Data Engineer vs Database Administrator salary
In Canada, a data engineer earns about 27% more than a database administrator — $170,841 vs $134,132 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is CAD). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
Pays more
Technology
Data Engineer$170,841/yr
- Monthly
- $14,260
- Hourly
- $82
- Range
- $109,352–$246,025
- 10-yr outlook
- +30%
Technology
Database Administrator$134,132/yr
- Monthly
- $11,154
- Hourly
- $64
- Range
- $90,645–$187,219
- 10-yr outlook
- +9%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Data Engineer | Database Administrator |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $109,352 | $90,645 |
| 25th | $140,062 | $112,388 |
| Median | $170,841 | $134,132 |
| 75th | $208,398 | $160,675 |
| Senior (90th) | $246,025 | $187,219 |
National Canada figures in CAD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Technology comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a data engineer or database administrator earn more in Canada?
- A data engineer earns more, at about $242,000 per year vs $190,000 for a database administrator — roughly 27% ($52,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in Canada?
- A data engineer typically earns $154,900–$348,500, while a database administrator earns $128,400–$265,200 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in Canada?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a data engineer averages about $20,200 and a database administrator about $15,800.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in Canada, a data engineer earns about $154,900 while a database administrator earns about $128,400 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in Canada, a data engineer earns about $348,500 while a database administrator earns about $265,200 per year.
- Are data engineer and database administrator 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.