CareerFacts

All careers › Database Administrators

Database analyst: pay, job outlook and how to become one

Updated October 23, 2026. Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET data. Published by Humblebee.

$104,620median pay per year, or $50.30 an hour, May 2025[2]
  1. $60,230lowest 10% earn less
  2. $79,61025th percentile
  3. $104,620median
  4. $135,46075th percentile
  5. $163,320top 10% earn more
Middle half of workers in the inner band[5]Median for all US jobs, $50,980[6]

Database analyst is one of the job titles workers report for the BLS category database administrator[1]. The median pay for that category was $104,620 a year[2]. Total jobs are projected to shrink slightly, but openings still come up every year[3][4].

Job growth, 2025–35
-0.1%[3]
Openings per year
3,300[4]
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree[7]

How much do database analysts make?

The median wage for database administrators was $104,620 a year, or $50.30 an hour[2]. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. The average was $110,090 a year, or $52.93 an hour[8].

For comparison, the median for all occupations in the US was $50,980 a year[6].

Pay varies a lot within the job. The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $60,230 a year, and the lowest-paid 25% earned less than $79,610[5]. At the top, the 75th percentile was $135,460 and the 90th percentile was $163,320[5]. A percentile is a boundary, and BLS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary[9].

Point in the range Annual wage Hourly wage
10th percentile[5][10] $60,230 $28.96
25th percentile[5][10] $79,610 $38.28
Median[2] $104,620 $50.30
75th percentile[5][10] $135,460 $65.13
90th percentile[5][10] $163,320 $78.52

These figures cover workers paid a wage or salary. They leave out the self-employed, bonuses that are not tied to production, and the cost of benefits such as health insurance[11].

Pay by state and city

Utah had the highest state median at $135,750 a year[12]. Massachusetts followed at $129,300 and New Jersey at $125,860[12]. Maine had the lowest published state median at $70,500[12].

California had the most jobs at 7,240, then Texas at 6,430 and Virginia at 5,940[13].

Among metro areas with at least 100 jobs, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA had the highest median at $138,620[14]. Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA came next at $133,180, then Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH at $132,370[14].

The metro areas with the most jobs were Washington-Arlington-Alexandria at 3,730 jobs (median $108,750) and New York-Newark-Jersey City at 3,630 jobs (median $121,550)[15].

Show median pay in 50 states and DC
StateMedian per yearJobs
Utah[12]$135,7501,200
Massachusetts$129,3002,310
New Jersey$125,8601,810
Maryland$124,3002,300
District of Columbia$118,540560
Colorado$118,3401,220
Washington$118,1401,730
Tennessee$115,5002,020
Texas$114,4006,430
North Carolina$113,9001,920
California$113,0607,240
Nevada$109,670380
Alaska$108,81090
Connecticut$108,270810
Georgia$106,8102,460
Rhode Island$106,020280
New York$105,9003,590
Illinois$104,6502,340
Arizona$104,2801,120
Vermont$104,230120
Florida$104,1203,810
Iowa$101,210360
Delaware$100,910670
Minnesota$100,7001,020
Missouri$100,2701,140
Oregon$100,2601,060
Kansas$100,170440
Pennsylvania$100,1102,450
Nebraska$100,020610
Wisconsin$100,0201,220
Michigan$99,8301,150
New Mexico$98,450570
Louisiana$98,270290
Ohio$97,1901,860
Oklahoma$95,320790
Alabama$93,9001,840
South Carolina$93,640990
Virginia$93,3205,940
New Hampshire$92,110250
Indiana$90,090930
Mississippi$87,790200
Kentucky$87,390650
Idaho$85,660180
Hawaii$85,500100
Montana$83,120300
South Dakota$82,540170
Arkansas$82,480420
Wyoming$82,480100
North Dakota$78,73080
West Virginia$73,490240
Maine$70,500260

How to become a database analyst

The path below follows BLS data. The training details come from a profile that covers database administrators together with related occupations, so it describes a wider group[16].

After some experience, a database administrator may move up to database architect. Moving into a computer and information systems manager role is another option[21].

Skills that BLS highlights include analytical thinking, clear communication with developers and managers, close attention to detail, and troubleshooting[22][23][24][25].

What database analysts do

O*NET describes the job as running, testing and putting computer databases into use, and fixing problems with their speed, capacity and growth[26]. Common tasks include:

Workers report job titles such as Database Administrator (DBA), Database Analyst, Database Engineer and Database Manager[1].

Where they work

Database administrators and architects work in nearly all industries. In retail they may build databases that track shipping details, and in healthcare they may manage databases that protect medical records[28]. The largest single employer group was computer systems design and related services, at 14% of the group in 2025[29].

BLS says most database administrators and architects work full time[30]. Only 1.8% of database administrators were self-employed in 2025[31].

Job outlook

BLS projects that employment of database administrators will decline 0.1% from 2025 to 2035, from about 75,000 to 74,900 jobs[3]. Employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% over the same period[32].

The 75,000 figure counts self-employed workers[3]. The 69,990 figure in the pay data counts wage and salary jobs only[33]. Each counts a different group of workers.

Even with a flat job count, about 3,300 openings a year are projected on average[4]. Openings include jobs that open when people retire or switch occupations, not only new jobs[4]. Each year, 1.8% of workers leave the labor force and 2.7% move to a different occupation[34].

BLS lists automation and the folding of some tasks into other roles as a factor in employment for this job[35].

Related jobs show a mixed picture. Database architects are projected to grow 9.4%[36] and have a median pay of $139,500[36]. Network and computer systems administrators are projected to decline 4.1%[36].

Is it a good fit?

The pay is well above the all-occupations median, and the typical entry route is a bachelor's degree with no related experience required[2][6][7]. The job suits people who like careful, detail-heavy work with complex systems and who are comfortable with technical languages such as SQL[19][24]. The tradeoff is the outlook. Total jobs are projected to dip slightly, so openings come mainly from people leaving or changing jobs[3][4]. Check certification expectations with employers, since some require it[20].

Related occupations from O*NET, with BLS median pay and projected growth[36].

Frequently asked questions

How much does a database analyst make an hour?
The median hourly wage for database administrators was $50.30 in May 2025[2]. The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $28.96 an hour and the 90th percentile was $78.52[10].
What degree do you need to be a database administrator?
BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry education[7]. The profile that covers this job points to computer and information technology or a related field[37].
Is database administration in demand?
Total employment is projected to decline 0.1% from 2025 to 2035, while all occupations are projected to grow 3.5%[3][32]. About 3,300 openings a year are still projected[4].
What is the highest paying state for database administrators?
Utah had the highest median at $135,750 a year, followed by Massachusetts at $129,300[12].

Facts and sources

  1. O*NET 15-1242.00 sample job titles reported by workers: Database Administration Manager, Database Administrator (DBA), Database Analyst, Database Coordinator, Database Engineer, Database Manager, Development and Database Administration Manager, IS Admin (Information Systems Administrator). O*NET OnLine
  2. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Database Administrators in the US was $104,620 per year and $50.30 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  3. BLS Employment Projections: employment of Database Administrators is projected to decline 0.1% from 2025 to 2035, from about 75,000 to 74,900 jobs (a change of -100). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
  4. BLS Employment Projections: about 3,300 openings for Database Administrators are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
  5. BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Database Administrators: 10th percentile $60,230, 25th percentile $79,610, 75th percentile $135,460, 90th percentile $163,320. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  6. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  7. BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Database Administrators: education needed for entry: Bachelor's degree; work experience in a related occupation: None; typical on-the-job training: None. BLS Employment Projections
  8. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Database Administrators was $110,090 per year and $52.93 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  9. BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  10. BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Database Administrators: 10th percentile $28.96, 25th percentile $38.28, 75th percentile $65.13, 90th percentile $78.52. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  11. BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  12. Median annual wage for Database Administrators in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  13. BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Database Administrators jobs: California 7,240; Texas 6,430; Virginia 5,940; Florida 3,810; New York 3,590. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  14. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Database Administrators (areas with at least 100 jobs): San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $138,620; Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $133,180; Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH $132,370; Provo-Orem-Lehi, UT $129,010; San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $127,760; Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT $125,760; Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL $124,560; Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA $124,040. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  15. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Database Administrators jobs: Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV 3,730 (median $108,750); New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ 3,630 (median $121,550); Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX 2,430 (median $122,390); Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 2,280 (median $112,540); Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH 1,910 (median $132,370); Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN 1,870 (median $109,680). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  16. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile "Database Administrators and Architects" covers Database Administrators together with other related occupations, so its text describes the wider group. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  17. O*NET 15-1242.00 survey of workers (26 respondents), education level they say is required: Bachelor's Degree 89% (levels under 5% not listed). O*NET OnLine
  18. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  19. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  20. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  21. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Advancement. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  22. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  23. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  24. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  25. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  26. O*NET description of Database Administrators. O*NET OnLine
  27. O*NET task list for Database Administrators. O*NET OnLine
  28. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  29. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of database administrators and architects in 2025: Computer systems design and related services 14%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  30. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  31. BLS Employment Projections: 1.8% of Database Administrators were self-employed in 2025. BLS Employment Projections
  32. BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
  33. BLS OEWS, May 2025: about 69,990 people were employed as Database Administrators in the US (wage and salary jobs, not counting self-employed workers). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  34. BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Database Administrators: 1.8% of workers leave the labor force each year and 2.7% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
  35. BLS Employment Projections, factor affecting employment of Database Administrators: Occupational substitution, capital/labor substitution - share decreases as this occupation's tasks are increasingly automated and consolidated into other roles. BLS Employment Projections
  36. Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine
  37. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Notes are for reading the data only. They are not facts and cannot be cited: use the wage_scope and percentile_meaning facts instead. OEWS employment (jobs in May 2025) and Employment Projections employment (2025, includes self-employed) are different measures and can differ. O*NET education shares come from a small survey of workers in the occupation, not from all workers. The Occupational Outlook Handbook text covers a wider group of occupations than this page.

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.