Data Governance Analyst 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 Governance Analyst
Establish and enforce policies for data quality, privacy, and compliance.
Database Administrator
Design, implement, and maintain databases for performance, security, and reliability.
Database Administrator earns more on average — the national median is $7,738/year (9%) higher than a Data Governance Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Data Governance Analyst vs Database Administrator — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Data Governance Analyst | Database Administrator | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $127,235 | $143,960 | Data $16,725 |
| New York, NY | $104,917 | $113,900 | Data $8,983 |
| Seattle, WA | $102,930 | $137,758 | Data $34,828 |
| Austin, TX | $96,439 | $110,792 | Data $14,353 |
| Chicago, IL | $96,264 | $100,682 | Data $4,418 |
| Boston, MA | $114,991 | $127,909 | Data $12,918 |
| London, UK | £67,745 | £77,179 | Data $9,434 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$119,721 | CA$127,247 | Data $7,526 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Data Governance Analyst or Database Administrator earn more?+
A Database Administrator earns more on average. The national median salary for a Data Governance Analyst is $88,940/year, compared to $96,678/year for a Database Administrator — a difference of $7,738 (9%).
Which has better career growth — Data Governance Analyst or Database Administrator?+
Data Governance Analyst roles are growing at 28% YoY while Database Administrator demand is growing at 8% YoY. Data Governance Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Data Governance Analyst 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 Governance Analyst or Database Administrator?+
Database Administrator has a lower AI automation risk (42% vs 50%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.