Database Analyst: Job and Salary Facts
Explore the career requirements for database analysts. Get the facts about education and requirements, career outlook and salary to determine if this is the right career for you.
What Is a Database Analyst?
A database analyst is responsible for designing, maintaining, and implementing databases for various organizations. You will likely have to work with company managers to understand the organization's needs so that the database functions effectively and efficiently. The security of the database will be one of your main concerns, and you'll need to make sure the data is protected both from cybercrime and from loss caused by power outages. You should be organized and a logically oriented thinker who pays particular attention to detail in order to work as a database analyst. The table below outlines the general requirements for this career.
<table border="1"><tr><td> <b>Degree Required</b> </td><td> Associate's or bachelor's degree</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Education Field of Study</b> </td><td> Computer science, software engineering, computer information systems</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Key Responsibilities</b> </td><td> Assess organization's data needs<br/> Develop, implement and test database applications<br/> Train staffers to use applications<br/> Troubleshoot problems</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Job Growth (2020-2030)</b> </td><td> 8% <i>(for all database administrators)</i>*</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Median Salary (2021)</b> </td><td> $63,764**</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, **PayScale.com</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatTypesOfDatabaseAnalystProgramsAreAvailable">What Types of Database Analyst Programs Are Available?</h3><p>As of February 2017, U.S. schools did not appear to be offering degree programs specifically in database analysis. However, programs in computer science, software engineering or computer information systems all provide training in the skills you'd need to work as a database analyst. Programs in computer science and software engineering are available at the associate's, bachelor's and master's degree levels. Programs in computer information systems are available at the bachelor's and master's degree levels.
</p><p>Computer science programs provide the most comprehensive but also usually the least specialized education in computing, touching on such topics as information theory, algorithms, human-computer interfaces and programming. Some master's degree programs in this subject offer specializations in database systems. Software engineering programs emphasize designing and programming software applications. Programs in computer information systems are the most directly involved with the use and manipulation of data for business or other purposes.
</p><h3 id="section---WhoCanIWorkFor">Who Can I Work For?</h3><p>Any organization that collects information in a database and uses it to help achieve its objectives needs the services of database analysts. Possible employers include school systems, colleges and universities, government agencies, non-profit organizations and private companies in nearly all economic sectors - healthcare, telecommunications, manufacturing, business services, aerospace and agriculture. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts employment of database administrators will increase 8% over the 2020-2030 decade (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). Growth will be driven by increased dependence on data and data analysis in all facets of commerce and governance.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatWillMyJobDutiesBe">What Will My Job Duties Be?</h3><p>As a database analyst, you'll assess the data needs of the organization, then develop, implement and test database applications either individually or in collaboration with programmers and systems analysts. Possible areas of need include accounting, payroll, finance, inventory control and academic support. You'll also train staffers to use applications and troubleshoot problems that arise. Finally, you'll perform routine tasks such as management of files, tables and space allocation, system backup, system upgrades and security maintenance.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCanADatabaseAnalystExpectToEarn">What Can a Database Analyst Expect to Earn?</h3><p>Even new analysts have strong salary prospects. According to <i>PayScale.com</i>, as of September 2021, analysts with 0-5 years of experience earned salaries of about $49,371. Increased time on the job can increase earnings considerably, as the corresponding median salary for those with 5-10 years' experience was $69,143.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreSomeRelatedAlternativeCareers">What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?</h3><p>There are a number of other careers you may be interested in if you enjoy working with technology and computers. You may want to pursue a job as a computer programmer. These professionals design computer software and applications by writing and editing computer code. You could also pursue a job as a computer systems analyst, which involves working with an organization and analyzing their computer systems to make sure they are running efficiently. These professionals recommend IT solutions to meet a business' needs. Both computer programmers and computer systems analysts need a bachelor's degree for employment.</p>