The role of the database administrator (DBA) has never been static. From the early days of punch cards and mainframes to today’s cloud-native, AI-assisted environments, DBAs have always had to evolve. But as we step into 2026, the definition of a “great DBA” is shifting in ways that go beyond technical prowess.
So, what does it take to be a standout DBA in today’s data-driven world?
The Fundamentals Are Still Required!
Let’s not kid ourselves: The core skills still matter. A great DBA understands the core essentials of database management and administration. This means that DBAs are still responsible for maintaining the integrity, availability, and performance of database systems.
Their tasks include the following:
- Database installation and configuration: Setting up database servers and configuring them to meet the needs of the organization
- Database schema creation and change management: Designing and implementing database schema and structures and modifying as needed to accommodate business changes
- Performance monitoring and tuning: Ensuring that database systems run efficiently by optimizing queries, indexing, and managing resources
- Backup and recovery: Implementing robust backup strategies and ensuring that data can be recovered in case of failure
- Data movement: Being responsible for efficiently and accurately moving data from place to place as dictated by organizational needs
- Security management: Protecting data from unauthorized access and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements
The fundamentals are not going away—they’re just being applied in more complex, distributed environments. But knowing how to do something isn’t enough anymore. You need to know why, when, and where—especially when managing hybrid architectures that span on-prem, cloud, and edge.
Understanding the Business
Additionally, effective DBAs must understand the business requirements of database applications and be able to administer their databases to avoid business interruption. Without a firm understanding of the value provided to the business by their databases and data, the DBA is not likely to be able to implement strategies that optimize the business’s use of that data.
Cloud Fluency Is Nonnegotiable
One of the most significant shifts in data management has been the migration to cloud-based solutions. In 2026, cloud computing is no longer a trend, it’s usually the default.
Modern DBAs must now navigate a landscape where data resides in cloud platforms such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform. This transition brings new challenges and opportunities, including these:
- Scalability and flexibility: Cloud platforms offer scalable solutions that can grow with the organization’s needs, but DBAs must learn to manage and optimize these environments.
- Cost management: Understanding and controlling the cost implications of cloud services are crucial. DBAs need to implement cost-effective strategies without compromising performance.
- Data security: Ensuring data security in the cloud requires a deep understanding of cloud security models and best practices.
Embracing Automation and AI
The rise of autonomous databases and AI-powered monitoring tools doesn’t make DBAs obsolete—it makes them strategic.
Great DBAs in 2026 know how to leverage automation to eliminate grunt work and focus on higher-value tasks such as architecture design, compliance, and data governance.
AI usage is increasing as well, and that means DBAs will need knowledge of AI and machine learning to take advantage of the benefits that AI can bring to their role. AI capabilities are being imbued into database management systems, such as the SQL Data Insights capabilities of IBM Db2 for z/OS and the Autonomous Database Select AI feature of Oracle Database. DBAs need to be aware and knowledgeable of these AI features to perform up-to-speed in 2026.
By expanding their knowledge and understanding of AI techniques and technologies, DBAs can better and more efficiently work with their databases in the cloud, better use data for analytics and visualization, and utilize the robust capabilities of AI to better secure their database systems.
DBAs should not fear AI, but train it, tune it, and use it to amplify their impact. In other words, AI will not replace DBAs, but DBAs who use AI will replace other DBAs.
Security and Compliance Champions
With data breaches making headlines and regulations tightening worldwide, DBAs are now frontline defenders. A great DBA understands encryption, access controls, audit trails, and how to prepare for compliance reviews. They’re not just keeping the database up and running, they’re keeping the business out of trouble.
Cross-Functional Collaborators
Gone are the days of the DBA as the curmudgeon in the corner. Today’s DBAs work hand in hand with developers, data scientists, DevOps teams, and business analysts. They speak the language of APIs, CI/CD pipelines, and data lakes, and they know how to translate business needs into technical solutions.
Lifelong Learners
Technology is evolving faster than ever. The best DBAs are perpetual students—reading, experimenting, certifying, and sharing. They attend conferences, contribute to forums, and mentor the next generation. They don’t just keep up, they lead.
In short, the great DBA of 2026 is a hybrid: part technologist, part strategist, part businessperson, part diplomat. They’re not just managing databases, they’re managing complexity, risk, and opportunity.
For those DBAs who embrace the challenge, the future is bright … and full of data.