As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a SQL Server Database Administrator in California is $81,832 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.
However, a SQL Server Database Administrator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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SQL Server Database Administrator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $83,808 | $6,984 | $1,612 | $40 |
| Average | $81,832 | $6,819 | $1,574 | $39 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,941 | $5,912 | $1,364 | $34 |
Insight Global - Rancho Cordova, CA
UltraViolet Cyber - Los Angeles, CA
Contact Government Services, LLC - San Francisco, CA
Intelligence and National Security Alliance - Santa Clara, CA
A SQL Server 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a SQL Server 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level SQL Server Database Administrator | $80,806 |
| Intermediate Level SQL Server Database Administrator | $81,745 |
| Senior Level SQL Server Database Administrator | $82,181 |
| Specialist Level SQL Server Database Administrator | $82,268 |
| Expert Level SQL Server Database Administrator | $82,326 |
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 Administrators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
Understanding how a SQL Server 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $83,808 | $6,984 | $1,612 | $40 |
| Average | $81,832 | $6,819 | $1,574 | $39 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,941 | $5,912 | $1,364 | $34 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current SQL Server Database Administrator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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