How to Become a Database Administrator in Florida

Database Administration Education in Florida

---

Are you considering enrollment in a database administration degree program in Florida? If you have an aptitude for and enjoy working with computers, it may be a field worth exploring. This is especially true if you are interested in obtaining or honing skills related to database updates, storage, security, and troubleshooting.

Information technology is a diverse field with a wide variety of employment opportunities available. Because most businesses rely heavily on data storage systems, skills in this area are also highly valued across almost every industry. As a result, graduates are often able to find work within all types of companies, organizations, institutions, and government bodies. Top jobs include computer and information systems manager, database administrator, computer network architect, computer programmer, and computer systems analyst.

Job outlook for database administrators in the United States is quite promising. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for these professionals is expected to increase by 10% from 2019 to 2029. This is faster than the national average and will help account for approximately 12,800 additional job openings throughout the country. As nearly every sector within the economy moves toward and continues to utilize data systems for organization and storage purposes, the need for highly trained and skilled experts in this field will increase. Offering database storage and maintenance as a service is also becoming increasingly popular and will likely contribute to an increase in the number of opportunities in the field.

Find Your Online Database Administration Program

Florida is home to a booming tourist industry, but the state is successful in many other areas as well. Information is rated number 10 among the state’s top industries and brings in $41.6 billion in revenue each year. Again, however, many other industries depend on database administration professionals to function successfully. The state’s biggest industries – real estate, business, education, healthcare, retail, and wholesale – all utilize data maintenance and storage services.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Florida employed 7,300 database administrators and architects in May 2020. This is more than most states. In fact, Florida employs more database administration professionals than all but four other states. The annual mean wage offered to individuals in these professions in Florida is $96,300, which is significantly higher than the national median.

Because information technology, and specifically database administration, is widely utilized by almost every industry, it’s not difficult to find colleges and universities that offer related degree programs. While many institutions throughout the nation have reputable and accredited programs, those planning to work in Florida should certainly consider enrolling locally. Local schools are more familiar with what employers in the area expect from new hires and can better prepare graduates to meet state certification and licensure requirements.

Earning a degree in database administration can prepare you for a wide variety of jobs. While some jobs require limited education or formal training, most employers expect and give preference to applicants with degrees. The amount of education you need, however, will depend on the type of position you plan to pursue.

The majority of employment opportunities in this field require, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree in database administration, computer science, or a related major. Colleges and universities tend to offer applicable degrees at the associate, bachelor, master, and doctoral levels. It’s important that you carefully consider each option prior to applying.

Become a Database Administration in Florida

---

The first step in becoming a database administration professional in Florida is determining your ultimate career goals. If you know the type of job you plan to pursue, you can more easily identify the level of education necessary to apply for it in the future. Your aspirations directly dictate the knowledge, skills, and training you will need to be successful.

Once you have completed the necessary educational requirements, you are likely ready to begin applying for employment. However, choosing to pursue one or more certifications and/or licensure may also prove beneficial. Specialized credentials will help you stand out among other job candidates during the hiring process and can lead to more lucrative positions.

In most cases, certification in this field is offered directly by software vendors or vendor-neutral providers.

Some of the most prominent options for database administrators include:

While certification is not required to become a database administrator or architect, some companies and organizations do require professionals become certified in the products they use most frequently. As a result, it’s important to know which database platforms are most popular prior to choosing which certifications to pursue. Some companies and organizations utilize little-known or obscure systems, which makes it essential to research potential employer needs carefully prior to applying.

Careers for Database Administration Graduates

---

Database administration graduates will qualify for a wide variety of positions in Florida. This is especially true for those with bachelor’s degrees, specialized credentials, and experience with the latest technology.

Salaries and responsibilities will vary, but some of the most common career options include: