Data 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.
Data Engineer
Build and maintain data pipelines, warehouses, and ETL infrastructure.
Database Administrator
Design, implement, and maintain databases for performance, security, and reliability.
Data Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $42,822/year (44%) higher than a Database Administrator. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Data Engineer vs Database Administrator — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Data Engineer | Database Administrator | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $202,499 | $143,960 | Data +$58,539 |
| New York, NY | $131,540 | $113,900 | Data +$17,640 |
| Seattle, WA | $105,430 | $137,758 | Data $32,328 |
| Austin, TX | $153,836 | $110,792 | Data +$43,044 |
| Chicago, IL | $154,010 | $100,682 | Data +$53,328 |
| Boston, MA | $179,962 | $127,909 | Data +$52,053 |
| London, UK | £108,711 | £77,179 | Data +$31,532 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$181,115 | CA$127,247 | Data +$53,868 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Data Engineer or Database Administrator earn more?+
A Data Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Data Engineer is $139,500/year, compared to $96,678/year for a Database Administrator — a difference of $42,822 (44%).
Which has better career growth — Data Engineer or Database Administrator?+
Data Engineer roles are growing at 34% YoY while Database Administrator demand is growing at 8% YoY. Data Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Data 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 — Data Engineer or Database Administrator?+
Database Administrator has a lower AI automation risk (42% vs 42%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.