Database Administrator vs Software Engineer salary
In United Kingdom, a database administrator earns about 18% more than a software engineer — $148,596 vs $126,374 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is GBP). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
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Technology
Database Administrator$148,596/yr
- Monthly
- $12,450
- Hourly
- $71
- Range
- $100,403–$207,499
- 10-yr outlook
- +9%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Database Administrator | Software Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $100,403 | $80,858 |
| 25th | $124,500 | $103,616 |
| Median | $148,596 | $126,374 |
| 75th | $178,048 | $154,219 |
| Senior (90th) | $207,499 | $181,930 |
National United Kingdom figures in GBP. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Technology comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a database administrator or software engineer earn more in United Kingdom?
- A database administrator earns more, at about £111,000 per year vs £94,400 for a software engineer — roughly 18% (£16,600) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in United Kingdom?
- A database administrator typically earns £75,000–£155,000, while a software engineer earns £60,400–£135,900 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in United Kingdom?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a database administrator averages about £9,300 and a software engineer about £7,900.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in United Kingdom, a database administrator earns about £75,000 while a software engineer earns about £60,400 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in United Kingdom, a database administrator earns about £155,000 while a software engineer earns about £135,900 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.