SOC 15-1242.00: Database Administrators — Occupation Classification & Job Zone

Administer, test, and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems. Coordinate changes to computer databases. Identify, investigate, and resolve database performance issues, database capacity, and database scalability. May plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases.

Job Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Occupations in this zone typically require a four-year bachelor's degree and considerable work-related skill, knowledge, or experience. Employees usually need several years of work-related experience and training.

Related industries and commodity codes

Occupations are not industries, but these classifications often appear in the same hiring, procurement, or market research workflow.

Frequently asked questions

What is NAICS 15-1242.00?

NAICS 15-1242.00 is the North American Industry Classification System code for Database Administrators. It classifies this business activity for statistical, regulatory, and government procurement purposes. Federal agencies use NAICS codes to collect and publish data about the US economy, determine SBA size standards, and set aside contracts for small businesses.

What licenses and permits does a Database Administrators need?

A Database Administrators typically needs a local business license, a federal EIN from the IRS, and industry-specific permits depending on the sector. Check with your city or county clerk for a general business license, your state's professional or industry licensing board for any required occupational licenses, and your state's tax authority for a sales tax permit if you sell taxable goods or services.

How do I register a Database Administrators business in the United States?

To register a Database Administrators business, first choose your legal structure: sole proprietorship (simplest, uses SSN), LLC (personal liability protection, files with your Secretary of State), or corporation (Form 1120 or 1120-S). Register your business name (DBA) with your county if operating under a trade name. Obtain an EIN from the IRS at irs.gov/ein. Register with your state revenue department for any applicable taxes.

What tax forms does a Database Administrators file with the IRS?

Tax forms depend on your entity type. A sole proprietor files Schedule C with Form 1040 and Schedule SE for self-employment tax (15.3%). An LLC taxed as a partnership files Form 1065 with Schedule K-1s. A C-Corporation files Form 1120 (21% flat rate). An S-Corporation files Form 1120-S. All businesses paying employees file Form 940 (FUTA) annually and Form 941 quarterly. Estimated tax payments are made via Form 1040-ES four times per year.

Is Database Administrators the right NAICS code for my business?

Your NAICS code should reflect your primary business activity — the one generating the most revenue or value. If Database Administrators describes your main line of business, NAICS 15-1242.00 is likely correct. If you have multiple distinct activities, you may need separate codes for statistical reporting. For federal contracting, your SAM.gov registration should use the code that best matches the work you perform. Review the official NAICS 15-1242.00 description and exclusions to confirm it fits your operations.

Does a Database Administrators need to comply with COPPA?

The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) applies if your website or app is directed to children under 13 or you have actual knowledge you're collecting personal information from children under 13. You must post a clear privacy policy, provide notice to and obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting data, allow parents to review and delete children's data, and maintain reasonable security. FTC fines for COPPA violations can exceed $50,000 per violation.

Does a Database Administrators need to collect sales tax on digital products and SaaS?

Sales tax on digital products (software downloads, SaaS subscriptions, streaming, e-books) varies by state. As of 2025, approximately 30+ states tax digital goods and services. SaaS is specifically taxable in states like Texas, New York, Washington, and Ohio but exempt in California and Florida. Economic nexus thresholds (typically $100K revenue or 200 transactions per state) apply to remote sellers of digital products post-Wayfair. Check each state where you have customers.

What data breach notification obligations does a Database Administrators have?

All 50 states have data breach notification statutes requiring you to notify affected individuals and state regulators (usually the attorney general) within a specified timeframe (typically 30-45 days) if personal information is compromised. Some states (e.g., Florida) require notification within 30 days. If the breach affects 500+ residents in a state, you may also need to notify consumer reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion). Healthcare breaches affecting 500+ must be reported to HHS and local media.

What is an EULA and does a Database Administrators need one?

An End User License Agreement (EULA) grants users a limited license to use your software while retaining your IP rights. It differs from Terms of Service in that it focuses on license scope, restrictions (no reverse engineering, no reselling), ownership, termination conditions, and warranty disclaimers. EULAs are essential for downloadable software, mobile apps, and desktop applications. Open-source software uses specific license types (MIT, GPL, Apache 2.0) instead.