Machine Learning 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.
Machine Learning Engineer
Design and deploy machine learning models to production systems.
Database Administrator
Design, implement, and maintain databases for performance, security, and reliability.
Machine Learning Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $23,552/year (24%) higher than a Database Administrator. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Machine Learning Engineer vs Database Administrator — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Machine Learning Engineer | Database Administrator | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $173,682 | $143,960 | Machine +$29,722 |
| New York, NY | $135,980 | $113,900 | Machine +$22,080 |
| Seattle, WA | $174,792 | $137,758 | Machine +$37,034 |
| Austin, TX | $134,974 | $110,792 | Machine +$24,182 |
| Chicago, IL | $129,773 | $100,682 | Machine +$29,091 |
| Boston, MA | $157,928 | $127,909 | Machine +$30,019 |
| London, UK | £78,216 | £77,179 | Machine +$1,037 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$134,265 | CA$127,247 | Machine +$7,018 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Machine Learning Engineer or Database Administrator earn more?+
A Machine Learning Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Machine Learning Engineer is $120,230/year, compared to $96,678/year for a Database Administrator — a difference of $23,552 (24%).
Which has better career growth — Machine Learning Engineer or Database Administrator?+
Machine Learning Engineer roles are growing at 45% YoY while Database Administrator demand is growing at 8% YoY. Machine Learning Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Machine Learning 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 — Machine Learning Engineer or Database Administrator?+
Machine Learning Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (22% vs 42%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.