How to become a Database Administrator

Also called: DBA, ICT Database Manager

Plans, designs, configures, maintains and supports an organisation's database management system in accordance with user requirements, ensuring optimal database integrity, security, backup, reliability and performance.

Main tasks

• Designs and implements database structures to optimise system performance and data storage efficiency
• Monitors and optimises database performance using various techniques such as indexing and fine-tuning queries
• Implements and maintains security protocols to protect databases from unauthorised access or breaches
• Performs regular data backups and recovery tasks to ensure data integrity and availability
• Coordinates database updates and migrations, including database software installation, configuration and patch management
• Develops disaster recovery plans to protect data from any potential loss or corruption

Ways in

• University: Computing & IT degrees, Offered by 39 universities in Australia
• TAFE and VET: Advanced Diploma of Information Technology (ICT60220); Diploma of Information Technology (ICT50220)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $127,972 a year
• About 68,900 people work in this job group now, and about 85,400 are projected by 2035. (+24%)
• AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Related jobs

• Systems Administrator
• Cyber Governance Risk and Compliance Specialist
• Cyber Security Advice and Assessment Specialist
• Cyber Security Analyst
• Cyber Security Architect
• Cyber Security Engineer

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Database Administrator?

Ways in include: Computing & IT degrees; Advanced Diploma of Information Technology; Diploma of Information Technology.

How much does a Database Administrator earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $127,972 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Database Administrator a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 24% by 2035, from about 68,900 to about 85,400 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Database Administrator?

Usually. 65% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of a Database Administrator?

AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04