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Database Administrators

SOC 15-1242.00Job Zone 4 · Considerable Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers database administration practice across enterprise, cloud, and hybrid environments — from entry-level system support and routine maintenance through advanced strategic leadership of data infrastructure, governance, and organizational capability development.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Database management system software — install and configure under direct supervision in a structured enterprise environment.
  2. Existing database schemas — identify and document modifications needed, referring complex changes to senior staff.
  3. User access levels and permissions — apply predefined specifications to database segments under guided review.
  4. Database backup and archival software — execute scheduled backup routines following established protocols on production systems.
  5. SQL query tools and database user interfaces — write and run basic queries to retrieve and verify data under close oversight.
  6. Test scripts for database changes — execute predefined test cases and log results for review by senior administrators.
  7. Security policies and access control procedures — follow documented protocols to protect database files from unauthorized access.
  8. Technical documentation and O*NET task guides — read and interpret to support routine database administration duties.
  9. End-user questions about database access — respond to basic inquiries and escalate complex issues to experienced staff.
  10. Cloud-based database management consoles — navigate and perform routine monitoring tasks under supervisor direction.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Existing databases and DBMS configurations — modify with reduced oversight to improve performance or accommodate changing business requirements.
  2. Database security measures — plan and implement access controls and encryption settings to safeguard information against unauthorized disclosure.
  3. DBMS software upgrades — coordinate installation and testing in staging environments to validate performance improvements before production deployment.
  4. User accounts and access-level specifications — define and assign permissions for each database segment based on organizational role requirements.
  5. Database application changes — design and execute test plans, correct identified errors, and apply necessary modifications in a team environment.
  6. Storage networking software and backup systems — configure and maintain data recovery procedures to meet defined recovery time objectives.
  7. Junior staff and end users — answer technical questions and deliver structured training sessions on database tools and query interfaces.
  8. ERP and enterprise data platforms — administer routine operations and troubleshoot integration issues with adjacent business systems.
  9. Database performance metrics — monitor using platform dashboards and generate reports identifying trends and potential bottlenecks.
  10. Object-oriented and web platform development tools — collaborate with programmers to review code changes affecting database interactions.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Complex database architectures — redesign and optimize autonomously to meet evolving enterprise performance, scalability, and availability requirements.
  2. Multi-layered security frameworks — design and implement comprehensive strategies safeguarding data against accidental damage, modification, and unauthorized disclosure.
  3. DBMS upgrade projects — independently plan, schedule, and execute version migrations with full rollback contingencies across production environments.
  4. Non-routine database errors and performance failures — diagnose root causes using systems analysis and apply targeted corrections under minimal oversight.
  5. Cross-functional database change initiatives — lead testing cycles, validate outcomes against business requirements, and authorize promotion to production.
  6. User access governance models — develop and enforce permission hierarchies and audit trails aligned with compliance and regulatory standards.
  7. Technical training programs — design curriculum and deliver instruction to users and junior administrators on advanced database tools and best practices.
  8. Cloud-based and hybrid database environments — architect and manage data infrastructure integrating on-premise and cloud platforms for enterprise clients.
  9. Systems evaluation activities — assess database management systems against operational requirements and recommend strategic tooling changes.
  10. Technical support frameworks — provide authoritative guidance to junior staff and clients resolving complex, multi-system database integration challenges.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Enterprise database strategy — define long-range architecture roadmaps aligning data infrastructure investments with organizational business objectives.
  2. Organization-wide security governance — establish policies, standards, and incident-response protocols protecting enterprise databases against systemic risk.
  3. Database administration teams — mentor, evaluate, and develop staff across all skill levels to build organizational capability in data management.
  4. DBMS vendor relationships and upgrade roadmaps — negotiate contracts, evaluate emerging technologies, and lead adoption decisions at enterprise scale.
  5. Cross-departmental data governance programs — chair steering committees and drive policy decisions affecting data integrity, retention, and compliance.
  6. Organizational training and knowledge-management systems — design and oversee programs that institutionalize database best practices across technical and non-technical staff.
  7. Complex problem-solving methodologies — apply advanced systems analysis and deductive reasoning to resolve enterprise-wide database failures with broad operational impact.
  8. Budget and resource planning for data infrastructure — direct capital and operational expenditures for database platforms, tools, and personnel across business units.
  9. Executive and stakeholder communication — translate complex database performance findings and risk assessments into strategic recommendations for senior leadership.
  10. Industry standards and emerging database paradigms — evaluate and champion adoption of innovations such as distributed systems, AI-assisted management, and cloud-native architectures.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.

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Sources:Pathsmith™ Durable SkillsPathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
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Show O*NET source anchors59 anchors · skillscrosswalk.com

O*NET enrichment · skillscrosswalk.com

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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Administrator (Admin) · Automatic Data Processing Planner (ADP Planner) · Cyber Database Administrator (Cyber DBA) · Data Administrator (Data Admin) · Data Engineer · Data Management Associate · Data Management IT Specialist (Data Management Information Technology Specialist) · Data Miner · Data Recovery Planner · Data Security Administrator · Data Storage Specialist · Database Administration Associate
RAPIDS apprenticeships
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O*NET skills
Critical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingReading ComprehensionActive ListeningJudgment and Decision MakingActive LearningProgrammingSpeakingMonitoringWritingSystems EvaluationOperations AnalysisSystems AnalysisMathematicsLearning StrategiesCoordinationInstructing
Knowledge domains
Computers and ElectronicsEnglish LanguageCustomer and Personal ServiceMathematicsTelecommunicationsEngineering and TechnologyAdministration and ManagementEducation and Training
Abilities
Deductive ReasoningProblem SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingOral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionNear VisionOral ExpressionCategory FlexibilityWritten Expression
Work styles
Attention to DetailDependabilityCautiousnessIntegrityIntellectual CuriosityAchievement Orientation
Technology
Enterprise resource planning ERP softwareAccess softwareBackup or archival softwareData base management system softwareWeb page creation and editing softwareObject or component oriented development softwareWeb platform development softwareData base user interface and query softwareStorage networking softwareCloud-based management software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Modify existing databases and database management systems or direct programmers and analysts to make changes.
  2. Plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard information in computer files against accidental or unauthorized damage, modification or disclosure.
  3. Plan and install upgrades of database management system software to enhance database performance.
  4. Specify users and user access levels for each segment of database.
  5. Test changes to database applications or systems.
  6. Test programs or databases, correct errors, and make necessary modifications.
  7. Train users and answer questions.
  8. Provide technical support to junior staff or clients.
CIP education codes
11.010111.080211.1003

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me®, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.