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Sorting through a lot of information, whether it’s a list of names, addresses, or store inventory, can be difficult without the right organization. As businesses and the Internet generate more and more data, there is a growing need to organize this data effectively. Database administrators (DBA) work with database management systems to store, manage and extract data.

Creating and maintaining databases is a job that requires attention to detail. A database administrator needs to identify the necessary components, set up an efficient database structure and maintain the system. Administrators ensure performance of the system and design security measures for it. Because of the volume of sensitive data being utilized in the world, security has become an increasingly important aspect of a DBA career.

Employers seek database administrator candidates who have a Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. Those who have a Master’s degree in business administration, with a concentration in information systems, are increasingly desirable as more companies move their businesses to the Internet.

As technology becomes more sophisticated and complex, employers may demand a higher level of skill and expertise from their employees. Individuals with an advanced degree in computers or with an MBA should enjoy favorable employment prospects.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 104,000 people were employed as database administrators in 2004. DBA careers should grow much faster than average through the year 2014, as this is expected to be one of the fastest growing occupations in the country.

The median annual earning for a database administrator was $60,650 in May 2004. The middle 50% earned between $44,490 and $81,140, the highest 10% earned more than $97,450. The median annual earnings of database administrators employed in computer systems design and related services were $70,530, and for those in management of companies and enterprises, earnings were $65,990.