denmark) a month, depending on the country.Estimate · ICT professionalsWhat do I need to study?Usually a degree8 in 10 have a degree.ICT professionalsWill AI change it?SignificantlyLevel 5 of 6. AI could take on part of most tasks, but none fully.Database designers and administrators · ILO

What you'd do

Database designers and administrators · ILO
  • Designing and developing database architecture, data structures, tables, dictionaries and naming conventions for information systems projects
  • Designing, constructing, modifying, integrating, implementing and testing database management systems
  • Conducting research and providing advice on the selection, application and implementation of database management tools
  • Developing and implementing data administration policy, documentation, standards and models
  • Developing policies and procedures for database access and usage and for the backup and recovery of data
  • Performing the operational establishment and preventive maintenance of backups, recovery procedures, and enforcing security and integrity controls
Interpret technical textsDefine database physical structureDesign database schemeUse scripting programmingPerform backups+ 12 more essential skills
What the work is like
  • Indoors
  • Sitting most of the day
  • Lots of contact with people
  • Good freedom to decide
  • Usually 40 hours a week
  • Deadlines now and then
  • Some repetitive tasks
US data: based on the O*NET profile of the US job "Database Administrators"

Will there be jobs?

Yes, good prospects

Many jobs will need filling by 2035.

People working as ICT professionals in the EU
2.77m4.86m6.75m 201520232035

Solid: measured. Dashed: forecast.

Jobs to fill, 2026–2035
1,516,000 new jobs 1,592,000 replacing leavers
Jobs to fill per 100 people working now
ICT professionals59
All jobs29
Right now
8 of 27 countries report a shortage of database designers and administrators, 6 a surplus.
Database designers and administrators · EURES

What does it pay?

Well above average

Pay depends a lot on the country: from about €2,900 a month (Slovakia) to €7,300 (Denmark), before tax.

Pick a country at the top of the page to see typical pay there, for people under 30, and compared with all jobs.

Among professionals in the EU, women earn 21% less per hour than men. Professionals · Eurostat

What do I need to study?

Usually a degree

A degree in database and network design and administration is the usual route.

Highest qualification of ICT professionals (EU, 2025)
Degree 81%Vocational 10%General secondary 7%Basic schooling 2%
Fields that teach it
Database and network design and administration · Software and applications development and analysis
Vocational route, EU
4 in 10 trainees in this field
ICT graduates in a matching job
77% in the EU

887 institutions in the EU offer ICT bachelor's degrees. Pick a country at the top of the page to see where to study and the official course finders.

Will AI change it?

Significantly

AI could take on part of most tasks, but none fully.

How exposed is this job? ILO scale
Very low
Low
Some tasks
Moderate
Significant
High

Average task score 0.57 on a scale from 0 (AI can't do it) to 1 (AI could do it fully).

See the score for each of the 6 tasks
Designing, constructing, modifying, integrating, implementing and testing database management systems0.67
Designing and developing database architecture, data structures, tables, dictionaries and naming conventions for information systems projects0.62
Developing policies and procedures for database access and usage and for the backup and recovery of data0.61
Conducting research and providing advice on the selection, application and implementation of database management tools0.53
Developing and implementing data administration policy, documentation, standards and models0.53
Performing the operational establishment and preventive maintenance of backups, recovery procedures, and enforcing security and integrity controls0.43

Based on what AI could technically do when assessed in 2025. It is not a forecast for a future year, and not a forecast of job losses. Scores for database designers and administrators. Source: ILO (2025), adapted (credits).