Database Administrator Salary Guide 2026
Enterprise tech and telecom core data needs.
National Median: $149,000
Range: $100K – $248K
3-Year Growth Trend: +4.5% · Source: Built In; Coursera
Avg Total Comp
$138,000
Experience Level
Senior Architects hit $231k+; national median at $149k.
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Transition Opportunity
Generalist salaries for Database Administrator are stagnating as the market shifts toward specialized AI execution. Join The Foundry to pivot your career into high-growth technical tracks.
Metro Area Breakdown
20 Markets| Metro Area | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara CA | $201,150 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley CA | $198,170 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City NY-NJ-PA | $184,760 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton MA-NH | $181,780 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue WA | $178,800 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria DC-VA-MD-WV | $178,800 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim CA | $178,800 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad CA | $171,350 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin IL-IN-WI | $163,900 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood CO | $160,920 |
| Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown TX | $156,450 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington TX | $156,556 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta GA | $153,470 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach FL | $151,980 |
| Raleigh-Durham-Cary NC | $149,000 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington MN-WI | $146,020 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia NC-SC | $146,020 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler AZ | $144,530 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn MI | $143,040 |
| Salt Lake City UT | $141,550 |
"Calculated" benchmarks are derived from the national median using verified geographic cost-of-living multipliers. "Verified" entries are sourced directly from Built In; Coursera.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary for a Database Administrator in 2026?
The national median salary for a Database Administrator in 2026 is $149,000. Base salaries range from $100K to $248K depending on experience level and location.
Which city pays Database Administrators the most?
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara CA offers the highest median salary for Database Administrators at $201,150. San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley CA is a close second at $198,170.
How fast are Database Administrator salaries growing?
Database Administrator salaries have grown at 4.5% over the past three years, making it a stable-growth role. Enterprise tech and telecom core data needs.
What is the salary range for an entry-level Database Administrator?
Entry-level Database Administrator salaries start around $100K annually at the national level. Tier 1 cities like San Francisco and New York start 20–35% higher. Specialization in AI and cloud-adjacent skills accelerates entry compensation.
What total compensation should a Database Administrator expect?
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