Data Scientist vs Database Administrator Salary
Side-by-side salary comparison for Data Scientist and Database Administrator — national medians, pay ranges, and city-by-city data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data Scientists earn more nationally
$112,590 median vs $104,620 — a $7,970/yr difference (7% lower)
Median Salary
$112,590
Salary Range
$63,650 – $194,410
10th–90th percentile
Median Salary
$104,620
Salary Range
$56,820 – $160,890
10th–90th percentile
Data Scientist vs Database Administrator Salary by City
Green = higher-paying role in that city. Source: BLS OEWS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Data Scientist or Database Administrator pay more?▾
Data Scientists earn more nationally, with a median salary of $112,590 versus $104,620 for Database Administrator. That's a difference of about $7,970 per year.
What's the salary range for a Data Scientist vs a Database Administrator?▾
Data Scientist salaries range from $63,650 (10th percentile) to $194,410 (90th percentile). Database Administrator salaries range from $56,820 to $160,890.
Which career has more growth potential — Data Scientist or Database Administrator?▾
Salary growth depends on experience, specialization, location, and industry sector. Both roles show strong upper-quartile earnings. Check city-by-city data above — in some metros one role significantly outpaces the other, which often reflects local industry demand and competition.