Web Developer vs Database Administrator: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Web Developer
Build and maintain websites and web applications.
Database Administrator
Design, implement, and maintain databases for performance, security, and reliability.
Web Developer earns more on average — the national median is $7,322/year (8%) higher than a Database Administrator. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Web Developer vs Database Administrator — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Web Developer | Database Administrator | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $147,801 | $143,960 | Web +$3,841 |
| New York, NY | $122,892 | $113,900 | Web +$8,992 |
| Seattle, WA | $148,827 | $137,758 | Web +$11,069 |
| Austin, TX | $113,006 | $110,792 | Web +$2,214 |
| Chicago, IL | $113,802 | $100,682 | Web +$13,120 |
| Boston, MA | $134,947 | $127,909 | Web +$7,038 |
| London, UK | £80,939 | £77,179 | Web +$3,760 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$138,013 | CA$127,247 | Web +$10,766 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Web Developer or Database Administrator earn more?+
A Web Developer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Web Developer is $104,000/year, compared to $96,678/year for a Database Administrator — a difference of $7,322 (8%).
Which has better career growth — Web Developer or Database Administrator?+
Web Developer roles are growing at 16% YoY while Database Administrator demand is growing at 8% YoY. Web Developer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Web Developer 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 — Web Developer or Database Administrator?+
Database Administrator has a lower AI automation risk (42% vs 52%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.