Database Administrator vs Software Engineer salary
In Australia, a database administrator earns about 16% more than a software engineer — $163,777 vs $140,876 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is AUD). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
Pays more
Technology
Database Administrator$163,777/yr
- Monthly
- $13,671
- Hourly
- $78
- Range
- $110,688–$228,664
- 10-yr outlook
- +9%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Database Administrator | Software Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $110,688 | $90,147 |
| 25th | $137,268 | $115,546 |
| Median | $163,777 | $140,876 |
| 75th | $196,186 | $171,897 |
| Senior (90th) | $228,664 | $202,848 |
National Australia figures in AUD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Technology comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a database administrator or software engineer earn more in Australia?
- A database administrator earns more, at about $236,000 per year vs $203,000 for a software engineer — roughly 16% ($33,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in Australia?
- A database administrator typically earns $159,500–$329,500, while a software engineer earns $129,900–$292,300 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in Australia?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a database administrator averages about $19,700 and a software engineer about $16,900.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in Australia, a database administrator earns about $159,500 while a software engineer earns about $129,900 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in Australia, a database administrator earns about $329,500 while a software engineer earns about $292,300 per year.
- Are database administrator and software engineer similar careers?
- Both roles sit in the Technology category on Pay by Role, which is why we compare them head-to-head. Day-to-day work still differs — review each job page for skills and outlook.