Database Administrator vs BI Developer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Database Administrator
Design, implement, and maintain databases for performance, security, and reliability.
BI Developer
Build dashboards, reports, and data visualisations to support business decisions.
BI Developer earns more on average — the national median is $3,053/year (3%) higher than a Database Administrator. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Database Administrator vs BI Developer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Database Administrator | BI Developer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $143,960 | $149,547 | Database $5,587 |
| New York, NY | $113,900 | $119,905 | Database $6,005 |
| Seattle, WA | $137,758 | $144,935 | Database $7,177 |
| Austin, TX | $110,792 | $109,654 | Database +$1,138 |
| Chicago, IL | $100,682 | $103,999 | Database $3,317 |
| Boston, MA | $127,909 | $133,426 | Database $5,517 |
| London, UK | £77,179 | £77,839 | Database $660 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$127,247 | CA$132,034 | Database $4,787 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Database Administrator or BI Developer earn more?+
A BI Developer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Database Administrator is $96,678/year, compared to $99,731/year for a BI Developer — a difference of $3,053 (3%).
Which has better career growth — Database Administrator or BI Developer?+
Database Administrator roles are growing at 8% YoY while BI Developer demand is growing at 22% YoY. BI Developer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Database Administrator to BI Developer?+
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 — Database Administrator or BI Developer?+
Database Administrator has a lower AI automation risk (42% vs 45%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.