DevOps 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.
DevOps Engineer
Automate infrastructure, CI/CD pipelines, and cloud deployments.
Database Administrator
Design, implement, and maintain databases for performance, security, and reliability.
DevOps Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $2,452/year (3%) higher than a Database Administrator. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
DevOps Engineer vs Database Administrator — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | DevOps Engineer | Database Administrator | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $143,393 | $143,960 | DevOps $567 |
| New York, NY | $119,390 | $113,900 | DevOps +$5,490 |
| Seattle, WA | $138,602 | $137,758 | DevOps +$844 |
| Austin, TX | $109,601 | $110,792 | DevOps $1,191 |
| Chicago, IL | $106,405 | $100,682 | DevOps +$5,723 |
| Boston, MA | $130,457 | $127,909 | DevOps +$2,548 |
| London, UK | £75,853 | £77,179 | DevOps $1,326 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$135,262 | CA$127,247 | DevOps +$8,015 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a DevOps Engineer or Database Administrator earn more?+
A DevOps Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a DevOps Engineer is $99,130/year, compared to $96,678/year for a Database Administrator — a difference of $2,452 (3%).
Which has better career growth — DevOps Engineer or Database Administrator?+
DevOps Engineer roles are growing at 28% YoY while Database Administrator demand is growing at 8% YoY. DevOps Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from DevOps 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 — DevOps Engineer or Database Administrator?+
DevOps Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (38% vs 42%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.