IT Support Specialist vs Database Administrator: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
IT Support Specialist
Provide technical support for hardware, software, and networks.
Database Administrator
Design, implement, and maintain databases for performance, security, and reliability.
Database Administrator earns more on average — the national median is $34,818/year (56%) higher than a IT Support Specialist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
IT Support Specialist vs Database Administrator — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | IT Support Specialist | Database Administrator | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $92,808 | $143,960 | IT $51,152 |
| New York, NY | $72,917 | $113,900 | IT $40,983 |
| Seattle, WA | $86,967 | $137,758 | IT $50,791 |
| Austin, TX | $69,244 | $110,792 | IT $41,548 |
| Chicago, IL | $64,877 | $100,682 | IT $35,805 |
| Boston, MA | $79,215 | $127,909 | IT $48,694 |
| London, UK | £47,998 | £77,179 | IT $29,181 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$84,196 | CA$127,247 | IT $43,051 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a IT Support Specialist or Database Administrator earn more?+
A Database Administrator earns more on average. The national median salary for a IT Support Specialist is $61,860/year, compared to $96,678/year for a Database Administrator — a difference of $34,818 (56%).
Which has better career growth — IT Support Specialist or Database Administrator?+
IT Support Specialist roles are growing at 5% YoY while Database Administrator demand is growing at 8% YoY. Database Administrator has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from IT Support Specialist 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 — IT Support Specialist or Database Administrator?+
Database Administrator has a lower AI automation risk (42% vs 71%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.