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Data Scientists vs Database Administrators: Salary Comparison

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025).

National Salary Overview

Data Scientists

Median Salary
$107,281
Average (Mean)
$113,686
Employed Nationwide
261,640
VS

Database Administrators

Median Salary
$100,888
Average (Mean)
$103,488
Employed Nationwide
70,020
Data Scientists earns $6,392 more (6.3%)
Data Scientists vs Database Administrators national median (BLS 2025)Ranked horizontal bars comparing 2 entries.Data ScientistsData ScientistsData Scientists: $107,281$107,281Database AdministratorsDatabase AdministratorsDatabase Administrators: $100,889$100,889

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $107,281 $100,888
Average (Mean) Salary $113,686 $103,488
Total Employment 261,640 70,020
States with Higher Pay 33 16

Salary by State: Data Scientists vs Database Administrators

Showing 49 states where both occupations have BLS data. Data Scientists pays more in 33 states; Database Administrators pays more in 16.

State Data Scientists Database Administrators Difference
Alabama $103,120
$93,900
+$9,220
Alaska $84,110
$108,810
$-24,700
Arizona $107,240
$104,280
+$2,960
Arkansas $109,390
$82,480
+$26,910
California $141,590
$113,060
+$28,530
Colorado $117,400
$118,340
$-940
Connecticut $126,340
$108,270
+$18,070
District of Columbia $126,490
$118,540
+$7,950
Florida $115,820
$104,120
+$11,700
Georgia $104,340
$106,810
$-2,470
Hawaii $102,130
$85,500
+$16,630
Idaho $89,380
$85,660
+$3,720
Illinois $106,560
$104,650
+$1,910
Indiana $91,470
$90,090
+$1,380
Iowa $95,830
$101,210
$-5,380
Kansas $98,130
$100,170
$-2,040
Kentucky $91,760
$87,390
+$4,370
Louisiana $78,760
$98,270
$-19,510
Maine $90,880
$70,500
+$20,380
Maryland $136,370
$124,300
+$12,070
Massachusetts $131,750
$129,300
+$2,450
Michigan $100,590
$99,830
+$760
Minnesota $128,800
$100,700
+$28,100
Mississippi $69,490
$87,790
$-18,300
Missouri $97,090
$100,270
$-3,180
Montana $100,490
$83,120
+$17,370
Nebraska $98,230
$100,020
$-1,790
Nevada $98,540
$109,670
$-11,130
New Hampshire $100,620
$92,110
+$8,510
New Jersey $135,280
$125,860
+$9,420
New Mexico $95,850
$98,450
$-2,600
New York $130,460
$105,900
+$24,560
North Carolina $119,090
$113,900
+$5,190
North Dakota $81,900
$78,730
+$3,170
Ohio $102,630
$97,190
+$5,440
Oklahoma $86,310
$95,320
$-9,010
Oregon $125,990
$100,260
+$25,730
Pennsylvania $106,850
$100,110
+$6,740
Rhode Island $102,440
$106,020
$-3,580
South Carolina $91,990
$93,640
$-1,650
South Dakota $96,150
$82,540
+$13,610
Tennessee $100,330
$115,500
$-15,170
Texas $122,090
$114,400
+$7,690
Utah $108,090
$135,750
$-27,660
Vermont $127,070
$104,230
+$22,840
Virginia $126,430
$93,320
+$33,110
Washington $163,350
$118,140
+$45,210
West Virginia $85,090
$73,490
+$11,600
Wisconsin $106,680
$100,020
+$6,660

Explore This Comparison by State

Dive deeper — see how Data Scientists vs Database Administrators salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Data Scientists or Database Administrators?
On average across all states, a Data Scientists earns more than a Database Administrators. The national median salary difference is $6,392 (6.3%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Data Scientists earn more than a Database Administrators?
A Data Scientists earns a higher median salary than a Database Administrators in 33 out of 49 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Database Administrators pays more in 16 states.
What is the median salary for a Data Scientists vs Database Administrators?
The national median salary for a Data Scientists is $107,281 per year, compared to $100,888 for a Database Administrators, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Data Scientists or Database Administrators?
There are more people employed as Data Scientists. BLS reports approximately 261,640 Data Scientists positions and 70,020 Database Administrators positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Data Scientists or Database Administrators?
Both Data Scientists 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.

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