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Job outlook for database developer/database administrators in the United States
Database developer/database administrator job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected database developer/database administrator job growth rate is 9% from 2018-2028.
About 10,500 new jobs for database developer/database administrators are projected over the next decade.
Database developer/database administrator salaries have increased 12% for database developer/database administrators in the last 5 years.
There are over 183,223 database developer/database administrators currently employed in the United States.
There are 130,003 active database developer/database administrator job openings in the US.
The average database developer/database administrator salary is $86,335.
Are database developer/database administrator jobs in demand?
Database developer/database administrator job and salary trends over time
Database developer/database administrator jobs over time
Database developer/database administrator job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 183,223 | 0.05% |
| 2020 | 68,514 | 0.02% |
| 2019 | 58,669 | 0.02% |
| 2018 | 66,566 | 0.02% |
| 2017 | 67,818 | 0.02% |
Average database developer/database administrator salary over time
Database developer/database administrator salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $86,335 | $41.51 | +3.4% |
| 2024 | $83,491 | $40.14 | +2.3% |
| 2023 | $81,600 | $39.23 | +3.5% |
| 2022 | $78,837 | $37.90 | +2.4% |
| 2021 | $76,962 | $37.00 | +4.0% |
Database developer/database administrator jobs by state
Most common states for database developer/database administrators
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 372 | 54% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 265 | 42% |
| 3 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,542 | 28% |
| 4 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 368 | 27% |
| 5 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 263 | 25% |
| 6 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 192 | 25% |
| 7 | Alaska | 739,795 | 187 | 25% |
| 8 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 146 | 25% |
| 9 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,622 | 22% |
| 10 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 381 | 22% |
| 11 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 234 | 22% |
| 12 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,165 | 21% |
| 13 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 407 | 21% |
| 14 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 2,530 | 20% |
| 15 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 2,022 | 20% |
| 16 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 623 | 20% |
| 17 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 409 | 20% |
| 18 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 178 | 20% |
| 19 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 2,405 | 19% |
| 20 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,316 | 19% |
Most common cities for database developer/database administrators
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bethesda | 1 | 2% | $76,910 |
| 2 | Sierra Vista | 1 | 2% | $72,134 |
| 3 | Brooklyn Park | 1 | 1% | $78,331 |
| 4 | Huntsville | 1 | 1% | $74,262 |
| 5 | Rockville | 1 | 1% | $76,866 |
| 6 | Houston | 1 | 0% | $85,522 |
Database Developer/Database Administrator job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of database developer/database administrator experts
Nova Southeastern University
Mount St. Joseph University
University of Richmond
Idaho State University
University of New Haven
Murray State University
University of South Alabama
Ohio University
Tarleton State University
What will help Database Developer/Database Administrators increase their earning potential?
Dr. Frank Mitropoulos Ph.D.: As we look toward the future of careers in Computer Applications, several skills stand out for their growing importance. These skills revolve around specific technologies that are expected to continue to grow and evolve. Technologies related to Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, and Data Science are quickly evolving and being applied across the technology sector. Cloud Computing: Given the widespread adoption of Cloud services, Cloud computing expertise is indispensable. Understanding how to leverage platforms like Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud is crucial to developing scalable, efficient solutions that meet business needs. Artificial Intelligence: AI and Machine Learning are transforming the world. Skills in these areas to solve real-world problems will be even more critical in the future. Cybersecurity: Digital threats are becoming more sophisticated. Safeguarding data, networks, and systems will require encryption, intrusion detection, development, and regulation skills. Data Science: Skills in Data Science will be increasingly sought after as businesses embrace data-driven decision-making. Extracting meaningful insights from extensive datasets and effectively communicating these findings will be essential. Soft skills: Finally, soft skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and effective communication cannot be overlooked. Adapting, communicating, and leading will be essential for success.
Rebecca Allen
Mount St. Joseph University
Special Education And Teaching
What general advice would you give to a Database Developer/Database Administrator?
Rebecca Allen: AI, for sure. I have heard it said that AI might not replace humans, rather humans who know how to use AI well may replace humans who don't.
