Network 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.
Network Engineer
Design, implement, and manage computer network infrastructure.
Database Administrator
Design, implement, and maintain databases for performance, security, and reliability.
Network Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $37,372/year (39%) higher than a Database Administrator. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Network Engineer vs Database Administrator — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Network Engineer | Database Administrator | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $195,491 | $143,960 | Network +$51,531 |
| New York, NY | $165,772 | $113,900 | Network +$51,872 |
| Seattle, WA | $192,889 | $137,758 | Network +$55,131 |
| Austin, TX | $149,704 | $110,792 | Network +$38,912 |
| Chicago, IL | $145,221 | $100,682 | Network +$44,539 |
| Boston, MA | $176,955 | $127,909 | Network +$49,046 |
| London, UK | £106,873 | £77,179 | Network +$29,694 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$177,211 | CA$127,247 | Network +$49,964 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Network Engineer or Database Administrator earn more?+
A Network Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Network Engineer is $134,050/year, compared to $96,678/year for a Database Administrator — a difference of $37,372 (39%).
Which has better career growth — Network Engineer or Database Administrator?+
Network Engineer roles are growing at 6% YoY while Database Administrator demand is growing at 8% YoY. Database Administrator has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Network 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 — Network Engineer or Database Administrator?+
Database Administrator has a lower AI automation risk (42% vs 52%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.