Embedded Systems 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.
Embedded Systems Engineer
Develop firmware and software for embedded hardware and IoT devices.
Database Administrator
Design, implement, and maintain databases for performance, security, and reliability.
Embedded Systems Engineer 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.
Embedded Systems Engineer vs Database Administrator — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Embedded Systems Engineer | Database Administrator | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $202,193 | $143,960 | Embedded +$58,233 |
| New York, NY | $161,501 | $113,900 | Embedded +$47,601 |
| Seattle, WA | $194,146 | $137,758 | Embedded +$56,388 |
| Austin, TX | $153,569 | $110,792 | Embedded +$42,777 |
| Chicago, IL | $147,632 | $100,682 | Embedded +$46,950 |
| Boston, MA | $180,677 | $127,909 | Embedded +$52,768 |
| London, UK | £107,963 | £77,179 | Embedded +$30,784 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$182,205 | CA$127,247 | Embedded +$54,958 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Embedded Systems Engineer or Database Administrator earn more?+
A Embedded Systems Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Embedded Systems Engineer is $135,980/year, compared to $96,678/year for a Database Administrator — a difference of $39,302 (41%).
Which has better career growth — Embedded Systems Engineer or Database Administrator?+
Embedded Systems Engineer roles are growing at 12% YoY while Database Administrator demand is growing at 8% YoY. Embedded Systems Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Embedded Systems 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 — Embedded Systems Engineer or Database Administrator?+
Embedded Systems Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (30% vs 42%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.