As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Database Planning and Performance Engineer III in the United States is $125,770 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $60.
However, a Database Planning and Performance Engineer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Database Planning and Performance Engineer III Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $137,470 | $11,456 | $2,644 | $66 |
| Average | $125,770 | $10,481 | $2,419 | $60 |
| 25th Percentile | $116,260 | $9,688 | $2,236 | $56 |
A Database Planning and Performance Engineer III'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 Planning and Performance Engineer III'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Database Engineer, Entry | 0-2 years | $76,455 |
| Database Engineer, Intermediate | 2-4 years | $103,311 |
| Database Planning and Performance Engineer III | 4-7 years | $125,765 |
| Database Engineer, Specialist | 7+ years | $144,421 |
| Database Engineer, Lead/Expert | 7-10 years | $168,528 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 3.44% |
| Computer Science | 3.75% |
| Agile | 2.1% |
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 Planning and Performance Engineer III's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Machine Learning | $128,285 | |
| Innovation | $128,285 | |
| Products and Services | $128,285 |
Database Planning and Performance Engineer III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $140,409. While startup companies pay approximate $118,891.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $118,891 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $125,712 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $135,576 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $140,409 |
Understanding how a Database Planning and Performance Engineer III'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $137,470 | $11,456 | $2,644 | $66 |
| Average | $125,770 | $10,481 | $2,419 | $60 |
| 25th Percentile | $116,260 | $9,688 | $2,236 | $56 |
Next Role
Advancement
For a Database Planning and Performance Engineer III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Database Engineer, Specialist role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $144,500 - a projected growth of 15% over your current level.
Salaries for a Database Planning and Performance Engineer III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $120,866 in 2023 to around $120,305 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Database Planning and Performance Engineer III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $120,866 |
| 2024 | $122,056 |
| 2025 | $120,305 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Database Planning and Performance Engineer III roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
Planning engineers often work with computers and various planning software, requiring strong technical knowledge. While the role can be demanding, leading to stress, the competitive salary range of $118,400 to $145,570 reflects the importance and complexity of the job. Effective stress management strategies are essential for success in this field.
The highest salary for a Database Planning and Performance Engineer is $145,570. The minimum salary starts at $118,400, while the mid-range salary is $132,210. This indicates that the top 10% of employees in this role earn significantly more than the average.
To become a high-performance engineer, cultivate a mindset of continuous learning, as the field is ever-evolving. Embrace adaptability and flexibility, communicate efficiently, and practice shared leadership. Establish effective work processes and maintain a strong sense of purpose. In this role, you can expect a salary ranging from $118,400 to $145,570, with a mid-salary of $132,210.
SQL Database Engineers typically earn between $118,400 and $145,570 annually, with a median salary of around $132,210. This places them within a competitive salary range, reflecting their expertise in database planning and performance engineering.
The salary range for a Database Planning and Performance Engineer in the USA is between $118,400 and $145,570, with a midpoint of $132,210. This range reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position, influenced by factors such as role, level, and location. Additional compensation may include bonuses and benefits.
A Database Planning and Performance Engineer typically earns between $118,400 and $145,570 annually, with a median salary of around $132,210. Salaries can vary significantly based on location, experience, and specific job responsibilities. For instance, cities like Sunnyvale and Santa Clara offer some of the highest salaries in this field.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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