Database Administrator vs Software Engineer salary
In Germany, a database administrator earns about 20% more than a software engineer — $158,533 vs $132,301 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is EUR). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
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Technology
Database Administrator$158,533/yr
- Monthly
- $13,230
- Hourly
- $76
- Range
- $107,209–$221,262
- 10-yr outlook
- +9%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Database Administrator | Software Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $107,209 | $84,627 |
| 25th | $132,871 | $108,464 |
| Median | $158,533 | $132,301 |
| 75th | $189,897 | $161,384 |
| Senior (90th) | $221,262 | $190,468 |
National Germany figures in EUR. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Technology comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a database administrator or software engineer earn more in Germany?
- A database administrator earns more, at about 139.000 € per year vs 116.000 € for a software engineer — roughly 20% (23.000 €) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in Germany?
- A database administrator typically earns 94.000 €–194.000 €, while a software engineer earns 74.200 €–167.000 € per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in Germany?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a database administrator averages about 11.600 € and a software engineer about 9.700 €.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in Germany, a database administrator earns about 94.000 € while a software engineer earns about 74.200 € per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in Germany, a database administrator earns about 194.000 € while a software engineer earns about 167.000 € 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.