As of May 18, 2021, the average salary for a Database Administrator III in the United States is $116,999 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $56.
However, a Database Administrator III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Database Administrator III'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Database Administrator III'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 Administrator I | 0-2 years | $72,173 |
| Database Administrator II | 2-4 years | $104,413 |
| Database Administrator III | 4-7 years | $116,999 |
| Database Administrator IV | 7+ years | $136,864 |
| Database Administration Manager | 7+ years | $153,431 |
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 Administrator IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 3.57% |
| AWS | 3.03% |
| Data Warehouse | 1.65% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
MySQL
|
$119,339 |
2%
|
|
Database Design
|
$119,339 |
2%
|
|
AWS
|
$119,339 |
2%
|
|
Microsoft SQL Server
|
$118,169 |
1%
|
|
Installation
|
$118,169 |
1%
|
|
Leadership
|
$118,169 |
1%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Database Administrator IIIs enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Database Administrator III with a No Diploma is between $119,470 and $126,453).
Database Administrator III Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 50.0% |
| High School | 50.0% |
| Associates | 0.0% |
| Bachelors | 0.0% |
| Masters | 50.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Database Administrator III'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, 2021Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Database Administrator III, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| CRM Administrator IV | $113,906 | -3% |
| Master Data Management Analyst IV | $129,658 | 11% |
| Database Administrator IV | $136,864 | 17% |
| ERP System Administration Manager | $133,713 | 14% |
Salaries for a Database Administrator III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $109,633 in 2023 to around $109,125 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Database Administrator III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $109,633 |
| 2024 | $109,756 |
| 2025 | $109,125 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Database Administrator III's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Database Administrator III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Database Administrator III is $147,571.
The highest pay for Database Administrator III is $135,244.
The lowest pay for Database Administrator III is $98,087.
Designs, manages and maintains the company database of medium to high complexity. Evaluates and optimizes database configuration and access. Resolves database performance and capacity issues. Performs database recovery and back-up. May require a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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