As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Database Engineer, Specialist in the United States is $144,400 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $69.
However, a Database Engineer, Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Database Engineer, Specialist'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Database Engineer, Specialist'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Database Engineer, Specialist | $136,773 |
| Intermediate Level Database Engineer, Specialist | $137,863 |
| Senior Level Database Engineer, Specialist | $138,952 |
| Specialist Level Database Engineer, Specialist | $142,875 |
| Expert Level Database Engineer, Specialist | $147,422 |
What Am I Worth?
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, Specialists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 15.84% |
| Data Visualization | 2.09% |
| Economics | 1.51% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Supply Chain
|
$151,620 |
5%
|
|
Innovation
|
$150,176 |
4%
|
|
Decision Making
|
$150,176 |
4%
|
|
Initiative
|
$150,176 |
4%
|
|
Leadership
|
$150,176 |
4%
|
|
Data Quality
|
$148,732 |
3%
|
Understanding how a Database Engineer, Specialist'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 January 01, 2026For a Database Engineer, Specialist, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Database Engineer, Lead/Expert role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $168,500 - a projected growth of 17% over your current level.
Salaries for a Database Engineer, Specialist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $125,385 in 2023 to around $123,636 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Database Engineer, Specialist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $125,385 |
| 2024 | $125,372 |
| 2025 | $123,636 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Engineers typically earn between $137,400 and $166,400 annually, with a mid-salary of $151,400. While some positions may offer salaries around $200,000, such as specialized roles in AI or advanced data engineering, most database engineers fall within the stated salary range. Consider exploring niche areas or advanced positions for higher compensation.
When considering the best database certifications, options like Oracle Certified Professionals (OCP), Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate, and IBM Certified Database Administrator stand out. These certifications can significantly enhance your career prospects, especially for roles like Database Engineer, where salaries range from $137,400 to $166,400.
The estimated total pay for a Database Engineer ranges from $137,400 to $166,400 per year, with a mid-salary of $151,400. This reflects the competitive nature of the role and the demand for skilled professionals in the field.
SQL Database Engineers typically earn between $137,400 and $166,400 annually, with a median salary around $151,400. This places them in a competitive salary range, reflecting their expertise in managing and optimizing database systems.
While many engineering roles can offer high salaries, positions like Senior Engineering Director, VP of Systems Engineering, and Director of Software Engineering often exceed $300,000 annually. However, for Database Engineers, the salary range is typically between $137,400 and $166,400, with a mid-salary of $151,400, indicating a strong earning potential but below the $300,000 mark.
Can a database engineer make $500,000? Yes, but it's important to note that the typical salary range for a database engineer is between $137,400 and $166,400. While some may achieve higher earnings through experience or specialized skills, not all will reach that level of compensation.
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