As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a DBA - Entry in the United States is $72,130 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, a DBA - Entry's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
DBA - Entry Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $73,840 | $6,153 | $1,420 | $36 |
| Average | $72,130 | $6,011 | $1,387 | $35 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,690 | $5,141 | $1,186 | $30 |
A DBA - 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a DBA - 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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| DBA - Entry | 0-2 years | $72,130 |
| DBA - Experienced | 2-4 years | $104,472 |
| Database Administration - Senior | 4-7 years | $116,980 |
| DBA- Specialist | 7+ years | $136,904 |
| Database Administration Strategy and Operations Manager | 7+ years | $153,545 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 3.98% |
| Data Entry | 2.45% |
| Data Warehouse | 1.56% |
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 DBA - Entry's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Python | $81,507 | |
| Relational Databases | $80,786 | |
| Agile | $78,622 |
DBA - Entry salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $80,608. While startup companies pay approximate $68,186.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $68,186 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $72,114 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $77,838 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $80,608 |
Understanding how a DBA - 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $73,840 | $6,153 | $1,420 | $36 |
| Average | $72,130 | $6,011 | $1,387 | $35 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,690 | $5,141 | $1,186 | $30 |
Next Role
Advancement
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a DBA - Entry, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| CRM User Support Administrator II | $90,400 | 25% |
| Enterprise Data Management Analyst II | $89,900 | 25% |
| DBA - Experienced | $104,500 | 45% |
| Enterprise Resource Planning Administrator II | $101,400 | 41% |
Salaries for a DBA - Entry can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $72,297 in 2023 to around $72,129 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of DBA - Entry salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $72,297 |
| 2024 | $72,631 |
| 2025 | $72,129 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for DBA - Entry roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
As of now, the salary for an entry-level Database Administrator (DBA) ranges from a minimum of $65,490 to a maximum of $81,770 annually, with a mid-salary of $72,940. This reflects a competitive pay scale for entry-level positions in the field.
To become a DBA with no experience, start by learning the fundamentals and meeting educational requirements. Develop your skills through sample projects or volunteer work. Pursue internships for hands-on experience and consider obtaining relevant certifications. Entry-level DBAs can expect salaries ranging from $65,490 to $81,770, with a mid-salary of $72,940.
As of January 28, 2025, the average hourly pay for a DBA - Entry in the United States is approximately $35.05, based on a salary range of $65,490 to $81,770 annually. This translates to hourly wages between $31.44 (minimum) and $39.29 (maximum), reflecting the entry-level compensation in this field.
Earning $40,000 a year is below the entry-level salary range for a DBA position, where the minimum salary is $65,490. While it may suffice for someone with low expenses, it falls short compared to the average entry-level salaries, which range from $65,490 to $81,770. Therefore, $40,000 is not considered a good entry-level salary in this field.
The DBA role can be stressful, particularly when managing critical databases and meeting tight deadlines. However, with proper stress management techniques and support from employers, DBAs can thrive. The salary range for entry-level DBAs is between $65,490 and $81,770, reflecting the importance of their role in maintaining data integrity and performance.
Entry-level pay for DBA positions is often lower due to the limited experience required. For instance, salaries range from $65,490 to $81,770, with a midpoint of $72,940. Factors such as industry demand and cost of living also play a significant role in determining these wages, as more technical skills and advanced education can lead to higher pay in other roles.
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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