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Boston Career Explorer

Computer and Mathematical

Database Administrators

Administer, test, and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems. Coordinate changes to computer databases. Identify, investigate, and resolve database performance issues, database capacity, and database scalability. May plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases.

Also called: Database Administration Manager, Database Administrator (DBA), Database Analyst, Database Coordinator, Database Engineer, Database Manager

Median pay in Greater Boston
$132,370
$63.64/hr
Jobs in Greater Boston
1,910
Massachusetts 2024–2034
−3.7%
90 openings a year
Typical U.S. entry requirement
Bachelor's degree

Greater Boston: Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro area, May 2025. Growth and openings: Massachusetts statewide projection.

Pay range in Greater Boston

Yearly pay in Greater Boston by percentile
10th25thMedian75th90th
$72,510$96,010$132,370$160,060$176,570

10% of workers earn less than the first figure and 10% earn more than the last.

What you’d do

  • Modify existing databases and database management systems or direct programmers and analysts to make changes.
  • Plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard information in computer files against accidental or unauthorized damage, modification or disclosure.
  • Plan and install upgrades of database management system software to enhance database performance.
  • Specify users and user access levels for each segment of database.
  • Test changes to database applications or systems.
  • Test programs or databases, correct errors, and make necessary modifications.

AI and this job

AI exposure: how much of this job’s work AI tools can do or help with, based on national research. It is not a forecast of job loss.

Higher exposure84 of 100

The index averages three national research measures, each shown as a percentile of all jobs:

  • AIOE 85
  • Language-model AIOE 74
  • GPTs-are-GPTs 92

Observed AI use today: Substantial (Anthropic Economic Index)

AI exposure is higher for this job, and observed AI use is substantial. AI tools can help with testing changes, upgrading software, and routine database updates. Federal projections say these tasks are being automated and folded into other roles, so Massachusetts jobs are expected to shrink 3.7%. Planning security and deciding who can see which data still rely on people.

Likely to change

  • Testing database changes
  • Routine updates and software upgrades

Still relies on people

  • Deciding who can access which data
  • Planning security to protect information

What federal projections say

“Occupational substitution, capital/labor substitution - share decreases as this occupation's tasks are increasingly automated and consolidated into other roles.”
BLS Employment Projections 2025–35, factors affecting this job (U.S.)

Written with AI from the data on this page. Check with a career coach before making a decision.

Next steps from here

Related jobs that build on what you already do.

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    Your security planning and systems knowledge carry over. Network architects have 7.4% projected growth and $160,650 median pay, though AI exposure is still higher.

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Training near Boston

College and school programs in the Boston metro area that lead to this job, with 2023-24 completions (IPEDS).

33 programs near Boston (plus 18 graduate)

Related occupations

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