The Best Database Management Careers of 2021
Today, almost every industry depends on data management. Like other fields of data science, data management careers come with bright job prospects. As a growing field, there are plenty of high-paying jobs. You could become a database administrator, a database software developer, or even an information security analyst.
Working in database management, you’ll oversee things like data quality, data governance, and data integration, and you’ll play a key role in the business intelligence of a company. Keep reading to find out the best database management careers in 2021, the educational requirements, and the best entry-level job options.
Why Database Management?
You should work in database management because it is a fast-growing field with plenty of job prospects. It’s a great career option for anyone interested in working with database software, database languages like SQL, software security, and data science.
Find Your Bootcamp Match
- Career Karma matches you with top tech bootcamps
- Access exclusive scholarships and prep courses
By continuing you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, and you consent to receive offers and opportunities from Career Karma by telephone, text message, and email.
As the name implies, database management is the act of managing a database to control, secure, retrieve, and manipulate data. A database management professional works with various database management systems (DBMS). They include MySQL, SQL Server, Oracle, relational database management systems, and plenty of others.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job growth rate for computer and information technology occupations, which database management jobs fall under, is 11 percent between 2019 to 2029. This means that there will be considerably more jobs available in the coming decade.
The average salary of a database manager is $58,520 per year, according to PayScale. Your salary will change depending on your designation, company, experience, and state. PayScale also reports that experienced database managers earn $65,234 per year or more.
So, if you are interested in a career in data and want impressive career growth opportunities, then you should pursue database management.
Where Do Database Management Professionals Work?
As a database management professional, you can work in business, IT, health informatics, finance, and consulting. The career opportunities and industries for database management professionals are endless. Almost every industry works with data.
The Highest-Paying Database Management Careers: 2021 List
We’ve rounded up the best database management careers with the highest average salaries. In the list below, you can find out what each job entails, the minimum educational requirement, and the expected job growth.
The job growth rate refers to the number of jobs that the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects between 2019 and 2029.
Computer and Information Systems Manager
A computer and information systems manager is a senior tech manager of a company. They deal with an organization’s IT department. This includes managing IT teams, doing the cost-benefit analysis of a project, supervising software upgrades, and researching new computing technologies.
To be a successful computer and information systems manager, you must possess both IT skills and managerial skills. Most professionals in this field work in technology-based companies such as business, finance, and tech.
Computer and Information Research Scientist
Median Salary: $126,830
Projected Job Growth: 15%*
Min. Education Required: MS in Computer Science or Data Science
A computer and information research scientist is a senior position that requires a Master’s Degree in Data Science or other relevant subjects. The main job duties involve developing new computing technologies and finding new uses of existing tech.
The primary employers of computer and information research scientists include industries in software development, computing technology, and programming. To succeed in this position, you must possess excellent analytical, computer technology, programming, and data mining skills.
Senior Data Scientist
Median Salary: $117,718
Projected Job Growth: 15%*
Min. Education Required: BS in Computer Science or Data Science
A senior data scientist provides advanced data science, statistical, and mathematical inputs to the data science team. They are responsible for supervising the junior data science departments and supporting the advancement of the data science department.
To climb the ladder of data science and reach this role, you must possess advanced data science and management skills. You can work in many different industries because data science is being adopted by most fields.
Computer Network Architect
Median Salary: $116,780
Projected Job Growth: 5%
Min. Education Required: BS in Computer Science or Information Technology
Computer network architects are responsible for designing and developing computer networks, data communication networks, and other networks such as intranets, LANs, and WANs. Some common job duties include finding new technologies, upgrading software and hardware, and analyzing existing network tech.
All computer network architects must have design, quality control analysis, IT, network architecture, and system analysis skills. Computer systems design, finance, telecommunications, insurance, and other tech companies are some of the common industries that hire computer network architects.
Database Software Developer
Median Salary: $110,140
Projected Job Growth: 22%
Min. Education Required: BS in Computer Science or Data Science
A database software developer creates and manages databases and database management systems. The job entails coding a database’s features, security, functionality, and data organization. A senior database developer’s job often overlaps with the job duties of a senior database administrator.
To successfully get hired in this position you must learn SQL, ETL, database architecture, and database warehousing. Like many other database management careers, developers tend to get hired in business and tech industries.
Chief Technology Officer
Median Salary: $107,680
Projected Job Growth: 4%
Min. Education Required: MS in Computer Science or Information Technology
A chief technology officer, also known as CTO, is often the highest executive technology position at an organization. This senior position is tasked with leading the technology department of the company.
Responsibilities include supervising heads of tech departments, suggesting strategic decisions to improve the department, and monitoring hardware and software databases and technologies.
Essential skills for this position include security risk management, network architecture, software development, virtualization, and leadership. Finance and tech companies are among the typical employers of chief technology officers.
Information Security Analyst
Median Salary: $103,590
Projected Job Growth: 31%
Min. Education Required: BS in Computer Science or Cyber Security
Information security analysts are highly in demand and will continue to be so, with a huge job growth estimate of 31 percent from the BLS. As an information security analyst, your job revolves around protecting an organization’s network and software systems. You will work with databases to organize information and keep data safe.
