As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a DBA III in the United States is $116,990 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $56.
However, a DBA III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A DBA 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, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a DBA 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 Administrator - Entry | 0-2 years | $72,135 |
| DBA - Experienced | 2-4 years | $104,466 |
| DBA III | 4-7 years | $116,982 |
| DBA- Specialist | 7+ years | $136,900 |
| Database Administration Strategy and Operations Manager | 7+ years | $153,534 |
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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 3.57% |
| AWS | 3.03% |
| Data Warehouse | 1.65% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
NoSQL
|
$120,500 |
3%
|
|
Team Operations
|
$120,500 |
3%
|
|
Team Development
|
$119,330 |
2%
|
|
AWS
|
$119,330 |
2%
|
|
Insight
|
$119,330 |
2%
|
|
MySQL
|
$119,330 |
2%
|
DBA III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $130,964. While startup companies pay approximate $110,792.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $110,792 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $117,176 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $126,469 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $130,964 |
For DBA III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 30% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and MFG Durable sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 15% above the average. In contrast, DBA positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view DBA III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $134,538 | $65.0 | 15% |
| MFG Durable | $131,029 | $63.0 | 12% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $128,689 | $62.0 | 10% |
| Construction | $128,689 | $62.0 | 10% |
| Internet | $126,349 | $61.0 | 8% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many DBA IIIs enter the field with a No Diploma 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 III with a No Diploma is between $118,880 and $125,824).
DBA III Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 50.0% |
| High School | 50.0% |
| Associates | 0.0% |
| Bachelors | 0.0% |
| Masters | 50.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a DBA 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.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a DBA III, 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 Support Specialist IV | $113,890 | -3% |
| MDM Analyst - Specialist | $129,700 | 11% |
| DBA- Specialist | $136,900 | 17% |
| Enterprise Resource Planning Administration Manager | $133,700 | 14% |
Salaries for a DBA III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $109,633 in 2023 to around $109,125 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of DBA III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $109,633 |
| 2024 | $109,756 |
| 2025 | $109,125 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for DBA III roles, with salaries approximately 15% above the market median.
A Level 3 qualification in the UK is equivalent to A-levels, BTEC National Diploma, NVQ Level 3, and Advanced Apprenticeship. In the US, it corresponds to a High School Diploma or GED. For professionals in this field, the salary range for a Database Administrator (DBA) is between $115,110 and $138,590, with a mid-salary of $127,020.
For some people, $3,000 a month may be sufficient to cover living expenses, but it falls significantly short compared to the average salary for a Database Administrator (DBA), which ranges from $115,110 to $138,590 annually. In high-cost areas, $3,000 may not even cover basic expenses, highlighting the disparity in salary expectations across different professions and locations.
A Level 3 DBA in the USA earns an annual salary ranging from $115,110 to $138,590, with a mid-salary of $127,020. This translates to a monthly pay between approximately $9,593 and $11,549, with the average salary being around $10,585.
While both DBA and PhD degrees are prestigious, the DBA is a professional doctorate focused on practical application in business, whereas the PhD emphasizes academic research. In terms of salary, DBAs typically earn between $115,110 and $138,590, with a mid-salary of $127,020, which can be higher than some positions held by PhD graduates, depending on the field.
The salary for a Database Administrator (DBA) with 3 years of experience typically ranges from $115,110 to $138,590, with a mid-salary of $127,020. This reflects the competitive nature of the role and the demand for skilled professionals in the field.
The salary data for DBAs indicates a minimum salary of $115,110, a mid-range salary of $127,020, and a maximum salary of $138,590. The highest paying DBA roles include associate director, senior manager, technical solutions consultant, senior Oracle DBA, and PostgreSQL DBA, with salaries reflecting these ranges.
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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