Database Administrator Salary in the United States
Based on 64K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$132,518
$63.71/hr
▲ 1.5% vs 2024Salary Range
$87K – $181K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
64K
workers nationwide
The median Database Administrator salary in the United States is $132,518 per year, or approximately $64 per hour. This figure reflects a robust demand for professionals skilled in managing and maintaining critical data systems across various industries.
Factors such as experience level, geographic location, specific industry, and the size and complexity of the organization significantly influence actual earnings. Entry-level positions may start around $86,784, while highly experienced DBAs in top-paying states can earn up to $181,011 annually.
Salary Distribution — Database Administrator
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $86,784 |
| 25th percentile | $108,002 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $132,518 |
| 75th percentile | $158,459 |
| 90th percentile | $181,011 |
Database Administrator Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Database Administrator
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $170,160 | +28.4% | 6K |
| 2 | Massachusetts | $161,650 | +22.0% | 3K |
| 3 | Virginia | $160,360 | +21.0% | 5K |
| 4 | Arizona | $156,100 | +17.8% | 1K |
| 5 | Colorado | $154,560 | +16.6% | 2K |
| 6 | Texas | $151,370 | +14.2% | 8K |
| 7 | District of Columbia | $150,010 | +13.2% | 790 |
| 8 | Delaware | $147,800 | +11.5% | — |
| 9 | Connecticut | $144,460 | +9.0% | 1K |
| 10 | Illinois | $142,500 | +7.5% | 2K |
Database Administrator Salary by Industry
How much Database Administrators earn across industries nationwide — Administrative and Support Services pays the most ($149,490 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Administrative and Support Services | $149,490 | +12.8% | 4K |
| 2 | Information | $148,000 | +11.7% | 11K |
| 3 | Transportation and Warehousing | $146,590 | +10.6% | 380 |
| 4 | Finance and Insurance | $146,470 | +10.5% | 9K |
| 5 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $145,240 | +9.6% | 60 |
| 6 | Utilities | $140,070 | +5.7% | 290 |
| 7 | Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $139,590 | +5.3% | 480 |
| 8 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $139,500 | +5.3% | 24K |
| 9 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $139,320 | +5.1% | 7K |
| 10 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $135,600 | +2.3% | 180 |
| 11 | Manufacturing | $134,520 | +1.5% | 2K |
| 12 | Wholesale Trade | $134,340 | +1.4% | 2K |
| 13 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $129,310 | -2.4% | 2K |
| 14 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $126,820 | -4.3% | 510 |
| 15 | Retail Trade | $126,050 | -4.9% | 750 |
| 16 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $122,320 | -7.7% | 1K |
| 17 | Educational Services | $107,430 | -18.9% | 2K |
| 18 | Construction | $93,160 | -29.7% | 280 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Top H-1B Employers for Database Administrator
Companies that filed the most H-1B applications for Database Administrator roles, with their median base salary.
| # | Company | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deloitte | $151,777 | 126 |
| 2 | Meta | $210,801 | 90 |
| 3 | Compunnel Software Group | $119,000 | 52 |
| 4 | Rocket Partnership | $120,000 | 31 |
| 5 | Cognizant | $142,958 | 29 |
| 6 | Capgemini | $142,958 | 21 |
| 7 | Salesforce | $229,250 | 20 |
| 8 | Amazon | $139,482 | 20 |
Historical Salary Trend — Database Administrator
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $123,276 |
| 2023 | $125,122 |
| 2024 | $130,531 |
| 2025 | $132,518 |
| 2026 (projected) | $134,535 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Database Administrator Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $108,002 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $132,518 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $158,459 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $181,011 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Database Administrator in the US?
- The salary range for a Database Administrator in the United States generally falls between $86,784 and $181,011 per year. This wide range indicates significant variation based on experience and other contributing factors.
How much does a Database Administrator make in California?
- Database Administrators in California earn a median salary of $170,160 per year. This positions California as a top-paying state for this profession.
What is the average hourly wage for a Database Administrator?
- The average hourly wage for a Database Administrator is around $64 per hour. This is derived from the median annual salary of $132,518.
How many Database Administrators are employed in the United States?
- There are approximately 63,570 Database Administrators employed across the United States. This indicates a substantial job market for this role.