Database Administrator vs Systems Administrator salary
In United States, a database administrator earns about 22% more than a systems administrator — $117,000 vs $95,800 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
Pays more
Technology
Database Administrator$117,000/yr
- Monthly
- $9,800
- Hourly
- $56
- Range
- $79,100–$163,300
- 10-yr outlook
- +9%
Technology
Systems Administrator$95,800/yr
- Monthly
- $8,000
- Hourly
- $46
- Range
- $66,500–$131,600
- 10-yr outlook
- +4%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Database Administrator | Systems Administrator |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $79,100 | $66,500 |
| 25th | $98,000 | $81,100 |
| Median | $117,000 | $95,800 |
| 75th | $140,200 | $113,700 |
| Senior (90th) | $163,300 | $131,600 |
National United States figures in USD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Technology comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a database administrator or systems administrator earn more in United States?
- A database administrator earns more, at about $117,000 per year vs $95,800 for a systems administrator — roughly 22% ($21,200) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in United States?
- A database administrator typically earns $79,100–$163,300, while a systems administrator earns $66,500–$131,600 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in United States?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a database administrator averages about $9,800 and a systems administrator about $8,000.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in United States, a database administrator earns about $79,100 while a systems administrator earns about $66,500 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in United States, a database administrator earns about $163,300 while a systems administrator earns about $131,600 per year.
- Are database administrator and systems 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.