Are you going to college to become a Database Administrator? If you are making the time and monetary commitment to earn your degree in a computer-related field like Computer Science or Information Systems, it is time to learn how much you can make with your degree once you enter the sector and then after you gain experience. CNN Money has ranked Database Administration as the 7th best job in America on the Top 100 List, and qualified candidates will benefit from growth within the Information Technology sector. Read this Database Administrator Salary guide, and learn how much you can earn by organizing and managing data for a small or large business.
What is the Average Salary for a Database Administrator?
The very first step researching how much you will make as a Database Administrator is taking time to research the average salary and wages that are reported by a reliable agency like the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This will give you a general idea of how much professionals make in a median range. The BLS reports that DBAs earn an average wage of $38.04 per hour or $75,190 per year, but this figure includes all employed DBAs no matter how much experience they have or what geographic region that they live in. If you want more specific information on how much you can expect to make when you enter the sector and late when you are a mid-level DBA, read on for details on the lower and upper percentile salary range.
What Do the Highest and Lowest Paid DBA’s Make?
When you enter the sector, you should expect to start as a data analyst or developer before you can work your way up to becoming a DBA. Some employers require DBAs to earn their certification with Microsoft, MySQL, or Oracle, and having a certification can raise your salary expectations. Entry-level DBAs typically fall into the 25th percentile of the salary range, which is $55,840. You can make more than this as a new DBA based on your location. The upper 75th percentile earns an average of $96,640 with the top 10 percent earning $118,720. As you can see, the salary ranges for those with and without experience can vary.
Factors That Can Affect Your Pay as a DBA
Database Administrators work in a variety of different industries, and the industry that you work in can affect salary potential. You can work in the finance industry, e-commerce, computer systems, insurance, retail, or even education with enough experience. Of the industries that employ DBAs, studies show that finance brokerages typically pay the highest wages, with e-commerce companies coming in just behind. The pay for DBA’s at public schools is typically the lowest in the field because of the limited budgets. You will also need to consider the location where you work and the cost of living.
If you want to work in Database Administration, earning your degree and then pursuing a certification that is high in demand can help you compete. As you can see, DBA’s earn a sizable salary along with quality benefits. The field offers upward mobility, but this mobility comes with added stress. If you can keep up with the fast pace that comes with being a DBA, this could be the field for you.
Follow