Autonomous Systems Engineer vs Database Administrator: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Autonomous Systems Engineer
Develop perception, planning, and control systems for autonomous vehicles and drones.
Database Administrator
Design, implement, and maintain databases for performance, security, and reliability.
Autonomous Systems Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $58,008/year (60%) higher than a Database Administrator. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Autonomous Systems Engineer vs Database Administrator — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Autonomous Systems Engineer | Database Administrator | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $227,579 | $143,960 | Autonomous +$83,619 |
| New York, NY | $135,300 | $113,900 | Autonomous +$21,400 |
| Seattle, WA | $225,151 | $137,758 | Autonomous +$87,393 |
| Austin, TX | $173,358 | $110,792 | Autonomous +$62,566 |
| Chicago, IL | $166,278 | $100,682 | Autonomous +$65,596 |
| Boston, MA | $196,361 | $127,909 | Autonomous +$68,452 |
| London, UK | £122,075 | £77,179 | Autonomous +$44,896 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$202,448 | CA$127,247 | Autonomous +$75,201 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Autonomous Systems Engineer or Database Administrator earn more?+
A Autonomous Systems Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Autonomous Systems Engineer is $154,686/year, compared to $96,678/year for a Database Administrator — a difference of $58,008 (60%).
Which has better career growth — Autonomous Systems Engineer or Database Administrator?+
Autonomous Systems Engineer roles are growing at 42% YoY while Database Administrator demand is growing at 8% YoY. Autonomous Systems Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Autonomous Systems Engineer to Database Administrator?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Autonomous Systems Engineer or Database Administrator?+
Autonomous Systems Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (20% vs 42%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.