Technology

How to become a Database Administrator

From it support or developer: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there

2–4 years

Typical pay

$88k–$118k

Starting from

IT support or developer

The steps

1. 1

   Get deep in SQL

   Beyond querying: indexes, execution plans, normalisation.

   4–6 months

   Course that covers thisMaster SQL - Core Database Skills Practice ExamUdemy · around $19.99 →
2. 2

   Learn one engine properly

   SQL Server, PostgreSQL or Oracle. Backup, recovery and replication.

   6–12 months

3. 3

   Practise disaster recovery

   The whole job is judged on the day a restore is needed.

   ongoing

4. 4

   Add cloud database services

   RDS and Azure SQL are where most new databases now live.

   Course that covers thisAWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate Practice ExamsUdemy · around $19.99 →

Course links are Udemy affiliate links — we earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. Licences and exams named above are issued by state boards and certifying bodies we have no relationship with; we list them because they are what the job actually requires.