As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a SQL Database Developer in the United States is $166,647 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 |
|---|---|
| Entry Level SQL Database Developer | $160,661 |
| Intermediate Level SQL Database Developer | $161,543 |
| Senior Level SQL Database Developer | $161,896 |
| Specialist Level SQL Database Developer | $163,661 |
| Expert Level SQL Database Developer | $170,803 |
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
|
$188,311 |
13%
|
|
Open Source
|
$178,312 |
7%
|
|
Experimenting
|
$174,979 |
5%
|
|
Mentoring Others
|
$174,979 |
5%
|
|
Accountability
|
$173,313 |
4%
|
|
Data Engineering
|
$173,313 |
4%
|
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 January 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 |
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|
| 2023 | $159,002 |
| 2024 | $161,237 |
| 2025 | $158,656 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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