Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics vs Database Administrators: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Database Administrators professionals earn $86,310 more per year than Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics professionals — that's 173.8% higher. At the 90th percentile, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics earns $80,850 compared to $209,990 for Database Administrators.
Salary Range Comparison
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$33,660 – $80,850
Database Administrators$81,630 – $209,990
$33,660$209,990
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | Database Administrators | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $33,660 | $81,630 | $-47,970 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,140 | $107,900 | $-69,760 |
| Median (50th) | $49,670 | $135,980 | $-86,310 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,660 | $169,480 | $-103,820 |
| 90th Percentile | $80,850 | $209,990 | $-129,140 |
| Mean (Average) | $55,260 | $142,620 | $-87,360 |
Employment Numbers
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
688,840
employed nationwide
Database Administrators
64,770
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $77,260 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $74,590 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $64,930 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $63,590 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $62,970 |
Best Cities for Database Administrators
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $188,120 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $170,700 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $166,210 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $162,310 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $155,880 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics or Database Administrators?
Database Administrators professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $86,310 (173.8% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics salaries range from $33,660 (10th percentile) to $80,850 (90th percentile), with a median of $49,670.
What is the salary range for Database Administrators?
Database Administrators salaries range from $81,630 (10th percentile) to $209,990 (90th percentile), with a median of $135,980.
How many Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics and Database Administrators jobs are there?
There are approximately 688,840 Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics positions and 64,770 Database Administrators positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Database Administrators to Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics has a median salary of $49,670 while Database Administrators earns $135,980. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS