As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for an SQL Database Engineer in the United States is $77,800 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.
However, an SQL Database Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An SQL Database Engineer'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 an SQL Database Engineer'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level SQL Database Engineer | $76,507 |
| Intermediate Level SQL Database Engineer | $77,445 |
| Senior Level SQL Database Engineer | $79,217 |
| Specialist Level SQL Database Engineer | $79,572 |
| Expert Level SQL Database Engineer | $79,808 |
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 SQL Database Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 3.55% |
| Computer Science | 3.76% |
| Data Modeling | 2.12% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Partnering
|
$81,690 |
5%
|
|
Integrity
|
$80,912 |
4%
|
|
Data Warehousing
|
$80,912 |
4%
|
|
Agile
|
$80,134 |
3%
|
|
AWS
|
$80,134 |
3%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$80,134 |
3%
|
Understanding how an SQL Database Engineer'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 January 01, 2026Salaries for an SQL Database Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $84,327 in 2023 to around $82,130 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of SQL Database Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $84,327 |
| 2024 | $84,085 |
| 2025 | $82,130 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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