Computer Programmers vs Database Administrators: Salary Comparison

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024).

National Salary Overview

Computer Programmers

Median Salary
$93,530
Average (Mean)
$98,419
Employed Nationwide
115,880
VS

Database Administrators

Median Salary
$96,236
Average (Mean)
$98,563
Employed Nationwide
76,140
Database Administrators earns $2,705 more (2.9%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $93,530 $96,236
Average (Mean) Salary $98,419 $98,563
Total Employment 115,880 76,140
States with Higher Pay 20 29

Salary by State: Computer Programmers vs Database Administrators

Showing 49 states where both occupations have BLS data. Computer Programmers pays more in 20 states; Database Administrators pays more in 29.

State Computer Programmers Database Administrators Difference
Alabama $100,920
$85,070
+$15,850
Alaska $94,930
$90,800
+$4,130
Arizona $92,850
$107,940
$-15,090
California $114,780
$112,170
+$2,610
Colorado $99,650
$116,420
$-16,770
Connecticut $102,560
$114,400
$-11,840
Delaware $96,210
$103,240
$-7,030
District of Columbia $80,470
$120,220
$-39,750
Florida $87,280
$102,280
$-15,000
Georgia $90,100
$104,000
$-13,900
Hawaii $84,330
$90,500
$-6,170
Idaho $100,280
$75,590
+$24,690
Illinois $86,240
$96,560
$-10,320
Indiana $81,830
$75,980
+$5,850
Iowa $82,290
$90,090
$-7,800
Kansas $88,030
$133,200
$-45,170
Kentucky $88,910
$78,810
+$10,100
Maine $83,560
$95,320
$-11,760
Maryland $103,380
$113,810
$-10,430
Massachusetts $112,820
$121,520
$-8,700
Michigan $82,420
$97,760
$-15,340
Minnesota $100,810
$96,940
+$3,870
Mississippi $63,470
$79,580
$-16,110
Missouri $72,330
$81,630
$-9,300
Montana $92,670
$80,480
+$12,190
Nebraska $99,930
$85,140
+$14,790
Nevada $93,430
$81,850
+$11,580
New Hampshire $96,340
$103,580
$-7,240
New Jersey $108,760
$119,450
$-10,690
New Mexico $79,280
$90,610
$-11,330
New York $102,370
$98,110
+$4,260
North Carolina $101,700
$104,990
$-3,290
North Dakota $84,390
$74,350
+$10,040
Ohio $78,710
$94,510
$-15,800
Oklahoma $107,990
$76,720
+$31,270
Oregon $112,270
$98,480
+$13,790
Pennsylvania $85,160
$97,100
$-11,940
Rhode Island $88,600
$110,540
$-21,940
South Carolina $102,320
$95,680
+$6,640
South Dakota $55,000
$84,300
$-29,300
Tennessee $118,080
$107,600
+$10,480
Texas $99,180
$102,010
$-2,830
Utah $93,970
$92,680
+$1,290
Vermont $81,450
$100,120
$-18,670
Virginia $98,660
$102,630
$-3,970
Washington $162,440
$109,490
+$52,950
West Virginia $80,840
$64,830
+$16,010
Wisconsin $89,250
$91,520
$-2,270
Wyoming $79,760
$79,430
+$330

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Computer Programmers or Database Administrators?
On average across all states, a Database Administrators earns more than a Computer Programmers. The national median salary difference is $2,705 (2.9%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Computer Programmers earn more than a Database Administrators?
A Computer Programmers earns a higher median salary than a Database Administrators in 20 out of 49 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Database Administrators pays more in 29 states.
What is the median salary for a Computer Programmers vs Database Administrators?
The national median salary for a Computer Programmers is $93,530 per year, compared to $96,236 for a Database Administrators, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Computer Programmers or Database Administrators?
There are more people employed as Computer Programmers. BLS reports approximately 115,880 Computer Programmers positions and 76,140 Database Administrators positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Computer Programmers or Database Administrators?
Both Computer Programmers and Database Administrators are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.