As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a SQL Database Developer in the United States is $166,744 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $80.
However, a SQL Database Developer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A SQL 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a SQL 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 Database Developer | $123,538 |
| Database ... Level SQL Database Developer | $141,857 |
| SQL Datab... Level SQL Database Developer | $165,505 |
| Database ... Level SQL Database Developer | $185,567 |
| Database ... Level SQL Database Developer | $107,650 |
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 Developers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| People Management | 3.03% |
| AWS | 3.77% |
| Open Source | 3.07% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
People Management
|
$188,421 |
13%
|
|
Open Source
|
$178,416 |
7%
|
|
Experimenting
|
$175,081 |
5%
|
|
Mentoring Others
|
$175,081 |
5%
|
|
Accountability
|
$173,414 |
4%
|
|
Data Engineering
|
$173,414 |
4%
|
For SQL Database Developer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 43% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, SQL Database Developer positions in Transportation or Software & Networking typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view SQL Database Developer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $200,093 | $96.0 | 20% |
| Internet | $196,758 | $95.0 | 18% |
| Energy & Utilities | $191,756 | $92.0 | 15% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $190,088 | $91.0 | 14% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $186,753 | $90.0 | 12% |
Understanding how a SQL 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 July 01, 2026Salaries for a SQL Database Developer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $159,002 in 2023 to around $158,656 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of SQL Database Developer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $159,002 |
| 2024 | $161,237 |
| 2025 | $158,656 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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