Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos & Interviews
Lorraine O'Leary, IT Support
Lorraine O'Leary is an IT Support Engineer with Lidl Ireland. She studied at IT Carlow in Computer Systems Management and IT, which included a 6-month work placement, after which she knew she had chosen the right career path. She is currently looking into completing some Oracle DB administration courses.
Videos on the Web
- Database Administrator- from: Youtube Search
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Working Life
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Test programmes or databases, correct errors, and make necessary modifications.
- Plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard information in computer files against accidental or unauthorised damage, modification or disclosure.
- Modify existing databases and database management systems or direct programmers and analysts to make changes.
- Specify users and user access levels for each segment of database.
- Write and code logical and physical database descriptions and specify identifiers of database to management system, or direct others in coding descriptions.
- Develop standards and guidelines for the use and acquisition of software and to protect vulnerable information.
- Review procedures in database management system manuals to make changes to database.
- Revise company definition of data as defined in data dictionary.
- Train users and answer questions.
- Review workflow charts developed by programmer analyst to understand tasks computer will perform, such as updating records.
Further Information
- Database Administrator- from: N.C.S. [UK]
- Database administrator- from: GradIreland
Qualities - Database Administrator
To be a database administrator, you must have good technical knowledge of databases. You also need to be analytical and computer literate.
You will need strong organisational skills; you may be responsible for several databases, making sure that all of them are up-to-date and accurate.
Knowledge of data protection issues and access rights is very important. You must be willing to keep up-to-date with any changes in data protection laws, and make sure you apply legislation throughout the organisation you work for.
The work involves sitting in front of a computer for a long time, therefore you need to be able to work well on your own as well as part of a team.
You may also be asked to travel between sites and this may involve being away from home for a period of time.
You must also have strong communication skills, to explain how the database works to its users.
Interests - Database Administrator
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Entry / Progression - Database Administrator
You can enter this career with a degree in any subject but the following may be particularly useful:
- computer science
- computer software/computer systems engineering
- electronics
- information technology
- mathematics
- operational research.
Entry without a degree is possible for those with good all-round IT skills. Relevant subject areas include physical, mathematical and applied science.
ICT skills conversion courses NFQ level 6-9 Search Springboard courses
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: ICT, software and tech development, support comptia skills.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: computer and network technician, computer networking, computer networks and systems, ICT networking, pre-apprenticeship, pre-university computing, networks, software systems.
Search for PLC Courses
Ecollege online ICT skills & programming courses.
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: ICT Associate Professional Network Engineer.
Search for Apprenticeships
FIT - ICT Associate Professional Network Engineer is an IT apprenticeship-style (learn & earn) pathway to a career in the technology sector. FIT ICT AP is a ‘learning by doing’ format of ICT skills development which has been endorsed by the industry and government. This is a two-year programme during which candidates who are competent tech enthusiasts attain a Level 6 ICT and Professional Development Award, More
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: computer science, information technology, engineering, computer.
A Bachelor's degree is beneficial for career development and advancement. Relevant degree courses are available from most Institutes of Technology and a range of private colleges.
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: information, network security, computer engineering, management.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - Database Administrator
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €80k
Salaries vary by employer, duties, role, experience, and location.
Data Source(s):
Sigmar / CPL / Morgan McKinley / Prosperity.ie/ Clark
Last Updated: July, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Database Administrator
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: IT business analysts, architects and systems designers, Web design and development professionals, Information technology & telecommunications professionals n.e.c.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2025).
The annual average employment growth was above average for this occupation over the five-year period, although employment levels have fluctuated over this time; strong employment growth in both 2020 and 2023 more than offset the declines in the other years.
The number of non-Irish citizens far exceeded the national average and almost 2,000 new employment permits were issued (in roles including analysts (data, business, IT), data scientists, network and security engineers and web and UX/UI developers. Online job adverts for these roles included network and cyber security specialists (jobsireland.ie) and IT business analysts, architects and systems designers (Eurostat/CEDEFOP). Difficult-to-fill vacancy mentions (Skills for Growth and Recruitment Agency Survey) included digital and data scientists, cloud security engineers, and SOC (Security Operations Centre) analysts.
Increasing reliance on digital systems as well as global insecurities in recent years, including the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, have fuelled demand for cyber security specialists as organisations recognise the need to safeguard systems against potential cyber security breaches.
Skills to anticipate, manage and address IT security risks across both private and public sector organisations mean security-related skills will be key for this occupation, with shortages occurring for network and security engineers.
Skills shortage:
IT analysts/ engineers
Useful Contacts - Database Administrator
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ICS - The Society for Chartered IT Professionals in Ireland
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Irish Software Association
- Confederation House, 84/86 Lower Baggot St. Dublin 2
- (01) 605 1500
- [email protected]
- Click Here
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Technology Ireland
