As of May 18, 2021, the average salary for a Database Engineer, Lead/Expert in the United States is $168,400 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $81.
However, a Database Engineer, Lead/Expert's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Database Engineer, Lead/Expert'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 Database Engineer, Lead/Expert'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Database Engineer, Senior | 4-7 years | $125,759 |
| Database Engineer, Specialist | 7+ years | $144,399 |
| Database Engineer, Lead/Expert | 7-10 years | $168,381 |
| Database Engineer VI | 10-12 years | $188,780 |
| Database Engineering Supervisor | 12+ years | $109,804 |
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 Database Engineer, Lead/Experts. 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 |
|---|---|---|
|
Innovation
|
$175,136 |
4%
|
|
Data Engineering
|
$175,136 |
4%
|
|
Big Data
|
$175,136 |
4%
|
|
Insight
|
$173,452 |
3%
|
|
Java
|
$173,452 |
3%
|
|
NoSQL
|
$173,452 |
3%
|
Understanding how a Database Engineer, Lead/Expert'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 May 18, 2021For a Database Engineer, Lead/Expert, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Database Development Engineer VI role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $188,800 - a projected growth of 12% over your current level.
Salaries for a Database Engineer, Lead/Expert can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $161,867 in 2023 to around $161,515 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Database Engineer, Lead/Expert salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $161,867 |
| 2024 | $164,142 |
| 2025 | $161,515 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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As of now, the salary for a Lead Data Engineer in the United States ranges from a minimum of $160,200 to a maximum of $193,600, with an average salary around $176,700. This translates to approximately $77.00 to $93.00 per hour, or about $3,069 to $3,780 per week.
As of January 10, 2025, the salary for a Database Engineer, Lead/Expert in the United States ranges from a minimum of $160,200 to a maximum of $193,600, with a mid-salary of $176,700. This indicates a competitive compensation structure for professionals in this role.
The highest paid Database Engineer, Lead/Expert, has a maximum salary of $193,600. The minimum salary for this role starts at $160,200, with a mid-range salary of $176,700. This positions them competitively within the tech industry, reflecting the demand for skilled professionals in database management.
A Lead Data Engineer is a senior-level technical lead with a strong software engineering background and expertise in database design, ready to assume additional leadership responsibilities. The salary for this role typically ranges from $160,200 to $193,600, with a midpoint of $176,700, reflecting the high demand for skilled professionals in this field.
Yes, a Database Engineer is a high-paying job. The salary ranges from a minimum of $160,200 to a maximum of $193,600, with a mid-salary of $176,700. This reflects the competitive compensation in the field, indicating strong demand and the value placed on skilled professionals in database management.
A Database Engineer typically earns between $160,200 and $193,600, with a mid-salary of $176,700. While it's possible for highly skilled professionals to approach or exceed $200,000, it generally requires exceptional expertise and experience in the field.
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