Find a Job You Really Want In
Database Administrators are among the most sought-after professionals in the U.S. In every state, there is a substantial demand for database administrators—these roles are not limited to tech hubs like California or the Southern states.
With the ongoing evolution of technology and data management practices, the landscape for database administrators continues to expand. At Zippia, we explored where database administrators can find the best opportunities, including job availability and competitive salaries throughout different stages of their careers.
We analyzed data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to identify which states provide the best environments for database administrators.
After thorough analysis, here are the top states for database administrators in 2026:
These states represent the best opportunities for database administrators based on job availability, salary levels, and career growth potential.
Curious about how we determined this ranking? Read on for insights into our research methodology and details about the top ten states.
If you’re interested in further exploring the job market, consider checking out:
- Best Companies To Work For In Houston
- Top 10 Best Small Companies To Work For In McKinney
- Top 11 Best Start-Ups to Work For in Austin, TX
How We Determined the Best States for Database Administrators
At Zippia, we engage with job seekers from diverse backgrounds and have identified two key factors that influence their job search:
- Job availability
- Competitive salaries
To identify the best states for database administrators, we evaluated job availability and salary data. Our analysis focused on the following criteria sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment Statistics for 2023:
- Location quotient: A measure of how prevalent a job is in a given state.
- Average annual salary.
- Average annual salary for entry-level positions.
- Average annual salary for experienced professionals.
We adjusted salary figures based on the cost of living in each state, ensuring a fair comparison. For instance, while California has an average salary of $100,890, the salary in Illinois ($96,230) offers more purchasing power due to lower living costs.
To generate an overall ranking, we assigned a score from 1 to 50 for each state based on the criteria, with 1 representing the best performance. The state with the lowest overall score earns the title of the best state for database administrators.
Now, let’s delve into what makes each of these states exceptional for database administrators.
1. Texas
Total Jobs: 11,020
Average Annual Salary: $95,470
Average Entry Level Salary: $54,200
Average Experienced Salary: $140,010
Location Quotient: 1.2
2. Georgia
Total Jobs: 4,280
Average Annual Salary: $92,090
Average Entry Level Salary: $55,240
Average Experienced Salary: $130,870
Location Quotient: 1.28
3. Virginia
Total Jobs: 5,510
Average Annual Salary: $98,090
Average Entry Level Salary: $52,870
Average Experienced Salary: $151,350
Location Quotient: 1.89
4. Utah
Total Jobs: 1,050
Average Annual Salary: $94,230
Average Entry Level Salary: $53,320
Average Experienced Salary: $136,470
Location Quotient: 0.95
5. Missouri
Total Jobs: 2,770
Average Annual Salary: $86,660
Average Entry Level Salary: $51,200
Average Experienced Salary: $126,550
Location Quotient: 1.3
6. Illinois
Total Jobs: 3,570
Average Annual Salary: $96,230
Average Entry Level Salary: $56,930
Average Experienced Salary: $136,530
Location Quotient: 0.78
7. Washington
Total Jobs: 2,080
Average Annual Salary: $104,700
Average Entry Level Salary: $60,910
Average Experienced Salary: $150,280
Location Quotient: 0.84
8. Alabama
Total Jobs: 1,880
Average Annual Salary: $83,580
Average Entry Level Salary: $48,210
Average Experienced Salary: $124,520
Location Quotient: 1.27
9. North Carolina
Total Jobs: 2,870
Average Annual Salary: $92,140
Average Entry Level Salary: $51,030
Average Experienced Salary: $132,870
Location Quotient: 0.86
10. Delaware
Total Jobs: 850
Average Annual Salary: $92,460
Average Entry Level Salary: $51,440
Average Experienced Salary: $134,650
Location Quotient: 2.5
The Best States for Database Administrators
If you’re embarking on a career as a database administrator, these states should be at the forefront of your job search. Here, you will encounter competitive salaries, abundant job opportunities, and ample room for career advancement.
For context, here are the states with the least favorable conditions for database administrators:
For additional insights, check out:
- The 100 Highest Paying Jobs In Austin
- The 100 Highest Paying Jobs In Dallas
- The 100 Highest Paying Jobs In Fort Worth
- The 100 Highest Paying Jobs In Houston
- The 100 Highest Paying Jobs In San Antonio
- The 100 Highest Paying Jobs In Texas
- The 100 Largest Companies In Texas
Detailed List Of The Best States For Database Administrators
| Rank | State | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas | $95,470 |
| 2 | Georgia | $92,090 |
| 3 | Virginia | $98,090 |
| 4 | Utah | $94,230 |
| 5 | Missouri | $86,660 |
| 6 | Illinois | $96,230 |
| 7 | Washington | $104,700 |
| 8 | Alabama | $83,580 |
| 9 | North Carolina | $92,140 |
| 10 | Delaware | $92,460 |
| 11 | Ohio | $89,330 |
| 12 | Michigan | $83,900 |
| 13 | Iowa | $90,540 |
| 14 | Minnesota | $91,110 |
| 15 | New Jersey | $110,160 |
| 16 | Kansas | $82,430 |
| 17 | Nebraska | $82,550 |
| 18 | Louisiana | $90,420 |
| 19 | Colorado | $91,410 |
| 20 | Arizona | $88,670 |
| 21 | Florida | $86,870 |
| 22 | Oklahoma | $74,110 |
| 23 | Wisconsin | $84,990 |
| 24 | Pennsylvania | $84,510 |
| 25 | Mississippi | $75,020 |
| 26 | Nevada | $89,320 |
| 27 | Oregon | $92,150 |
| 28 | Kentucky | $78,310 |
| 29 | Rhode Island | $92,410 |
| 30 | New Mexico | $80,270 |
| 31 | Tennessee | $78,650 |
| 32 | Connecticut | $100,570 |
| 33 | Idaho | $69,280 |
| 34 | New York | $99,000 |
| 35 | Arkansas | $73,600 |
| 36 | Indiana | $74,340 |
| 37 | Massachusetts | $98,620 |
| 38 | New Hampshire | $95,880 |
| 39 | Maryland | $85,240 |
| 40 | South Carolina | $82,500 |
| 41 | Wyoming | $59,780 |
| 42 | West Virginia | $68,940 |
| 43 | California | $100,890 |
| 44 | Montana | $69,270 |
| 45 | South Dakota | $76,770 |
| 46 | Alaska | $79,600 |
| 47 | Maine | $76,540 |
| 48 | Vermont | $78,150 |
| 49 | North Dakota | $71,290 |
| 50 | Hawaii | $90,380 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
