Database Administrator Salary 2025: $104,620 median, declining job outlook
The median Database Administrator earns $104,620 per year, or about $50 per hour, according to the latest BLS data. The average annual salary is $110,090, with the top 10% earning more than $163,320 and the bottom 10% making $60,230 or less. These figures come from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey.
How much Database Administrators earn
Pay varies widely by experience and industry. The national average of $110,090 masks a range from $60,230 at the 10th percentile to $163,320 at the 90th. That means half of all DBAs earn between roughly $78,000 and $138,000.
Industries with the highest average pay include software publishing ($130,100), computer systems design ($122,500), and telecommunications ($118,400). Government and educational services pay closer to the median.
Pay by state
Where you work as a DBA matters a lot. Utah tops the states with an average salary of $135,750, followed by Massachusetts ($129,300), New Jersey ($125,860), Maryland ($124,300), and the District of Columbia ($118,540). These states have high concentrations of tech companies, financial services, and federal contractors.
The lowest-paid states for DBAs are North Dakota ($78,730), West Virginia ($73,490), and Maine ($70,500). The gap between Utah and Maine is over $65,000 per year — roughly a 93% difference.
How to become a Database Administrator
Most employers expect a bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, or a related field. Some community colleges offer two-year associate degrees that can lead to entry-level database technician roles, but advancement usually requires a four-year degree.
Certifications can boost your resume: many employers look for Oracle Certified Professional (OCP), Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator, or AWS Certified Database – Specialty. Experience with SQL, database design, and backup/recovery is essential.
Typical entry path: start as a database technician, IT support specialist, or junior DBA, then move up with 2-5 years of experience. Many DBAs transition from roles in systems administration or data analysis.
- Bachelor’s degree in IT, computer science, or related field
- Certifications: Oracle OCP, Microsoft Azure DB Admin, AWS Database
- Skills: SQL, database design, backup/recovery, performance tuning
- Entry jobs: database technician, IT support, junior DBA
Job outlook
The BLS projects employment of database administrators will decline by 0.7% from 2024 to 2034, losing about 490 jobs over the decade. That’s a sharp contrast to many tech occupations. Still, about 3,800 openings per year will arise from workers retiring or leaving the field.
Why the decline? Cloud-based database services and automation software are reducing the need for manual administration. Companies are shifting to managed database services from cloud providers, which means fewer hands-on DBAs. Growth is expected in roles like database architect or cloud database specialist instead.
Frequently asked questions
Do database administrators get paid well?
Yes, the median salary is $104,620, which is well above the national median for all occupations of about $48,000. Top earners make over $163,000.
Is database administration a dying career?
It’s shrinking, not dying. Employment is expected to decline 0.7% through 2034, but about 3,800 openings per year will still need to be filled due to turnover.
How do I become a database administrator without a degree?
It’s possible but harder. Start with a certification (like Oracle OCP or Microsoft Azure DB Admin), get an entry-level IT job, and gain experience. Many employers still require a bachelor's, but some small companies may accept experience plus certification.
What is the highest-paying state for database administrators?
Utah pays the highest average salary at $135,750, according to the BLS. Massachusetts is second at $129,300.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Database Administrators data.