When do MySQL DBA need root access For a MySQL DBA, what operations require root access. I know that we need to be root for installation, starting and stopping services. With DBA’s not having root access, is there a way to perform majority of the operations?
Basically the mysqld is started as mysql user (in the init script is something like su mysql). Therefore there is no other option beside having access to this user.

But you can setup your system to run mysqld as a normal user.