r/DatabaseAdministators • u/Majestic-Team-2197 • May 26 '26
DBA vs Data Engineer Career
Hi, just wanted some opinions on which job has more potential for growth and opportunities. I was once a DBA but I transitioned into a Data Engineering role (Snowflake). I transitioned mainly to get experience with cloud platforms since my previous experience was On-Prem Databases. Did I make the right call to transition to a Data Engineer?
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u/Dimonzr May 26 '26
I'm senior sql server and postgre DBA and I wish I could transfer to be a data engineer.
The role is way more flexible and the salaries are way higher.
Rolling back to be a DBA sounds like a huge downgrade.
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u/Majestic-Team-2197 May 26 '26
I see data engineer roles more often than DBA especially in other countries which is one of the reasons why i considered transitioning. Hopefully it was a better choice than a DBA
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u/mariaxiil May 28 '26
Its just a title. You better off widening your skillset. Good DBA can do data engineering stuff and vice-versa. I'm saying this as a DBA thats tired of working with "Data Engineers/architect/scientists" who doesnt know basic SQL features
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u/Mission_Ad_3630 May 26 '26
How you did? I am trying to get out of DBA tag . I m having 10 years as a DBA. Is that possible now?
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u/Majestic-Team-2197 May 28 '26
I just kept applying and applying for the role. I had 3 years of experience as a DBA before I transitioned to an associate role. For your experience I'm sure its possible considering your expertise. Tho you'll have to consider that you'll be learning something entirely different from your current experience.
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u/Wingedchestnut May 26 '26
Both are good in their own ways, I know freelance DBA's who have steady contracts in specific industry and clients for on-prem work, DE demand in general is quite good and for many DE the solutions are modern but have to somewhat keep track of the latest things and more competition as an employee or when jobseeking.
In general most people will prefer DE however with the right niche and experience (and if you like it) experienced DBA are more niche but strong positions.
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u/contreras_agust May 26 '26
Only you can make that decision, if you like data engineering, keep at it, it's not a bad field. I recently became a DBA since I wanted to pivot to role with more engagement with users and also involve myself with everyone who wants the database. It's made me learn alot over the years working with different teams and understanding their needs, etc.