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Database Analyst: Occupations in Alberta - alis
Do you like working on computers and keeping up with technology? Do you have a talent for turning abstract ideas into logical solutions? Then you may want to consider a career as a database analyst.
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Occupations in Alberta
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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.

  • Avg. Salary $83,879.00
  • Avg. Wage $42.12
  • Minimum Education 2 years post-secondary
  • Outlook above avg
  • Employed 3,600
  • 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
  • Certification Provincially Regulated
  • 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

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

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

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.

Learn More

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.

  • 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.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Database analysts and data administrators
NOC code: 2172

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 15 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 17, 2020 and May 14, 2021.

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.
Research and document data requirements, data collection and administration policy, and data access rules
Design and develop database
Design, construct, modify, implement and test data models and database management systems
Develop policies and procedures for network access and usage and for the backup and recovery of data
Personal Suitability: Team player
Conduct research and provide advice to other informatics professionals regarding the selection application and implementation of database management tools
Operate database management systems to analyze data
Develop and implement data administration policy, standards and models
Personal Suitability: Organized
Collect and document user's requirements
Research and document data requirements, data collection and administration policy, and data access rules 12
Design and develop database 11
Design, construct, modify, implement and test data models and database management systems 11
Develop policies and procedures for network access and usage and for the backup and recovery of data 11
Personal Suitability: Team player 11
Conduct research and provide advice to other informatics professionals regarding the selection application and implementation of database management tools 10
Operate database management systems to analyze data 10
Develop and implement data administration policy, standards and models 10
Personal Suitability: Organized 10
Collect and document user's requirements 9
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.

Athabasca University

Canford Institute of Technology

ERP College

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 Alberta

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:

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 2172: Database analysts and data administrators occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 77 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.

Database analysts and data administrators

Survey Methodology

Survey Analysis

Overall Wage Details
Average Wage
Average Salary
Hours Per Week
Overall Wage Details
Average Wage $42.12 / hr
Average Salary $83,879.00 / yr
Hours Per Week 38.5 hrs
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
ALL INDUSTRIES
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
Health Care & Social Assistance
Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related)
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
Related High School Subjects
  • Business, Administration, Finance and IT
    • Computing Science
    • Information Processing
    • Management and Marketing
  • English Language Arts
  • Mathematics
  • Science
    • Physics
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Computer and Information Technology
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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