Ahmed Temani
Senior InstructorUniversity of Richmond
Computer/Information Technology Administration And Management
What general advice would you give to a Database Developer/Database Administrator?
Ahmed Temani: A lot of the buzz is about using chatbots to improve coding efficiency. However, there is a great need for systems level thinking and design as software is deployed across cloud and edge computing devices. Gaining more experience in systems design provides you with additional skills that complement whatever AI-based technology gets deployed.
What Database Developer/Database Administrator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Ahmed Temani: This one I'm not sure how to answer as it is too broad. I would say work hard and do quality work, but that seems obvious.
What Database Developer/Database Administrator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Nikyra Capson: Don't be afraid of being rejected. If they see a job they want, apply. Even if they don't think they'll get it, still apply. The worst thing that could happen is being told no. Not applying is an automatic no, so they might as well try.
What's a good job out of college for Database Developer/Database Administrators?
Christopher Martinez Ph.D.: The best job you can have out of college is a job you have passion for and will set you up to advance your career. If you have always wanted to work in aerospace, then you should seek out that field from the start. I hate to see students settle for a job because of pay or because they feel they can move to their dream field later.
Dr. Matthew Tennyson Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Computer ScienceMurray State University
Computer Science and Information Systems
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Database Developer/Database Administrators?
Dr. Matthew Tennyson Ph.D.: A bachelor's degree in computer science is extremely valuable. It has been and continues to be one of the most valuable college degrees a student can pursue. I really think all areas of computing are in demand, but web and mobile computing might be one of the strongest. Some employers do like to see extra certifications in addition to the bachelor's degree. There are literally hundreds of certifications available in the computing industry. They all vary in the required amount of time, effort, and money. I think anything that can set a candidate apart from other candidates is valuable, and that includes any certification. I would not recommend investing thousands of dollars into additional certifications after completing a bachelor's degree, but I don't think it's a bad idea for students to pursue one of the free or lower-cost certifications that are available - especially those students who might not have strong internship experience, extracurricular activities, projects, etc. to put on their resumes. I think anything DevOps related or cloud-based like Amazon's AWS or Microsoft's Azure are especially valuable right now.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Database Developer/Database Administrators?
Bob Sweeney Ph.D.: I don't think so but I can't predict the future. The job market in this area seems to be solidifying and there are numerous local, regional, and national employers participating in our University's career fair this semester.
What skills stand out on Database Developer/Database Administrator resumes?
Greg Kessler Ph.D.: I am not sure that there are any particular skills that stand out on resumes, but familiarity with instructional design principles should be considered to be very valuable. I also think that knowledge of multimedia principles, social media, and various forms of virtual and immersive experiences. Also, knowledge of AI and the other things I referred to in the trends above.
Dr. Jacqueline Abernathy
Assistant ProfessorTarleton State University
Public Administration
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Database Developer/Database Administrator job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Jacqueline Abernathy: I think one of the most significant changes to the job market is how the pandemic forced employers to do business virtually if they wanted to do business at all. For non-essential businesses, they had to find a way for employees to work at home if they wanted employees to keep working. This means that jobs that were originally considered location-bound were found to be done remotely, some with little to no modifications.
What this means is that some employers have reconsidered the costs of maintaining physical office space for workers that could telecommute and would rather work at home. Instead of paying rent and utilities for all employees to work in cubicles, they could export those costs to the employee using the spare bedroom they pay for, and home internet, phone, power, the water they pay for themselves. This cost-saving epiphany could affect employers and jobseekers alike in several ways. If a job can be done from anywhere, it means that those who are interested in a job can apply regardless of where they live.
This means a wider pool of talent for employers to choose from instead of just those willing to live within commuting distance. It also means more potential opportunities for jobseekers that might not be willing or able to relocate. But there is a downside, and that is that it increases competition for available jobs. The labor pool is no longer limited to those with skills and experience in a metro area, so those seeking a job are no longer just up against other locals anymore. This means those on the job market might have a more difficult job finding ways to set themselves apart. I think it means more opportunities, potentially, but greater challenges getting hired and a need to find ways to make themselves more marketable than they may have needed to be when labor pools were shallower.