All occupations
Export

Database Administrators

Computer & Mathematicalhighaugment
Projected change (est.): ~-1%
Median Wage (est.): ~$101,510
Employment (est.): ~168K

Overall Exposure

62+14

2025 vs 2023

Theoretical Exposure

88

What AI could do

Observed Exposure

48

What AI actually does

Automation Risk Score

45

Displacement risk

3-Year Outlook (2025 → 2028)

Projected changes in AI automation metrics over the next 3 years based on estimated data.

Overall Exposure

62→76
+14

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Theoretical Exposure

88→92
+4

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Observed Exposure

48→68
+20

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Automation Risk

45→55
+10

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Exposure Metrics (2023 - 2028)

Task Breakdown

Write SQL queries
70%β 1
Monitor performance
55%β 0.5

About This Occupation

If you work as a Database Administrators, AI is reshaping your profession. With an automation risk of 45/100 and overall exposure at 62%, this role faces high transformation. The highest-impact area is write sql queries at 70% automation. This is classified as an 'augment' role. BLS projects -1% decline through 2034. Professionals who embrace AI tools will see their capabilities significantly amplified.

ISCO-08 classification

Unit group 2521ILO official

Database Designers and Administrators

Indirect mapping — this occupation is linked to the ISCO unit group by a rule-based fallback.

Definition

ILO original text (English)

Database designers and administrators design, develop, control, maintain and support the optimal performance and security of databases.

Definition & vocabulary source

Source: International Labour Organization (ILO) — ISCO-08 Structure

License: ILO CC BY 4.0

View original

Official occupational information

  • ONET15-1242.00

    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.

    View original
  • ONET15-1243.00

    Database Architects

    Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.

    View original

Source: O*NET 30.2, U.S. DOL/ETA

License: CC BY 4.0

View original

Frequently Asked Questions

With an automation risk score of 45%, Database Administrators faces a moderate level of AI-driven change. Some tasks can be automated, but many require human judgment, creativity, or interpersonal skills that AI cannot yet replicate. The role is more likely to evolve alongside AI than be replaced.

Our estimated AI automation risk score for Database Administrators is 45% for 2025. Estimated overall AI exposure is 62%, with 88% theoretical exposure and 48% observed exposure. The estimated risk trend from 2023 to 2025 is +10 points. All of these are model-generated estimates, not measurements.

The tasks with the highest automation potential for Database Administrators are: Write SQL queries (70%), Monitor performance (55%). These rates are our own estimates of how much of each task current AI systems can handle. They are not measurements and are not taken from any external dataset.

We estimate a -1% employment change for Database Administrators between 2024 and 2034. This is our own estimate, not a figure published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Combined with an estimated overall AI exposure of 62%, this occupation faces both traditional labor market shifts and AI-driven transformation. Workers should monitor both employment trends and AI capability growth.

Since AI primarily augments capabilities in this role, professionals in Database Administrators should embrace AI as a productivity multiplier. Focus on learning to use AI tools effectively, developing higher-order analytical and creative skills, and positioning yourself as someone who can leverage AI to deliver greater value.