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Database Engineer VI Salary in the United States

How much does a Database Engineer VI make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Database Engineer VI in the United States is $188,930 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $91.

However, a Database Engineer VI's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $221,616
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $168,407 to $206,039
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $149,722
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Database Engineer VI Salaries

A Database Engineer VI'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.

How Experience Level Affects Database Engineer VI Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Database Engineer VI'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:

  • Database Engineer IV (7+ years): $144,416
  • Database Engineer V (7-10 years): $168,501
  • Database Engineer VI (10-12 years): $188,930
  • Database Engineering Supervisor (12+ years): $109,558
  • Database Engineering Manager (12+ years): $139,864
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Database Engineer IV7+ years$144,416
Database Engineer V7-10 years$168,501
Database Engineer VI10-12 years$188,930
Database Engineering Supervisor12+ years$109,558
Database Engineering Manager12+ years$139,864
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How Do Database Engineer VIs Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 VIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $209,183.
  • California: $208,390.
  • Massachusetts: $205,613.

Top Paying Cities for Database Engineer VI

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $238,297
  • San Francisco: $235,688
  • Oakland: $230,721

Database Engineer VI Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Database Engineer VI salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $211,496. While startup companies pay approximate $178,921.

Database Engineer VI Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $178,921
Growth Stage 51~500 $189,230
Established 501~5000 $204,237
Enterprise 5000+ $211,496

Database Engineer VI Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Database Engineer VI roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Internet and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Database Engineer positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Database Engineer VI as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Database Engineer VI

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Internet$236,162$114.025%
Pharmaceuticals$226,716$109.020%
Energy & Utilities$217,269$104.015%
Telecom$217,269$104.015%
Biotechnology$207,823$100.010%

Database Engineer VI Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Database Engineer VI'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, 2026
$168,407
Average $188,930/year
$206,039
$14,034
Average $15,744/month
$17,170
$3,239
Average $3,633/week
$3,962
$81
Average $91/hour
$99
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $206,039 $17,170 $3,962 $99
Average $188,930 $15,744 $3,633 $91
25th Percentile $168,407 $14,034 $3,239 $81

Database Engineer VI Salary Growth & Career Path

Database Engineer VI

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Advancement

For a Database Engineer VI, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Database Engineering Supervisor role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $109,558 - a projected growth of -42% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Database Engineer VI

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Database Engineer VI

Here are companies hiring for Database Engineer VI and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Database Engineer VI

1. Where can a Database Engineer VI earn the most?

A Database Engineer VI'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 VI earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Database Engineer VI is $238,297.

2. What is the highest pay for Database Engineer VI?

The highest pay for Database Engineer VI is $221,616.

3. What is the lowest pay for Database Engineer VI?

The lowest pay for Database Engineer VI is $149,722.

4. What are the responsibilities of Database Engineer VI?

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. Typically requires 12+ years of related experience. Achievement and depth of knowledge of specialization or field is the main differentiator. Advisory role on complex and challenging projects and initiatives. Recognized for deep technical and industry knowledge and innovative thinking. Provides thought leadership and guidance to a functional area and the organization.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Database Engineer VI?

The Internet industry offers the highest average compensation for Database Engineer VI roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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