Robotics 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.
Robotics Engineer
Design and program robotic systems for industrial, medical, and consumer use.
Database Administrator
Design, implement, and maintain databases for performance, security, and reliability.
Robotics Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $33,584/year (35%) higher than a Database Administrator. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Robotics Engineer vs Database Administrator — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Robotics Engineer | Database Administrator | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $191,598 | $143,960 | Robotics +$47,638 |
| New York, NY | $135,300 | $113,900 | Robotics +$21,400 |
| Seattle, WA | $183,389 | $137,758 | Robotics +$45,631 |
| Austin, TX | $144,607 | $110,792 | Robotics +$33,815 |
| Chicago, IL | $141,411 | $100,682 | Robotics +$40,729 |
| Boston, MA | $172,165 | $127,909 | Robotics +$44,256 |
| London, UK | £98,900 | £77,179 | Robotics +$21,721 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$169,077 | CA$127,247 | Robotics +$41,830 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Robotics Engineer or Database Administrator earn more?+
A Robotics Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Robotics Engineer is $130,262/year, compared to $96,678/year for a Database Administrator — a difference of $33,584 (35%).
Which has better career growth — Robotics Engineer or Database Administrator?+
Robotics Engineer roles are growing at 35% YoY while Database Administrator demand is growing at 8% YoY. Robotics Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Robotics 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 — Robotics Engineer or Database Administrator?+
Robotics Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (25% vs 42%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.