OPINION: How to earn megabucks as a database administrator, by Priye Maxwell
Editor's note: Priye Maxwell, a tech enthusiast based in Port-Harcourt writes on the processes of becoming a successful database administrator courtesy of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Academy.
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It has been called the happiest job in the world.
While that assertion is debatable, what is not debatable is that you will definitely be smiling to the bank.
Database administrators (DBAs) are in high demand right now and companies are willing to pay handsomely for qualified hands.
According to a recent poll, database administration is listed as the 4th best technology job in the world. It is also ranked as the 15th best STEM job as well as the 30th best job overall.
In reaching these conclusions, the research took into account several factors such as remuneration, the potential for growth and the work/life balance.
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How much can you earn as a database administrator?
According to salaryexplorer.com, the median monthly salary of database administrator working a nine to five job in Nigeria is N318,000.
The lowest average salary is N176,000 while the highest average salary is N428,000 (note that the actual maximum salary is higher than the highest average).
Allow us to do the math for you on what that translates to in terms of a yearly salary. Excluding bonuses, the median salary for a database administrator in Nigeria is N3,816,000 per annum.
The lowest average is N2,112,000 per annum and the highest average is N5,136,000.
Should you choose to seek work abroad, your earning potential could increase exponentially.
For example, in the United States, the median yearly salary is $90,070 while the lowest and highest average salaries are $66,200 and $116,000 respectively.
We’ll let you do the math on that.
What does a database administrator do?
A database administrator is responsible for the storage, organization and security of a company’s most precious asset- its data. While keeping the data protected from outsiders, the DBA must simultaneously ensure that the data easily accessible and translatable to the people who need it, whenever they need it.
For example, the database administrators of your bank, while tasked with protecting your personal information, must also ensure that you have access to your bank account via your app at all times.
The basic duties of a DBA include the following:
The DBA is responsible for upgrading and installing application tools and the database server.
The DBA modifies the database structure when necessary.
The DBA handles licensing renewals and maintaining compliance with database vendor license agreements.
The DBA would be responsible for tech support for database systems.
As a DBA, you would be required to optimize the performance of the database.
The DBA secures user-profiles and permissions within the database.
The DBA plans, executes and checks backup strategies.
The DBA migrates the database as is required.
The Future Looks Bright
As data needs grow across economic sectors, the demand for database administrators is expected to grow as well.
Experts project that employment in this profession will grow by 10% over the next decade.
Wages are also projected to increase over time.
With Nigerians companies’ ever-increasing adoption of digital solutions, the future looks bright for DBAs in this country.
How to become a database administrator
Becoming a DBA requires the possession of certain personality traits such as problem-solving skills, proactivity, curiosity and logical thinking.
You will also need solid I.T background and relevant Oracle or Microsoft certifications.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Academy offers a suite of Oracle certifications that will help prepare you for a future in database administration.
As our society moves towards a more tech-based orientation, database administration is becoming a more relevant and coveted profession and one you should strongly consider.
Visit nitda.gov.ng today and register for the NITDA academy to begin receiving online classes. It is absolutely free.
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