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Data Administrator: Occupations in Alberta - alis
Are you a logical thinker? Do you like using programs and working on computers? Do you have a keen eye for detail? Then you may want to plan for a career as a data administrator.
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Occupations in Alberta
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Data Administrator

Data administrators design, develop, manage, and organize electronic data in a database. They also develop and introduce related policies, standards, and models.

Contents Expand All
Also Known As

Computer Database Administrator, Computer Specialist, Information Technology Specialist, Database Analyst, Database Architect, Database Administrator (DBA)

NOC Codes

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

  • 2172.2: Database Administrators

2006 NOC-S

  • C072: Database Analysts and Data Administrators

2011 NOC

  • 2172: Database analysts and data administrators

2016 NOC

  • 2172: Database analysts and data administrators

2021 NOC

  • 21223: Database analysts and data administrators

2023 OaSIS

  • 21223.02: Data administrators
Duties
Updated Apr 08, 2022

Data administrators handle the day-to-day operation of database management systems. These systems store electronic information. Data administrators also do long-range planning of system design and operation.

Duties depend on the size and type of employer. In large companies, data administrators may focus on one area. They may work in teams with other specialists. In smaller firms, one data administrator may oversee all aspects of the work. In general, data administrators:

  • Develop and introduce policies about types of information to collect and who can access it
  • Develop and introduce technical standards to ensure data security, integrity, and validity
  • Develop and introduce data models that describe data elements and how to use them
  • Consult managers to determine and record data requirements, policy regarding data collection and administration, and rules for data access
  • Advise other staff about data collection and its uses

Data administrators may also:

  • Develop and administer policies and procedures for network access, backups, and recovery
  • Create and maintain disaster recovery plans
  • Enforce security and access controls
  • Keep up to date with new database technologies
  • Manage projects and contractors
  • Supervise database analysts (to learn more, see the Database Analyst profile)
  • Create and maintain disaster recovery plans
  • Arrange for 24/7 database support and troubleshooting
  • Assemble, document, and install product releases
  • Work directly with hardware
Working Conditions
Updated Apr 08, 2022
  • Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg

Data administrators work in offices with modern technology. They often work standard office hours. They may have to work late nights or weekends to deal with system failures or other emergencies. Some positions may require travel.

Dealing with system failures can be stressful, as can negotiating with managers and other system users.

Work Personalities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

How This Occupation Compares to Your Work Personalities

Fit
Fit Guide
An occupation can be a great, good, fair, weak, or poor fit for you.
C
Conventional
This occupation
You
I
Investigative
E
Enterprising
This occupation
You

To find out how well this occupation fits your work personality types, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities

Data administrators
2023 OaSIS: 21223.02

Click or tap a personality type for its description.

  • 1
    Conventional

    Conventional jobs involve following rules and working with information. People in these jobs like to keep things organized and follow clear steps. They often work with numbers, files, or data. These jobs usually happen in offices and involve working with data and details more than ideas. Examples include clerks, accountants, and data entry workers.

  • 2
    Investigative

    Investigative jobs are about thinking deeply and solving problems. People in these jobs enjoy learning, asking questions, and doing research. They often study science, nature, or how things work. These jobs need a lot of thinking and often involve working with ideas instead of people. Examples include scientists, lab technicians, and researchers.

  • 3
    Enterprising

    Enterprising jobs are about leading, selling, or starting new projects. People in these jobs like to take charge, make decisions, and reach goals. They often work in business or politics. These jobs may involve some risk and require strong people skills. Examples include managers, salespeople, and entrepreneurs.

Find other alis occupations that match this occupation’s work personalities.

Your Work Personalities

To identify or change your work personalities, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Quick Guide

Alis work personalities are based on Holland’s theory. It identifies 6 personality types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. People with similar personalities and interests will tend to pursue similar careers. They are likely to create work environments that are favourable to their type.

