As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a DBA II in the United States is $104,460 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.
However, a DBA II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A DBA II'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, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a DBA II'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 Administrator - Entry | 0-2 years | $72,140 |
| DBA II | 2-4 years | $104,460 |
| Database Administration - Senior | 4-7 years | $116,984 |
| DBA- Specialist | 7+ years | $136,896 |
| Database Administration Strategy and Operations Manager | 7+ years | $153,522 |
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 DBA IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 3.76% |
| MySQL | 2.61% |
| Data Warehouse | 1.49% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
NoSQL
|
$107,594 |
3%
|
|
Agile
|
$107,594 |
3%
|
|
AWS
|
$107,594 |
3%
|
|
Data Warehouse
|
$106,549 |
2%
|
|
Oracle
|
$106,549 |
2%
|
|
Insight
|
$106,549 |
2%
|
DBA II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $116,838. While startup companies pay approximate $98,810.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $98,810 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $104,507 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $112,829 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $116,838 |
For DBA II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 25% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, DBA positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view DBA II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $114,906 | $55.0 | 10% |
| Software & Networking | $114,906 | $55.0 | 10% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $112,817 | $54.0 | 8% |
| Financial Services | $112,817 | $54.0 | 8% |
| Chemicals | $111,772 | $54.0 | 7% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many DBA IIs enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a DBA II with a Associate's Degree is between $95,642 and $102,079).
DBA II Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.9% |
| High School | 10.8% |
| Associates | 9.1% |
| Bachelors | 53.0% |
| Masters | 25.6% |
| Doctorate | 0.6% |
Understanding how a DBA II'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 July 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a DBA II, 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 III | $103,400 | -1% |
| Enterprise Data Management Analyst III | $109,900 | 5% |
| Database Administration - Senior | $117,000 | 12% |
| Enterprise Resource Planning Administrator III | $116,200 | 11% |
Salaries for a DBA II can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $91,158 in 2023 to around $90,472 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of DBA II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $91,158 |
| 2024 | $91,189 |
| 2025 | $90,472 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for DBA II roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.
The Microsoft Software Engineer 2 position, also known as Level 61, typically offers a salary range with a minimum of $89,680, a midpoint of $101,100, and a maximum of $113,350. This level reflects a solid foundation in software engineering skills and responsibilities within the company.
Becoming a database administrator (DBA) can be a rewarding career, especially if you possess the necessary skills and experience. DBAs are crucial for maintaining the security, availability, and performance of databases. With salaries ranging from $89,680 to $113,350, this role offers competitive compensation, making it an attractive option for many professionals.
The highest salary for a Database Administrator (DBA) is $113,350. The salary range for a DBA typically falls between $89,680 and $113,350, with a mid-salary of $101,100.
The salary for a Database Administrator (DBA) in the USA typically ranges from a minimum of $89,680 to a maximum of $113,350, with a mid-salary of $101,100 per year. These figures reflect the current market rates for DBAs and provide a clear overview of potential earnings in this role.
Yes, a DBA is a promising career in 2024. With salaries ranging from $89,680 to $113,350, it offers competitive compensation. Additionally, DBAs benefit from strong job security and play a crucial role in safeguarding and managing organizational data, making it a fulfilling profession.
As of February 2025, the average annual salary for employees at Level 2 in the United States is approximately $101,100. Salaries typically range from $89,680 to $113,350 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.
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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