The Oracle Database is the most commonly used type of relational database. This creates demand for Oracle DBAs. Interested to learn more about what they do? Continue reading as we discuss the role, the responsibilities, skills, salary, and more!
What is the Oracle Database?
Developed in the year 1977 by Lawrence Ellison, Oracle database (Oracle DB) is a relational database management system (RDBMS) by the Oracle Corporation. and is one of the most trusted and widely-used relational database engines. The system is based on a relational database framework wherein data objects can be directly accessed by users. The Oracle Database is commonly used by global enterprises, which manage and process data across wide and local area networks.
Oracle database is one of the most widely-used relational database engines.
Who is an Oracle Database Administrator?
If you’ve got a database, you’re going to need someone who knows how to run it. This is where Oracle Database Administrators come in. Oracle DBAs are database administrators who specialize in Oracle Database Management.
Oracle DBAs generally share similar duties as database administrators but also need to stay on top of Oracle updates. Companies that make use of the Oracle Database range from mid to large-sized corporations, as such Oracle DBAs generally work in small, specialized teams to maintain the company database. You’ll find Oracle DBAs in virtually any and all industries as generally, every business needs some form of database management.
According to the National Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for Oracle database jobs is set to rise 11% through 2026.
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What are the responsibilities of an Oracle DBA?
Oracle database administrators (DBAs), organize and store data using Oracle’s database software solutions. Businesses and corporations rely on Oracle database administrators to manage their data securely and efficiently.
Oracle DBAs handle capacity planning, evaluate database server hardware, and manage all aspects of an Oracle database including installation, configuration, design, and data migration. Additional responsibilities include performance monitoring, security, backups, troubleshooting, and data recovery.
What tasks do Oracle DBAs perform?
- Install, patch, maintain and monitor Oracle databases
- Create and maintain SQL and PL/SQL queries and shell scripts
- Monitor, and verify backups and perform ad-hoc backups
- Provide maintenance support for database systems.
- Data Extraction, transformation, and loading
- Perform routine security and authentication measures
- Database tuning and troubleshooting
What skills does an Oracle DBA need?
Oracle DBA needs to be skilled in almost every arena of the Oracle Software. Some of the technical skills an Oracle DBA must have include:
- Experience with Oracle Exadata and Golden Gate.
- Experience in MySQL and PostgreSQL.
- Experience in troubleshooting databases for performance.
- Experience with the UNIX operating system
- Experience in creating and maintaining UNIX shell and Perl scripts.
- Basic programming languages such as HTML and XML
Apart from technical skills, soft skills are also important for a DBA. Since they tend to work in small teams and in close contact with other team members, excellent communication skills will go far. Quick thinking and careful analysis also make for a great DBA.
Background
Oracle DBAs generally require a bachelor’s degree in CS, IT, or Information Systems management. Oracle also offers several Oracle Database certification paths that can make DBAs more marketable as a candidate to a recruiter. These certifications cover Oracle products in subfields, such as applications, enterprise management, operating systems, and databases.
Oracle certifications
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Salary
The national average salary for an Oracle DBA is $105,000 in the USA. Those at the top of the scale make above $150,000, while those at the bottom of the scale make below $80,000.
How much does an Oracle DBA make?
| Junior | $80,000 |
| Average | $105,000 |
| Senior | $150,000 |
| Average rate Oracle DBAs (2022) | $81/hr |
On average, freelance Oracle DBAs charge $81/hour (freelancermap’s price and rate index in September 2022).
Most freelancers in Oracle DBA have an hourly freelance rate between $51 and $91.
If we consider an 8-hour working day at $81/hour, the daily rate for freelance Oracle DBAs is around $648/day.
