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Database Analyst
Database analysts are computer specialists who design, develop, modify, and maintain database management systems to meet specific user needs.
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Avg. Salary $83,879.00
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Avg. Wage $42.12
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Minimum Education 2 years post-secondary
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Outlook below avg
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Employed 3,600
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In Demand Medium
Also Known As
Computer Database Analyst, Computer Specialist, Information Technology Specialist
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: Database Analysts (2172.1)
- 2006 NOC-S: Database Analysts and Data Administrators (C072)
- 2011 NOC: Database analysts and data administrators (2172)
- 2016 NOC: Database analysts and data administrators (2172)
Skills Shortage
Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
28%
28%
Average Wage
Starting
Overall
Top
Average Wage
| Starting | $32.43 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $42.12 |
| Top | $55.84 |
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Certification Provincially Regulated
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Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg
Interest Codes
The Database Analyst is part of the following larger National Occupational Classification (NOC).
Database Analysts
- INNOVATIVE
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Interest in synthesizing information to design, construct, modify, implement and test data models and database management systems, and to design and develop database architecture for information systems projects
- METHODICAL
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Interest in precision working to operate database management systems to analyze data; in ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and standards; and in implementing and maintaining database access and security control
- DIRECTIVE
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Interest in consulting to conduct research and provide advice on the selection, application and implementation of database management tools
Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2018
Database analysts develop database management systems. These systems provide ready access to stored electronic information. For instance, they may develop install, modify, and maintain inventory and sales systems or patient record systems.
Specific duties vary with the size and type of employer. In general, database analysts:
- customize commercial databases to meet specific needs
- modify existing databases when user needs and technological capacities change
- design and develop data models and database architecture (by translating abstract relationships into logical structures)
- work with users to assess system performance and modify systems
- train users
- provide technical support while new systems are tested and implemented
- extract and manipulate data to generate useful business information.
Database analysts may also:
- construct, install, and test database management systems
- advise other professionals on selecting, buying, and using database management tools.
In smaller companies a database analyst may also perform the duties of a data administrator. To learn more, see the Data Administrator occupational profile.
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2018
Database analysts work in modern offices with advanced information technology. In general, they work standard weekday office hours. They may need to work overtime to meet project deadlines, deal with emergencies, or make system changes. In some positions, they may have to travel.
The work can be stressful (when users become demanding or systems do not work as planned). Some database analysts work from home offices or remote locations.
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Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg
Skills & Abilities
Updated Mar 31, 2018
Database analysts need to possess:
- the ability to learn quickly, think logically, and study information
- the ability to build abstract structures of complex relationships
- the ability to focus on details without losing sight of the whole
- an awareness of legal, policy, and privacy restrictions
- speaking, listening, and writing skills
- people skills
- stress management skills
- an active interest in keeping up with changes in technology.
They should enjoy:
- working with a wide variety of people
- working in a team setting
- solving problems.
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2018
Database analysts need related post-secondary education. Employers may prefer to hire applicants who have a 4-year bachelor’s degree. The degree should be in computer science or a related discipline with a significant programming component.
Prospective database analysts are strongly advised to talk to potential employers about required and preferred qualifications before enrolling in an education or training program.
Related Education
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
Canford Institute of Technology
Grande Prairie Regional College
Grant MacEwan University
Lighthouse Labs - Calgary
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
The King's University
University of Calgary
University of Lethbridge
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2018
Information Systems Professional
Information systems professionals investigate, analyze, design, develop or manage information systems based on computer and related technologies through the objective application of specialized knowledge and professional judgement.
Legislation
Information Systems Professional is a protected title under Alberta's Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act. 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.
What You Need
The Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS) has defined the body of knowledge required for certification and recognizes the many different ways this standard may be achieved. Applicants must provide documented evidence for 1 of the following I.S.P. designation criteria routes: (1) Established Academic, (2) IT Industry Leader, (3) Established IT Professional, (4) Education Plus Experience, (5) Exam, (6) Professional Experience Only (applicants must have entered the field prior to 1976), or (7) Upgrade from Candidate Status. For official, detailed information, visit the CIPS website, CIPS Alberta website or contact CIPS Alberta.
Working in Alberta
Information systems professionals who are registered and in good standing with a regulatory organization elsewhere in Canada may be eligible for registration in Alberta if registered professionals in the 2 jurisdictions have similar responsibilities and competencies. For more information, see "What if I am already certified in another province or territory?" and the Alberta regulatory authority (below).
Contact Details
Canadian Information Processing Society of Alberta
PO Box 21085
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada T6R 2V4
Phone Number: 780-431-9311
Toll-free phone number: 1-844-431-9311
Fax number: 780-413-0076
E-mail: alberta@cips.ca
Website: ab.cips.ca
Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2018
Database analysts work for:
- IT consulting firms
- large public-sector organizations (such as government departments, hospitals, and education institutions)
- large private-sector organizations (such as financial institutions, telecommunications firms, and insurance companies).
Advancement often takes the form of greater responsibility. For instance, analysts may take charge of larger, more complex projects. With time on the job, some analysts become supervisors. Others establish their own consulting firms. Moving into management may require formal education in business administration.
Database analysts are part of a larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2172: Database analysts and data administrators. In Alberta, 77% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
- Professional, Scientific and Technical Services [pdf]
- Mining and Oil and Gas Extraction [pdf]
- Educational Services [pdf]
- Public Administration [pdf]
- Information, Culture and Recreation [pdf]
- Wholesale Trade [pdf]
- Transportation and Warehousing [pdf].
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
- trends and events that affect overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
- location in Alberta
- employment turnover (work opportunities that come up when people leave existing positions)
- occupational growth (work opportunities that come up when new positions are created)
- size of the occupation.
In Alberta, the C072: Database Analysts and Data Administrators occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.5% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 41 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2018
Earnings vary depending on the responsibilities of the position and the analyst’s education and experience.
Hourly Wage
For full-time and part-time employees
- Low
- High
- Average
- Median
Starting
Overall
Top
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $20.51 | $51.69 | $32.43 | $29.86 |
| Overall | $28.54 | $57.87 | $42.12 | $39.96 |
| Top | $31.25 | $86.54 | $55.84 | $49.31 |
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.
B: Good Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
Industry Information
| Public Administration | $87,538 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $83,879 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $76,418 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $69,450 |
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $65,224 |
Skills Shortage
Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
28%
28%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
11%
11%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
0%
0%
Vacancy Rate
N/A
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2018
Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS) of Alberta website: www.cipsalberta.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, 2018. 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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