As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a SQL Server Database Developer in the United States is $112,797 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $54.
However, a SQL Server Database Developer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A SQL Server Database Developer'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 SQL Server Database Developer'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 |
|---|---|
| Database ... Level SQL Server Database Developer | $70,000 |
| Database ... Level SQL Server Database Developer | $101,374 |
| SQL Serve... Level SQL Server Database Developer | $113,519 |
| Database ... Level SQL Server Database Developer | $132,848 |
| Database ... Level SQL Server Database Developer | $148,989 |
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 Server Database Developers. 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
|
$116,181 |
3%
|
|
Team Operations
|
$116,181 |
3%
|
|
Team Development
|
$115,053 |
2%
|
|
AWS
|
$115,053 |
2%
|
|
Insight
|
$115,053 |
2%
|
|
MySQL
|
$115,053 |
2%
|
For SQL Server Database Developer 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, SQL Server Database Developer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view SQL Server Database Developer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $129,717 | $62.0 | 15% |
| MFG Durable | $126,333 | $61.0 | 12% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $124,077 | $60.0 | 10% |
| Construction | $124,077 | $60.0 | 10% |
| Internet | $121,821 | $59.0 | 8% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many SQL Server Database Developers 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 SQL Server Database Developer with a No Diploma is between $119,470 and $126,453).
SQL Server Database Developer 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 SQL Server Database Developer'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, 2026Salaries for a SQL Server Database Developer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $106,388 in 2023 to around $105,895 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of SQL Server Database Developer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $106,388 |
| 2024 | $106,507 |
| 2025 | $105,895 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for SQL Server Database Developer roles, with salaries approximately 15% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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