What is a Data Center Manager?
Research what it takes to become a data center manager. Learn about education requirements, job duties, average wages and job outlook to find out if this is the career for you.
What is a Data Center Manager?
Data center managers, also known as database administrators, install, configure and maintain computer-based information for companies. They are also responsible for ensuring the safety of databases, backing up data and trouble shooting problems when they arise. In some cases they may be tasked with merging databases and updating permissions. Find information about job skills and outlook, education and salaries for data center managers in the following table:
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Required</b></td><td>Bachelor's degree</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Education Field of Study</b></td><td>Computer science <br/> Information technology <br/> Information systems</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Training Required</b></td><td> Prior IT experience</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Key Skills</b></td><td>Database technology knowledge, communication skills, troubleshooting abilities</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Growth (2020-2030)</b></td><td>8%*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$98,860*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatDoesADataCenterManagerDo">What Does a Data Center Manager Do?</h3><p>A data center manager is typically responsible for organizing and maintaining the digital information management operations of companies. The equipment in a data center is most often comprised of computer hardware and software. A data center manager is required to supervise a team of technicians to make sure that all servers and computer networks are running smoothly and efficiently and are up-to-date. In many cases, customer care and support is also part of the job. Because data center management is an administrative position, it is not unusual to also be responsible for scheduling shifts for company employees and organizing data for a variety of departments, such as human resources.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatEducationDoINeed">What Education Do I Need?</h3><p>There are no specific education requirements to become a data center manager. However, it is not uncommon for hiring companies to require applicants to have at least a 2-year associate's degree and, more often, a 4-year bachelor's degree. Although bachelor's degree programs in data center operations and database management are rare, there are many available in related disciplines, such as computer science. Certification in specialized software or skills may make job candidates more competitive; a wide range is available through product vendors and private organizations.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatSkillsDoINeed">What Skills Do I Need?</h3><p>To be a successful data center manager, you must have a firm understanding of information technology. The ability to troubleshoot both hardware and software is a must. Network administrative skills are needed, including the ability to perform data backup, network security, e-mail setups and user account maintenance. It helps to be well versed in a number of computer operating systems as well, such as Windows, Macintosh and Linux. You also must be able to work well with a team of people and have solid leadership skills.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatIsTheJobMarketLike">What is the Job Market Like?</h3><p>The field of data center management can be competitive. Many employers require applicants to several years of experience working with data centers. It is also quite common for employers to require previous management experience. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the middle 80% of all database administrators typically earned between $71,900 and $126,890 in May 2020.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreSomeRelatedAlternativeCareers">What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?</h3><p>Computer and information systems managers organize the various IT related activities of a company. They often set goals and implement systems to meet those goals. They typically have a bachelor's degree in a computer-information related field.
</p><p>Computer network architects are hired to create the local area networks and wide area networks used by companies to manage communications and access databases. These professionals also have a bachelor's degree in a computer related field.</p>