Database Administrators
Every task in this role, whether it passes the census's structural hand-over screen, which models pass it, and why. It is a screen, not a claim about what AI can do: a task can pass and still be beyond the systems of the day. The stricter and looser rules re-vote every task, and small differences between roles are noise.
Passes the screen · 3 of 18 tasks
Test programs or databases, correct errors, and make necessary modifications.
quick to check, an existing check settles it, and a mistake is cheap · 9.9% of the role's time · $764M · passed by Claude Sonnet, Gemini 3.1 Pro · the models disagreed
Test changes to database applications or systems.
quick to check, an existing check settles it, and a mistake is cheap · 7.7% of the role's time · $596M · passed by Claude Sonnet, Gemini 3.1 Pro · the models disagreed
Write and code logical and physical database descriptions and specify identifiers of database to management system, or direct others in coding descriptions.
quick to check, an existing check settles it, and a mistake is cheap · 5.7% of the role's time · $443M · passed by Claude Sonnet, Gemini 3.1 Pro · the models disagreed
Does not pass
Modify existing databases and database management systems or direct programmers and analysts to make changes.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 10.9% of the role's time · $844M
Provide technical support to junior staff or clients.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 10.0% of the role's time · $774M · waiting on a check
Train users and answer questions.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 8.6% of the role's time · $660M
Specify users and user access levels for each segment of database.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 6.9% of the role's time · $530M
Identify, evaluate and recommend hardware or software technologies to achieve desired database performance.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it, and a failure is too expensive · 6.4% of the role's time · $494M
Develop data models describing data elements and how they are used, following procedures and using pen, template, or computer software.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 5.4% of the role's time · $417M
Plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard information in computer files against accidental or unauthorized damage, modification or disclosure.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it, and a failure is too expensive · 4.9% of the role's time · $380M
Approve, schedule, plan, and supervise the installation and testing of new products and improvements to computer systems, such as the installation of new databases.
an accountable sign-off — stays with a person · 4.9% of the role's time · $375M
Develop standards and guidelines for the use and acquisition of software and to protect vulnerable information.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it, and a failure is too expensive · 3.2% of the role's time · $246M
Revise company definition of data as defined in data dictionary.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 3.0% of the role's time · $231M · waiting on a check
Plan and install upgrades of database management system software to enhance database performance.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 3.0% of the role's time · $229M
Identify and evaluate industry trends in database systems to serve as a source of information and advice for upper management.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 2.8% of the role's time · $215M
Select and enter codes to monitor database performance and to create production databases.
reason given most often: a failure is too expensive · 2.4% of the role's time · $186M · passed by Claude Sonnet · the models disagreed
Review workflow charts developed by programmer analyst to understand tasks computer will perform, such as updating records.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 2.2% of the role's time · $169M · waiting on a check
Review procedures in database management system manuals to make changes to database.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 2.0% of the role's time · $157M · waiting on a check
Where this role works
| Industry | Workers | Wage bill | Passes the screen | All three pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Systems Design and Related Services | 11,450 | $1.4B | $330M | $0 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | 5710 | $660M | $154M | $0 |
| Local Government, excluding Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation) | 3000 | $339M | $79.3M | $0 |
| Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services | 2900 | $335M | $78.3M | $0 |
| Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | 3600 | $334M | $78.0M | $0 |
| Insurance Carriers | 2780 | $316M | $73.9M | $0 |
| Employment Services | 2470 | $278M | $65.1M | $0 |
| State Government, excluding Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation) | 2940 | $276M | $64.6M | $0 |
| Credit Intermediation and Related Activities (5221 and 5223 only) | 1880 | $216M | $50.6M | $0 |
| Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services | 1890 | $196M | $45.8M | $0 |