Computer and Information Research Scientists vs Database Administrators: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Computer and Information Research Scientists professionals earn $4,930 more per year than Database Administrators professionals — that's 3.6% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer and Information Research Scientists earns $232,120 compared to $209,990 for Database Administrators.
Salary Range Comparison
Computer and Information Research Scientists$80,670 – $232,120
Database Administrators$81,630 – $209,990
$80,670$232,120
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Computer and Information Research Scientists | Database Administrators | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $80,670 | $81,630 | $-960 |
| 25th Percentile | $102,710 | $107,900 | $-5,190 |
| Median (50th) | $140,910 | $135,980 | +$4,930 |
| 75th Percentile | $181,210 | $169,480 | +$11,730 |
| 90th Percentile | $232,120 | $209,990 | +$22,130 |
| Mean (Average) | $152,310 | $142,620 | +$9,690 |
Employment Numbers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
38,480
employed nationwide
Database Administrators
64,770
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Computer and Information Research Scientists
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $232,120 |
| Richmond, VA | $231,930 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $191,880 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $169,510 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $168,820 |
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: Computer and Information Research Scientists or Database Administrators?
Computer and Information Research Scientists professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $4,930 (3.6% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Computer and Information Research Scientists?
Computer and Information Research Scientists salaries range from $80,670 (10th percentile) to $232,120 (90th percentile), with a median of $140,910.
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 Computer and Information Research Scientists and Database Administrators jobs are there?
There are approximately 38,480 Computer and Information Research Scientists positions and 64,770 Database Administrators positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Database Administrators to Computer and Information Research Scientists?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer and Information Research Scientists has a median salary of $140,910 while Database Administrators earns $135,980. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
Career Resources
Career Change Resources
Explore tools and guides for transitioning between careers.
Professional Certifications
Find certifications that can boost your earning potential.
Online Degree Programs
Browse accredited online degrees relevant to these careers.
Resume Writing Services
Get professional help crafting a standout resume.
Explore More
Was this data helpful?
Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS