Introduction
With 2.5 Quintillions of data generated on a daily basis, and the amount is accelerating at an exponential rate, you must be wondering where all this data goes? One of the foundational locations is a database. What is a database? It’s a systematic collection of data. If there has been no database and the ability to query it, then the thought of analyzing, tracking, manipulating or updating any of that data would be nearly impossible. Of course, this is happening because of a team of warriors, most commonly called database administrators. They are the ones who are tasked with using specialized types of software & technology to store and organize a company's data in a meaningful way.
Add this exciting job with the coolest and popular software, SQL server , and see the magic of executing SQL commands and queries. Being a SQL Server Database Administrator or SQL Server DBA is not only a cool job to have as you get to play with so much data but SQL server roles are also one of the lucrative roles as well. The average salary of a certified SQL Server DBA $87,573 a year and that’s entry-level. If you have experience with Salesforce you can easily earn into the six-figure range.
So do you want to know who is a SQL Server DBA? What does a SQL Server DBA do? Is this the right career for you or not?
Let’s dive in!
Who is a SQL Server DBA & What Does a SQL Server DBA Do?
A database administrator is a professional who is responsible for the database “design, implementation, maintenance and repair of the database.” So naturally, a SQL Server DBA is someone who manages the SQL server to successfully store, organize, and access data and makes it available to users.
Why go for SQL Server DBA?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has predicted 9% of employment growth annually in Database Administrators jobs between the years 2018-2028. There are other reasons to choose a career in SQL Server DBA, these are:
- The SQL Server technology is leveraged by industries
- Computer Software, Hardware, IT, Healthcare, Financial Services, Retail, Educational institutions and Construction, etc.
- Out of all these industries, IT & Computer Software has the highest opportunities for a Career in SQL Developer Role.
- 44% Top Countries Exploring the SQL Server Database Technology the most
- SQL Server Technology has widespread customers with job opportunities in top countries like the US, UK, Canada, India, Australia, Spain, France, Italy, Netherlands, etc. 44% of SQL Server customers are situated in the US, while 5% are in India & 7% in the UK.
- Out of total SQL Server Customers:
- 36% SQL Server Database Technology Leveraged by Business Types
- 36% are small companies.
- 44% are medium-sized companies.
- And 21% are large-scale companies.
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What Technologies Do DBAs Work With On A Daily Basis?
While there are various technologies DBAs work on, now it depends on SQL DBA roles and responsibilities and the company one works for. Here is the list of major techniques one uses some or all on his day to day basis:
- SQL Server Agent: Use to schedule and review SQL Server Agent Jobs
- SQL Server Management Studio: The primary tool to administer, configure and manage SQL Servers and also to write T-SQL or other code
- Operating System: To check event logs, use performance monitors, review SPNs, etc.
- PowerShell Scripting: To automate DBA tasks
- Visual Studio: To write code or create SSRS reports, SSIS packages, etc.
- Remote Server Connection: To finish administration-related works that can be done by only logging in locally to the server
- Networking: To troubleshoot connectivity for clients and configure SQL Servers
- T-SQL: To write miscellaneous scripts, create tables, stored procedures, and other database objects, etc.
That sounds great! But, what roles and responsibilities does a SQL Server DBA perform in reality? Let’s try to find out!
DBA Roles: What Does a SQL Server DBA Do At Junior and Senior Level
Check out the complete junior & senior SQL Server DBA Job description gathered from different job portals & hiring consultancies:
Junior SQL Server DBA Job Description DBA Roles (with less or equal 1+ years experience)
As entry-level, below or equal to 1 year of experience, you will be working under a
senior-level SQL DBA and this is what your SQL Server DBA Roles DBA job duties look like:
- Configure and maintain database servers and processes
- Monitor system's health and performance
- Ensure high levels of performance, availability, sustainability , and security
- Analyze, solve, and correct issues in real-time & provide suggestions for solutions
- Refine and automate regular processes, track issues, and document changes
- Assist developers with query tuning and schema refinement
- Perform scheduled maintenance and support release deployment activities after hours
Senior SQL Server DBA Job Description Responsibilities of DBA (4+Years Experience)
As a senior SQL Server DBA with 4+ years of experience, this is what does a SQL Server DBA do:
- Create and manage multiple databases and assist in capacity planning.
- Monitor, maintain database systems and troubleshoot problems that may arise.
- Maintain data integrity and security (manage roles and permissions of database users).
- Develop strategies and implement solutions for managing back-ups, restoration and replication & create, manage constraints and indexes.
- Support software developers with database operations including the development of complex SQL, tuning of DML and the creation of stored procedures.
- Create detailed documentation including diagrams of database infrastructure.
- Learn relevant business processes and understand the data flow, criticality and dependencies.
- Effectively coordinate and communicate with all the stakeholders (internal teams and clients) & set up and maintain database infrastructure for the company’s BI needs.
This is What You Need to Excel At If You Want to Become a SQL Server DBA
A deep search into job portals like Indeed, Payscale , and LinkedIn gives us the impression that most professionals possessed a bachelor’s or master’s degree. However, that doesn't mean you can’t be a SQL Server DBA if you don’t possess a college degree. So consider the following steps when it comes to the SQL DBA responsibilities:
- Experience and understanding of DBA and/or other systems management experience in the area of database development and operations in data center and SaaS/public cloud environments.
- Experience in integrating database environments as a result of M&A activities; integration of work teams resulting from M&A activities.
- Experience running large Java/python/ruby applications with virtualization Experience with VMware ESX, or Linux-based solutions.
- Solid and modern source control practices, including Git and merge request flows.
- Experience and knowledge of the Microsoft Windows Server Operating System and Microsoft SQL Server.
- Obtain any of the SQL or Database certifications such as Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Database Developer, SQL Server Certification , or Oracle Certified Professional
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There are certain lists of soft skills that you must possess in order to be an excellent SQL Server DBA:
Apart from the DBA roles and responsibilities, here are some major traits of an outstanding SQL Server DBA:
- Problem Solving: Having a passion for problem-solving is a major trait of an outstanding SQL professional. In a company, it is common for the DBA to be consulted on issues that may not initially be within their domain of responsibility.
- Decision Making: While keeping the big picture in mind, SQL DBA is able to quickly weigh up the pros and cons of a situation. This is quite important for a data professional to be bogged down in complete detail.
- Pressure Management: A DBA should have the capability to work while having a cool head and take it all in their stride.
- Approachable: A DBA should be an easy-to-go guy within their group. Regardless of what you have going on they will get time for you and are always ready to provide guidance and support.
- Attention to Detail: Attention to detail is an important quality of a DBA. As a DBA, you need to perform complex tasks at all times and leave nothing to chance. Check, double-check, and triple-check before making any implementations.
Few more to mention:
- Oral and written communication skills
- Interpersonal and consultative skills
- Facilitation skills
- Analytical thinking
- Problem-solving
- Being detail-oriented and capable of delivering a high level of accuracy
- Organizational skills
- Project Management
- Business Skills
- Determination
- Creativity
You should focus more on having prerequisite knowledge about Salesforce products and services to stand eligible for this career. Also, work on your soft skills like good command over your verbal skills, writing skills, and greater interpersonal communication with acute leadership skills. You can be anyone--- fresher or working professional from technical, creative, or management fields & with proper SQL Server DBA training, you can still jumpstart your database career! Get effective and proper guidance through e-learning platforms and get yourself equipped with:
- SQL Server Programming, Indexes, Functions
- SSIS Package Development and Deployment Procedures
- SSRS Report Design
- Formatting SSRS Report & Models
- Building SSAS Cubes, Power BI
If you’re intrigued by this and wondering how to become a SQL Server DBA and where to start, read our SQL Server DBA career path to clear your doubts!
Is SQL Server DBA Roles Hot-Selling in the Job Market ?
Here are the top industries that are highly using SQL Server DBA to unify and manage their business process and have tremendous job opportunities:
- Real Estate/Interior Designing
- Fashion
- Retail/eCommerce
- Information Technology
- Banking/Finance
- Education/training
- Health Care
- Food & Restaurants
- Manufacturing
- Business Services
…. among other industries
Basically, every business or industry that has a customer base online or offline is in need of effective SQL Server DBAs to cement their relationships with their customers and boost their revenue. Here are few top companies that rely on SQL Server DBA roles:
How Much Does A SQL Server DBA Get
On the junior level DBA roles your average salary will be around $110,871, while if you are a mid or senior-level SQL Server DBAs then you can easily demand an average salary over $117,992 and $130,005 respectively.
Conclusion on DBA Roles & Responsibilities
SQL Server DBA is becoming a popular role as SQL Server is the most popular database solution with a market share of over 18%. So to start your career in SQL Server DBA, you need two things: experience and product knowledge. To upskill your SQL Server DBA skills via online resources and obtain MCSA: SQL Server 2012/2014, MCSE: Data Management and Analytics, MCSE: Business Applications, MCSA: SQL 2016 Database Development gradually in your career timeline.
In this blog, we helped you know everything about the SQL Server DBA roles and responsibilities and SQL Server DBA career path. We covered job descriptions of a SQL Server DBA that we gathered from various job portals and hiring managers. Here, you also learned about what a SQL Server DBA does at different levels, the skills or prerequisite knowledge to become a successful SQL Server DBA that is in-demand.
SQL is among the most popular and commonly used database query languages and if you perform query tasks through SQL server you set yourself apart from many other DBAs. So give a jumpstart to your database administrator professional career by becoming a SQL Server DBA, today!
If you have any queries regarding SQL Server DBA, you can connect with us or drop your
queries in the comment section and get real-time solutions!
Frequently Asked Questions on SQL DBA Roles
Q1. What is DBA in SQL?
Ans:- DBA stands for Database Administrator, it is referred to as an IT professional who is involved in managing Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle databases, MySQL, and IBM DB2. DBA is also responsible for the security, performance, and availability of data to users and customers. In addition, DBA in SQL is responsible for the security, performance, and availability of data to users and customers as well.
Q2. What is SQL DBA role and responsibility?
Ans:- Generally, SQL DBA roles and responsibilities include maintaining SQL Server databases, configuring and maintaining database servers and processes, and taking care of the system's health as well as performance. The responsibilities of DBA also include ensuring optimum performance, availability, sustainability, and security of the database apart from analyzing and resolving issues in real-time.
Q3. What are the key DBA roles and responsibilities in a database?
Ans:- The DBA roles in databases is very broad. Here is the quick list:
- Software installation and Maintenance
- Data Extraction, Transformation, and Loading
- Data Handling
- Database Backup and Recovery
- Security and Authentication
- Capacity Planning
- Performance Monitoring.
Q4. What are the SQL DBA roles and responsibilities in Oracle?
Ans:- SQL DBL is responsible for installing, configuring, and upgrading the Oracle server software and related products. DBA roles also cover to constantly work to evaluate Oracle features and other products related to Oracle. He also establishes and maintains sound backup as well as recovery policies and procedures.
Q5. What is the main responsibility of SQL Server DBA?
Ans:- The major dba roles and responsibilities include implementing, maintaining and performing critical SQL Server RDBMS systems. Their focus has always been on ensuring the availability and consistent performance of the application or the program.
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Sean Richardson
I have been working as a SQL Server DBA for the past three years and now I am thinking of upgrading my post to Salesforce administrator. What is the eligibility process for me?
Cohen Cooper
I want to join your institute to pursue SQL Server DBA certification. Can you help me with the registration process? Thanks in advance!!
Bodhi Rivera
Can you tell me the name of the top companies in which I can apply after getting salesforce certification? Please revert!
Prince Bailey
There are various certifications related to SQL Server DBA, how can we decide which one is better for us.
Manuel Murphy
Earlier, I was confused about the different SQL Server DBA roles and responsibilities. But the information included in your blog helped me in this! Thanks!!
Hayes Bell
How to upskill my SQL Server DBA skills , kindly help with online resources .
Jake Morgan
I am preparing for the MCSA: SQL 2016 Database Administration exam, pls guide me on how to crack it.
Gunner Cook
Good post! But confused regarding salaries , is it post covid salaries status?
Andre Reed
Is it necessary to have coding language knowledge to become SQL Server DBA?
JanbaskTraining
Hello, JanBask Training offers online training to nurture your skills and make you ready for an amazing career run. Please write to us in detail at help@janbasktraining.com. Thanks!
Kayson Powell
I have been working as a SQL Server DBA for the past three years and now I am thinking of upgrading my post to Salesforce administrator. What is the eligibility process for me?
JanbaskTraining
Hi, Thank you for reaching out to us with your query. Drop us your email id here and we will get back to you shortly!
Rylan Parez
I want to join your institute to pursue SQL Server DBA certification. Can you help me with the registration process? Thanks in advance!!
JanbaskTraining
Glad you found this useful! For more such insights on your favourite topics, do check out JanBask Training Blogs and keep learning with us!
Travis Hall
Can you tell me the name of the top companies in which I can apply after getting salesforce certification? Please revert!
Titus Perry
There are various certifications related to SQL Server DBA, how can we decide which one is better for us.
Mario Jenkins
Earlier, I was confused about the different SQL Server DBA roles and responsibilities. But the information included in your blog helped me in this! Thanks!!
Gideon Coleman
How to upskill my SQL Server DBA skills , kindly help with online resources .
JanbaskTraining
Hello, JanBask Training offers online training to nurture your skills and make you ready for an amazing career run. Please write to us in detail at help@janbasktraining.com. Thanks!
Spencer Henderson
I am preparing for the MCSA: SQL 2016 Database Administration exam, pls guide me on how to crack it.
JanbaskTraining
Hello, JanBask Training offers online training to nurture your skills and make you ready for an amazing career run. Please write to us in detail at help@janbasktraining.com. Thanks!
Angelo Ross
Good post! But confused regarding salaries , is it post covid salaries status?
JanbaskTraining
Hi, Thank you for reaching out to us with your query. Drop us your email id here and we will get back to you shortly!
Anderson Barnes
Is it necessary to have coding language knowledge to become SQL Server DBA?
JanbaskTraining
Hello, JanBask Training offers online training to nurture your skills and make you ready for an amazing career run. Please write to us in detail at help@janbasktraining.com. Thanks!