Embarking on a career in technology has a number of benefits, including a higher average starting salary range. Whether you are pursuing your first degree in the technical field or transitioning from another career, the database administrator salary scale provides an increase over most other career fields. In order to earn a salary towards the higher end of the pay scale, it is necessary to earn certain certifications which will allow you to be competitive for a wider range of DBA jobs.
Companies hire database administrators to help more effectively manage information. The administrators help manage databases, including performing backups, security checks and upgrades to keep data both safe and accessible. With the growing importance of data in corporate decision making, ensuring the uptime of a database is among the essential components of modern corporate organization. Each company utilizes a unique set of databases from a number of vendor providers, led by main provides Oracle, mySQL and Microsoft. Database administrators seeking the highest possible salary range should actively work to gain and improve their certifications.
If you’re on the path to a career in database administration, make sure to both develop a core competency in computer science and database technology, as well as gaining work experience during your training. By developing a broad understanding of development software, you will put yourself in a position that you can master a number of programs and can transition from one to another if necessary. Determine which database vendor which your prospective employer utilizes and begin improving your skills with the system.
For those working with Oracle, you should work with materials in the Oracle Certified Professional program which allows you to earn an initial certification as an Oracle Certified Associate. The Associate certification will allow you to work in most professional organizations, although to earn promotions to higher roles you will have to take a further exam to become a Certified Professional and then a Certified Master.
Microsoft has a broader array of certifications, ranging from the Certified Application Specialist program, which gives you expertise in Access and Office, as well as the more analytical Certified Technical Specialist. As a Technical Specialist, you can begin working with the Microsoft SQL servers which many professional organizations run, and can work toward further Technical certifications in Business Intelligence and Database Development. Those seeking the highest salaries in Microsoft companies should train for a Certified Information Technology Professional credential, which is the most respected Microsoft certification.
As more companies turn to open source technology, MySQL certifications ranging from Associates to Certified Administrator and Developers allow you to progress to higher salary ranges within companies utilizing mySQL. Taking advantage of training programs will help further your career both within your current organization, as well as opening up opportunities for career options in other companies. Louis Zhang, Certdatabaseadministrator dot com