Information security analysts tend to work in consulting, finance, business, and tech companies. An information security analyst is expected to have good network security, analytical, and IT skills.
Senior Database Administrator
Median Salary: $98,860
Projected Job Growth: 10%
Min. Education Required: BS in Computer Science or Data Science
A senior database administrator’s job is to oversee teams that create database architectures. The job includes ensuring the database meets the software goals and is properly maintained. To succeed in this senior position, you must have several years of industry experience.
Along with experience, a senior database administrator is required to have an excellent understanding of the top programming languages, database administration, Oracle, SQL, and development operations. Senior database administrators mostly work in software, tech, and business companies.
Senior Systems Analyst
Median Salary: $93,730
Projected Job Growth: 7%
Min. Education Required: BS in Computer Science or Information Technology
In today’s tech-dependent world, an organization’s success depends on its efficient and secure computer systems. As a senior systems analyst, you must know how to troubleshoot and manage system risks, design software, master software testing, and maintain applications.
Common employers of senior systems security analysts include consulting firms, financial companies, healthcare, and tech firms. Systems security analysts often work with data and management systems to keep information secure.
Post-Secondary Database Management Teacher
A post-secondary teacher in database management is a professional who teaches at universities, community colleges, or any other higher education institution. As a professor, you will be responsible for teaching bachelor’s, master’s, or even doctoral students on database management and other related topics.
Depending on the employer, some postsecondary user-friendly teachers in database management also research data science. You will need to master data science, databases, and computer science. A PhD in a data science subject is also an asset if you want to teach high-level classes.
*Job growth statistics have been sourced from BLS data on computer and information research scientists.
What Education Is Required to Pursue a Career in Digital Marketing?
Most database management careers require at least a bachelor’s degree, but a master’s degree is an asset for certain roles. The level of education to pursue a career in database management is dependent on the career path of your choice. You can also get an associate degree for entry-level roles.
You will need to get a bachelor’s degree to qualify for positions such as database developer, computer systems analyst, and database administrator. A master’s degree is best suited for those wanting senior positions such as computer and information research scientist and information security analyst.
A formal college degree isn’t the only route to building a career in database management. You can also attend coding bootcamps such as Data Science Dojo, Coding Temple, BrainStation, and DevBootcamp. Coding bootcamps are short intensive training programs that teach you in-demand industry skills in a few weeks to a few months.
Can I Study Database Management Online?
Yes, you can study database management online. There are several online university degrees and online coding bootcamps to help you. You can also take online courses in database management.
However, be aware that online courses alone won’t usually qualify you for an entry-level position. So, make sure to acquire ample industry certifications and industry-relevant experience on top of your online learning.
Common Entry-Level Jobs in Database Management
Before landing your dream job, you’ll need to build some experience in the field. Below are some common entry-level database management jobs, along with their average salaries and minimum education requirements. Job growth statistics have been sourced from the BLS and refer to the period between 2019 and 2029.
Database Administrator
Entry-Level Salary: $56,050
Projected Job Growth: 10%
Min. Education Required: BS in Computer Science or Data Science
A database administrator’s job is to ensure that a database is secure, accessible, and performing well. Duties include maintaining database server performance, optimizing database security, and upgrading database applications. To succeed in this position, you must be well versed in SQL, database systems, scripting, and statistics.
Web Developer
Entry-Level Salary: $50,644
Projected Job Growth: 8%
Min. Education Required: AS in Computer Science or Software Development
Web developers are responsible for building websites from scratch that meet user and client needs. You’ll be tasked with creating websites that are functional and user-friendly. To succeed in this job, you must be proficient in HTML, JavaScript, CSS, and overall website interface. This is a good way to begin working with data.
Market Research Analyst
Entry-Level Salary: $49,777
Projected Job Growth: 18%
Min. Education Required: BS in Computer Science or Data Science
A market research analyst’s job revolves around analyzing data to discover how an organization can improve business success. So, as a market research analyst, your job is to find the target audience, analyze industry trends, and price points for the product. You must have a strong background in data analysis.
Network Administrator
Entry-Level Salary: $49,545
Projected Job Growth: 4%
Min. Education Required: AS in Computer Science or Information Technology
A network administrator is in charge of maintaining an organization’s network components, including computer hardware and software systems. Job responsibilities include designing, testing, and monitoring network systems. To qualify for this position, you must be skilled in Microsoft Active Directory, network support, SQL, and Microsoft Azure.
Computer Support Specialist
Entry-Level Salary: $41,039
Projected Job Growth: 8%
Min. Education Required: AS in Computer Science or Information Technology
A computer support specialist works to solve computer-related issues in an organization. This includes conducting routine maintenance of computer systems, troubleshooting problems, and performing system upgrades. Along with an excellent understanding of computer and network systems, you must also have great problem-solving skills.
Is a Database Management Career for Me?
If you love working with data and have a knack for organization, then database management is a great career for you. The field provides you the opportunity to work in a range of industries including finance, marketing, software development, health informatics, and IT.
The job prospects for data science jobs are excellent, so there will be plenty of opportunities for career growth. Many jobs also come with a high-paying salary. If you have the skills it takes, database management is a great career choice in 2021.
