As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Database Engineer III in the United States is $125,763 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $60.
However, a Database Engineer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Database 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 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 I | 0-2 years | $76,475 |
| Database Engineer II | 2-4 years | $103,335 |
| Database Engineer III | 4-7 years | $125,763 |
| Database Engineer IV | 7+ years | $144,408 |
| Database Engineer V | 7-10 years | $168,459 |
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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 3.44% |
| Computer Science | 3.75% |
| Agile | 2.1% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Machine Learning
|
$128,278 |
2%
|
|
Innovation
|
$128,278 |
2%
|
|
Products and Services
|
$128,278 |
2%
|
|
Software Engineering
|
$128,278 |
2%
|
|
Data Infrastructure
|
$128,278 |
2%
|
|
Data Quality
|
$127,021 |
1%
|
Understanding how a Database 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.
Last Updated on May 01, 2026For a Database Engineer III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Database Engineer IV role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $144,408 - a projected growth of 15% over your current level.
Salaries for a Database 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 Engineer III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $120,866 |
| 2024 | $122,056 |
| 2025 | $120,305 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Database Engineer III's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Database Engineer III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Database Engineer III is $158,625.
The highest pay for Database Engineer III is $148,088.
The lowest pay for Database Engineer III is $107,579.
Plans, designs, develops, and manages an organization's databases to ensure efficient data storage, access, and security. Collaborates with users to design, code, test, debug, and deploy databases that meet requirements and organizational needs. Monitors database performance, scalability, and security. Evaluates existing database design to determine necessary updates, performance tuning, and integration requirements. Modifies procedures to optimize database designs. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience.
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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