Most people will identify with 2 or 3 dominant personalities. If the occupation’s personalities match your more dominant types, this occupation is more likely to be satisfying and rewarding to you.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities lists the personalities most likely to be found in that occupation. They are listed in order of importance, with 1 as the most important.

Your Work Personalities shows where the occupation’s personalities rank within your test results. Rank 1 is your most dominant type and 6 is your least dominant.

Learn about work personalities

Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Data administrators
2023 OaSIS: 21223.02

How This Occupation Compares to Your Abilities

The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.

The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.

The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To find out how well this occupation fits your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Abilities Sets

The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.

Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.

This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Inductive Reasoning
Verbal Ability
Information Ordering
Categorization Flexibility
Deductive Reasoning
Fluency of Ideas
Problem Identification
Written Comprehension
Written Expression

Numbers and Patterns

Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.

This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Memorizing
Perceptual Speed
Pattern Organization Speed
Numerical Ability
Mathematical Reasoning
Multitasking
Pattern Identification
Spatial Orientation
Spatial Visualization
Selective Attention

Physical Activity

Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Stamina
Static Strength
Trunk Strength
Explosive Strength
Body Flexibility
Dynamic Strength
Gross Body Coordination
Gross Body Equilibrium
Multi-Limb Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Finger-Hand-Wrist Motion
Rate Control
Arm-Hand Steadiness
Control of Settings
Finger Dexterity
Manual Dexterity
Multi-Signal Response
Reaction Time
Speed of Limb Movement

Senses

Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Hearing Sensitivity
Speech Clarity
Peripheral Vision
Auditory Attention
Depth Perception
Far Vision
Glare Tolerance
Near Vision
Night Vision
Speech Recognition
Sound Localization
Colour Perception

Quick Guide

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the Occupational and Skills Information System (OaSIS).

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Occupations use different combinations and levels of these abilities. The Abilities Quiz helps you learn more about your ability levels and which occupations match your strengths.

If you have completed the Abilities Quiz, you can compare the occupation’s ability expectations to your own ability scores. Your scores may be lower than, a match to, or higher than the occupation’s expected abilities.

Learn about abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Apr 08, 2022

Data administrators need:

  • Quick, logical thinking
  • An understanding of abstract relationships between data “objects”
  • The ability to multitask
  • The ability to work on their own and on a team
  • Attention to detail
  • Speaking and listening skills
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Stress-management skills
  • An interest in policy development and planning
  • An interest in keeping up with technology
  • The ability to interact with staff at all levels
  • The ability to follow through on assignments

They should enjoy:

  • Working with diverse people
  • Working as part of a team
  • Solving problems

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Database analysts and data administrators

2016 NOC: 2172

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 101 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Aug 05, 2024 and Oct 07, 2025.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Tasks: Operate database management systems to analyze data
Tasks: Design and develop database
Tasks: Develop policies and procedures for network access and usage and for the backup and recovery of data
Tasks: Develop and implement data administration policy, standards and models
Attention to detail
Tasks: Research and document data requirements, data collection and administration policy, and data access rules
Tasks: Lead and co-ordinate teams of data administrators in the development and implementation of data policies, standards and models
Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years
Organized
Experience: 2 years to less than 3 years
Tasks: Operate database management systems to analyze data 79
Tasks: Design and develop database 66
Tasks: Develop policies and procedures for network access and usage and for the backup and recovery of data 52
Tasks: Develop and implement data administration policy, standards and models 51
Attention to detail 50
Tasks: Research and document data requirements, data collection and administration policy, and data access rules 49
Tasks: Lead and co-ordinate teams of data administrators in the development and implementation of data policies, standards and models 43
Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years 42
Construction Specialization: Organized 38
Experience: 2 years to less than 3 years 35
Educational Requirements
Updated Apr 08, 2022
  • Minimum Education 2 years post-secondary

Data administrators need a combination of related post-secondary education and experience. For example, they may have a degree or diploma in:

  • Computer science or a related discipline with a large IT component, plus management-related education or experience
  • Commerce or management plus computer-related experience or education (such as a database vendor certification program)

This is not an entry-level position. In general, employers prefer applicants with several years of related experience. If this career appeals to you, ask potential employers what qualifications they prefer before starting a program.

Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

ABM College
Alberta Educational Centre
Alison College
Athabasca University
Bay River College
Bow Valley College
Cambrooks College - Downtown Campus
CDI College of Business, Technology and Health Care - Calgary North
CDI College of Business, Technology and Health Care - Calgary South
CDI College of Business, Technology and Health Care - Edmonton City Centre
CDI College of Business, Technology and Health Care - Edmonton North
CDI College of Business, Technology and Health Care - Edmonton South
CDI College of Business, Technology and Health Care - Edmonton West
College of Technology Alberta
Concordia University of Edmonton
Lethbridge Polytechnic
Medicine Hat College
Mount Royal University
NorQuest College
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
Peerless College
Robertson College - Calgary
Robertson College - Edmonton
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Thompson Rivers University
University of Alberta
University of Calgary
University of Lethbridge

To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated Apr 08, 2022
  • Certification Provincially regulated

Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.

The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.

Information Systems Professional

Information systems professionals investigate, analyze, design, develop, or manage information systems based on computer and related technologies. They do so objectively applying specialized knowledge and professional judgement.

Legislation

Information Systems Professional is a protected title under Alberta’s Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act [pdf]. This means that to call yourself an Information Systems Professional or use the I.S.P. designation, you must be a registered member of the Canadian Information Processing Society of Alberta (CIPS Alberta).

You do not have to be registered if you do not call yourself an Information Systems Professional.

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Information Systems Professional.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Apr 08, 2022

Most data administrators work in the head offices of large companies. They may work in:

  • The public sector such as government departments, health authorities, and schools
  • The private sector such as retail chains, oil companies, and telecommunications companies

Some work for IT consulting firms.

With time on the job, data administrators may advance to senior management positions. Post-secondary education in business administration or management. They may also start their own consulting firms.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Database analysts and data administrators
2016 NOC: 2172

78.5% of people in this occupational group work in:

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Look for Work

Think Industries and Sectors When Planning Your Career

Jobs and occupations are changing every day. It can be hard to know what the future of work looks like—but not impossible. Look at industries and sectors for possible inspiration, insights, and opportunities.
3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Database analysts and data administrators
2021 NOC: 21223
Hot
Job Market
5,200
Employed in AB

Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list
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iStock.com/filadendron
OCCinfo

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors. Learn how these factors can affect your career decisions.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Database analysts and data administrators
2016 NOC: 2172
2.4%
Annual Growth
(Average)
174
New Positions

Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Apr 08, 2022

Earnings for data administrators vary. They depend on the position and the administrator’s education and experience.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Database analysts and data administrators

2021 NOC: 21223
Average Wage
$43.10
Per Hour
Average Salary
$85,220.00
Per Year
Average Hours
38.1
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
11.9
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
 2023 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 21223 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.

A: High Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $22.15 $54.70 $36.90 $33.65
Overall $26.78 $80.63 $43.10 $37.98
Top $28.36 $96.29 $49.09 $49.05

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing
Educational Services
Health Care & Social Assistance
Public Administration
ALL INDUSTRIES $85,220
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing $73,171
Educational Services $77,521
Health Care & Social Assistance $69,234
Public Administration $96,093

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
34%
34%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
14%
14%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
2%
2%
Vacancy Rate
5%
Related High School Subjects
  • Business, Administration, Finance and IT
    • Computing Science
    • Information Processing
    • Management and Marketing
  • English Language Arts
  • Mathematics
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Business, Management and Administrative Studies
  • Computer and Information Technology
  • Engineering, Architecture and Related Studies
Other Sources of Information
Updated Apr 08, 2022

Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS) of Alberta website: ab.cips.ca

Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) website: www.ictc-ctic.ca

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 31, 2022. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.

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