MLOps 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.
MLOps Engineer
Build and maintain infrastructure for deploying machine learning models at scale.
Database Administrator
Design, implement, and maintain databases for performance, security, and reliability.
MLOps 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.
MLOps Engineer vs Database Administrator — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | MLOps Engineer | Database Administrator | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $144,519 | $143,960 | MLOps +$559 |
| New York, NY | $119,390 | $113,900 | MLOps +$5,490 |
| Seattle, WA | $139,997 | $137,758 | MLOps +$2,239 |
| Austin, TX | $107,475 | $110,792 | MLOps $3,317 |
| Chicago, IL | $108,552 | $100,682 | MLOps +$7,870 |
| Boston, MA | $133,124 | $127,909 | MLOps +$5,215 |
| London, UK | £79,867 | £77,179 | MLOps +$2,688 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$130,108 | CA$127,247 | MLOps +$2,861 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a MLOps Engineer or Database Administrator earn more?+
A MLOps Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a MLOps 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 — MLOps Engineer or Database Administrator?+
MLOps Engineer roles are growing at 52% YoY while Database Administrator demand is growing at 8% YoY. MLOps Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from MLOps 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 — MLOps Engineer or Database Administrator?+
MLOps Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (22% vs 42%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.