Icon
Select
Icon
Customize
Icon
Download

Want a stronger resume? Use our extensive library of professional resume examples as practical starting guides. You’ll also find ready-made content with our helpful Resume Builder – simple click, customize, and download.

Find out what is the best resume for you in our Ultimate Resume Format Guide.

Icon

SQL Server DBA Duties and Responsibilities

SQL Server DBAs can work in a variety of organizations, but most of them share several core duties in any setting:

Manage SQL Databases The main responsibility of a SQL Server DBA is managing the development and performance of SQL databases for web applications, businesses and organizations, and educational institutions. A SQL Server DBA uses their experience with data architecture and management to develop and scale SQL databases based on their organization's needs. They may also configure servers and processes and automate tasks to improve reliability and cut down on development time.

Direct SQL Developers SQL Server DBAs usually manage a team of SQL developers, directing them throughout the process of writing and deploying database code. This can include providing guidance on complex queries and the optimization of processes and statements. The SQL Server DBA may also share their knowledge through mentorship and direct training of team members and developers.

Conduct Database Troubleshooting and Maintenance The SQL Server DBA conducts troubleshooting and bug fixing on databases and applications, resolving issues without excessive downtime or data loss. They may need to validate data and perform extensive testing to ensure that the database systems and access programs meet the end user's requirements. SQL Server DBAs also ensure that data is intact, correct, and accessible after a server migration or backup.

Gather Requirements Another important responsibility of the SQL Server DBA is gathering requirements and specifications from end users. The SQL Server DBA uses this information to design and structure data and grant access to users. Additionally, the SQL Server DBA shares these requirements with developers on their team to guide development projects and ensure that the system meets functional requirements.

Enhance and Improve Systems Finally, SQL Server DBAs constantly seek out methods to better handle data and increase system efficiency. This can mean assisting developers with writing more complex and optimized queries, changing data structures, or automating tasks to decrease development time. SQL Server DBAs may also propose and develop improved methodologies and institute best practices around database security and access.

Icon

SQL Server DBA Skills and Qualifications

The SQL Server DBA combines analytical and leadership roles to successfully meet organizations' data management and access needs. SQL Server DBAs should have at least a bachelor's degree, a background working with SQL servers, and the following skills:
  • Data management - SQL Server DBAs need extensive familiarity with data management principles and best practices in order to properly store, migrate, and structure data for multiple applications
  • Server development and maintenance - this role also requires a strong grasp of server development and maintenance, including troubleshooting, data migration, and backup and recovery tasks
  • Problem-solving skills - SQL Server DBAs should be skilled creative and technical problem-solvers, able to isolate and resolve database issues in real time to maintain access and data integrity
  • Software programming - while SQL Server DBAs don't write much code, they may advise developers on operations, scripts, and triggers to improve database access, and should be familiar with one or more scripting languages
  • Communication skills - SQL Server DBAs communicate to direct their teams, gather requirements, and prepare reports related to database issues
  • Process enhancement - finally, SQL Server DBAs should be skilled at developing more efficient processes for handling and accessing data, automating recurring tasks, and performing routine maintenance
Icon

SQL Server DBA Education and Training

SQL Server DBAs typically have at least a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as computer science or information systems. SQL Server DBAs should have significant experience with SQL server administration or development and should be familiar with principles and best practices in developing and maintaining responsive, secure, and accessible servers. In addition, SQL Server DBAs should achieve SQL Server certification from Microsoft to improve their employment prospects.
Icon

SQL Server DBA Salary and Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that database administrators, including SQL Server DBAs, earn a median annual wage of $87,020. The lowest-paid 10 percent of database administrators earn less than $48,480 per year, while the highest-paid 10 percent earn over $132,420 annually. The BLS expects employment for database administrators to grow at a faster-than-average rate of 11 percent through 2026 as more companies rely on data-driven processes and need administrators to oversee data management processes and technologies.
Icon

Helpful Resources

If you're interested in learning more about becoming a SQL Server DBA, we identified several resources on the web for further reading:

Microsoft SQL Server Certifications - certification is often a requirement for SQL Server DBAs, and Microsoft offers several courses that can help open up career and advancement opportunities

Securing SQL Server: DBAs Defending the Database - this book focuses on data security, with a particular focus on the role of the SQL Server DBA and steps they can take to enhance data protection measures

"5 Critical DBA Best Practices" - this blog post offers advice and best practices for SQL Server DBAs, including advice on standardization, limiting SQL server access, and following proper backup and restoration plans

SQL Server 2017 Administration Inside Out - read this book for a deep dive into SQL

server administration. The text focuses on the 2017 edition but covers general principles that will remain useful throughout your career

Create your own professional resume in just minutes.

Try our resume builder today

Build Your Resume
create-your-own-professional