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Database Engineer, Entry Salary in the United States

How much does a Database Engineer, Entry make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Database Engineer, Entry in the United States is $76,500 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.

However, a Database Engineer, Entry's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $91,784
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $67,300 to $84,500
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $58,924

Key Factors That Influence Database Engineer, Entry Salaries

A Database Engineer, Entry's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Database Engineer, Entry Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Database Engineer, Entry's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Database Engineer, Entry (0-2 years): $76,455
  • Database Engineer, Intermediate (2-4 years): $103,311
  • Database Engineer, Senior (4-7 years): $125,765
  • Database Engineer, Specialist (7+ years): $144,421
  • Database Engineer, Lead/Expert (7-10 years): $168,528
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Database Engineer, Entry0-2 years$76,455
Database Engineer, Intermediate2-4 years$103,311
Database Engineer, Senior4-7 years$125,765
Database Engineer, Specialist7+ years$144,421
Database Engineer, Lead/Expert7-10 years$168,528

How Do Database Engineer, Entry Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Database Engineer, Entries. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $84,700.
  • California: $84,400.
  • Massachusetts: $83,300.

Top Paying Cities for Database Engineer, Entries

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $96,500
  • San Francisco: $95,400
  • Oakland: $93,400

What Skills Can Increase a Database Engineer, Entry's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 3.55% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Computer Science (Mentioned in 3.76% Job Postings): Computer science is the study of computation, automation, and information. Computer science spans theoretical disciplines (such as algorithms, theory of computation, information theory, and automation) to practical disciplines.
  • Data Modeling (Mentioned in 2.12% Job Postings): Data modeling in software engineering is the process of creating a data model for an information system by applying certain formal techniques.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 3.55%
Computer Science 3.76%
Data Modeling 2.12%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Database Engineer, Entry's salary.

  • Partnering: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Integrity: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
  • Data Warehousing: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Partnering $80,325
5%
Integrity $79,560
4%
Data Warehousing $79,560
4%

Database Engineer, Entry Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Database Engineer, Entry salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $85,404. While startup companies pay approximate $72,316.

Database Engineer, Entry Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $72,316
Growth Stage 51~500 $76,465
Established 501~5000 $82,465
Enterprise 5000+ $85,404

Database Engineer, Entry Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Database Engineer, Entry roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 113% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Database Engineer, Entry positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Database Engineer, Entry as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Database Engineer, Entry

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$107,100$51.040%
Software & Networking$103,275$50.035%
Financial Services$99,450$48.030%
Insurance$95,625$46.025%
Biotechnology$91,800$44.020%

Database Engineer, Entry Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Database Engineer, Entry's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on October 01, 2026
$67,300
Average $76,500/year
$84,500
$5,608
Average $6,375/month
$7,042
$1,294
Average $1,471/week
$1,625
$32
Average $37/hour
$41
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $84,500 $7,042 $1,625 $41
Average $76,500 $6,375 $1,471 $37
25th Percentile $67,300 $5,608 $1,294 $32

Database Engineer, Entry Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Database Engineer, Entry, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Database Engineer, Intermediate role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $103,400 - a projected growth of 35% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Database Engineer, Entry

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Database Engineer, Entry

Here are companies hiring for Database Engineer, Entry and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Database Engineer, Entry

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Database Engineer, Entry?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Database Engineer, Entry roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.

2. Is engineer 1 Entry Level?

Yes, Engineer I is classified as an entry-level position. The salary range for an Entry-Level Database Engineer typically falls between $69,800 and $93,600, with a midpoint salary of $80,200. This reflects the expected compensation for individuals starting their careers in this field.

3. What is the lowest salary of an engineer in us?

The lowest salary for an entry-level Database Engineer in the U.S. is $69,800. The median salary is $80,200, while the maximum salary can reach up to $93,600. These figures reflect the current market trends for this role.

4. How much does a beginner engineer earn in USA?

A beginner Database Engineer in the USA typically earns between $69,800 and $93,600 annually, with a median salary of around $80,200. This range reflects the entry-level compensation in the tech industry, which can vary based on location and company size.

5. How much does an entry level data engineer make in the US per month?

An entry-level Database Engineer in the US typically earns between $69,800 and $93,600 annually. This translates to a monthly salary range of approximately $5,817 to $7,800. The average salary for this position is around $80,200 per year, which is about $6,683 per month.

6. Is data engineer in demand in USA?

Yes, data engineers are in high demand in the USA. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 22% growth in employment for computer and information research scientists, including AI specialists, from 2020 to 2030. As for salary, entry-level Database Engineers can expect a minimum salary of $69,800, a mid-range salary of $80,200, and a maximum salary of $93,600.

7. What is the salary of a database developer?

The salary of a Database Engineer varies based on experience and location. The minimum salary is approximately $69,800, the mid-range salary is around $80,200, and the maximum salary can reach up to $93,600 per year. These figures reflect the potential earnings for professionals in this field.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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