Pharma, education, healthcare — historic East Coast hub. Here's how Database Administrator (DBA)s in Philadelphia get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the Philadelphia metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $88,200 | $67,100 | $114,700 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $109,700 | $83,400 | $142,600 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $126,100 | $95,900 | $164,000 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $151,300 | $115,000 | $196,800 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $171,400 | $130,400 | $223,000 |
Highest-paying metros for Database Administrator (DBA)s — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the Philadelphia metro economy.
The average Database Administrator (DBA) salary in the Philadelphia metro is $126,100 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $95,900 to $164,000 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $208,100 or more.
Yes — Philadelphia pays +3% relative to the Pennsylvania state median for Database Administrator (DBA)s. Major metros typically concentrate higher-paying employers and command a wage premium over rural and small-city areas in the same state.
Philadelphia vs. national: +7%. Philadelphia pays roughly in line with the national average for Database Administrator (DBA)s. Whether that's a 'good' deal depends on local cost of living and your career stage.
In Philadelphia, the median Database Administrator (DBA) salary of $126,100 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Database Administrator (DBA)s in Philadelphia start around $88,200, while seniors (10+ years) reach $151,300 or more.
Metro medians are useful benchmarks — but your exact number depends on your experience, education, and the specific employer. Run the free calculator for a personalized read.
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