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SQL DBA Salary in California

How much does a SQL DBA make in California?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a SQL DBA in California is $114,376 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $55.

However, a SQL DBA's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $130,742
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $103,422 to $122,943
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $93,449
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence SQL DBA Salaries

A SQL DBA'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 SQL DBA Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a SQL DBA'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $78,533
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $113,746
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $127,364
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $149,057
  • Expert (over 8 years): $167,175
Levels Salary
Database ... Level SQL DBA$78,533
SQL DBA Level SQL DBA$113,746
Database ... Level SQL DBA$127,364
Database ... Level SQL DBA$149,057
Database ... Level SQL DBA$167,175
View as Graph

How Do SQL DBA 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 SQL DBAs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $114,811.
  • California: $114,376.
  • Massachusetts: $112,851.

Top Paying Cities for SQL DBAs

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:

  • Los Angeles: $114,573
  • West Hollywood: $114,490
  • Dodgertown: $114,572

SQL DBA Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For SQL DBA 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, SQL DBA positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view SQL DBA as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a SQL DBA

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities$125,813$60.010%
Software & Networking$125,813$60.010%
Aerospace & Defense$123,526$59.08%
Financial Services$123,526$59.08%
Chemicals$122,382$59.07%

SQL DBA Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a SQL DBA'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 September 01, 2026
$103,422
Average $114,376/year
$122,943
$8,619
Average $9,531/month
$10,245
$1,989
Average $2,200/week
$2,364
$50
Average $55/hour
$59
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $122,943 $10,245 $2,364 $59
Average $114,376 $9,531 $2,200 $55
25th Percentile $103,422 $8,619 $1,989 $50

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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