Backend Developer vs Database Administrator: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Backend Developer
Build server-side APIs, databases, and business logic.
Database Administrator
Design, implement, and maintain databases for performance, security, and reliability.
Backend Developer earns more on average — the national median is $39,302/year (41%) higher than a Database Administrator. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Backend Developer vs Database Administrator — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Backend Developer | Database Administrator | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $194,530 | $143,960 | Backend +$50,570 |
| New York, NY | $167,456 | $113,900 | Backend +$53,556 |
| Seattle, WA | $193,111 | $137,758 | Backend +$55,353 |
| Austin, TX | $151,541 | $110,792 | Backend +$40,749 |
| Chicago, IL | $146,538 | $100,682 | Backend +$45,856 |
| Boston, MA | $173,670 | $127,909 | Backend +$45,761 |
| London, UK | £73,942 | £77,179 | Backend $3,237 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$126,152 | CA$127,247 | Backend $1,095 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Backend Developer or Database Administrator earn more?+
A Backend Developer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Backend Developer is $135,980/year, compared to $96,678/year for a Database Administrator — a difference of $39,302 (41%).
Which has better career growth — Backend Developer or Database Administrator?+
Backend Developer roles are growing at 22% YoY while Database Administrator demand is growing at 8% YoY. Backend Developer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Backend Developer to Database Administrator?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: PostgreSQL.
Which is harder to automate — Backend Developer or Database Administrator?+
Database Administrator has a lower AI automation risk (42% vs 45%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.