MS SQL Database Administrator Salary in the United States

How much does a MS SQL Database Administrator make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a MS SQL Database Administrator in the United States is $73,672 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $77,062
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $63,859 to $75,447
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $54,924
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View as table View as graph 25% $63,859 10% $54,924 90% $77,062 75% $75,447 $73,672 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

MS SQL Database Administrator Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $75,447 $6,287 $1,451 $36
Average $73,672 $6,139 $1,417 $35
25th Percentile $63,859 $5,322 $1,228 $31
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Key Factors That Influence MS SQL Database Administrator Salaries

A MS SQL Database Administrator'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 MS SQL Database Administrator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a MS SQL Database Administrator'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): $73,542
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $106,503
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $119,263
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $139,570
  • Expert (over 8 years): $156,528
Levels Salary
MS SQL Da... Level MS SQL Database Administrator$73,542
Database ... Level MS SQL Database Administrator$106,503
Database ... Level MS SQL Database Administrator$119,263
Database ... Level MS SQL Database Administrator$139,570
Database ... Level MS SQL Database Administrator$156,528
$73,542 0 yr
$106,503 < 2 yrs
$119,263 2-4 yrs
$139,570 5-8 yrs
$156,528 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

How Do MS SQL Database Administrator 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 MS SQL Database Administrators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $81,570.
  • California: $81,260.
  • Massachusetts: $80,177.

Top Paying Cities for MS SQL Database Administrators

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: $92,923
  • San Francisco: $91,905
  • Oakland: $89,968

What Skills Can Increase a MS SQL Database Administrator's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 3.98% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Data Entry (Mentioned in 2.45% Job Postings): Transcribing information into an electronic medium such as a computer or other electronic device.
  • Data Warehouse (Mentioned in 1.56% Job Postings): A data warehouse is a central repository of information that can be analyzed to make more informed decisions. It creates a trove of historical data that can be retrieved and analyzed to provide useful insight into the organization's operations.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 3.98%
Data Entry 2.45%
Data Warehouse 1.56%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a MS SQL Database Administrator's salary.
  • Python: Can increase your salary by up to 13%.
  • Relational Databases: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
  • Agile: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Python
$83,249
13%
Relational Databases
$82,513
12%
Agile
$80,303
9%
Azure
$80,303
9%
Programming
$80,303
9%
Team Development
$79,566
8%
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MS SQL Database Administrator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For MS SQL Database Administrator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Construction sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, MS SQL Database Administrator positions in Aerospace & Defense or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view MS SQL Database Administrator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a MS SQL Database Administrator

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare$92,090$44.025%
Construction$88,407$43.020%
Energy & Utilities$84,723$41.015%
Biotechnology$81,039$39.010%
Media$81,039$39.010%

MS SQL Database Administrator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a MS SQL Database Administrator'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

Salary Trends for MS SQL Database Administrator

Salaries for a MS SQL Database Administrator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $73,707 in 2023 to around $73,535 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of MS SQL Database Administrator salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of MS SQL Database Administrator Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$73,707
2024
$74,048
2025
$73,535
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $73,707
2024 $74,048
2025 $73,535
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for MS SQL Database Administrator

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for MS SQL Database Administrator

Here are companies hiring for MS SQL Database Administrator and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next MS SQL Database Administrator Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current MS SQL Database Administrator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States
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FAQ about MS SQL Database Administrator

1. What industry pays the highest salary for MS SQL Database Administrator?

The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for MS SQL Database Administrator 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.)

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