Technology Iowa (IA) Rank #40 of 50

Database Administrator Salary in Iowa

The median database administrator salary in Iowa is $86,860 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $101,000.

Median Salary
$86,860
vs National
$-14,140
State Rank
#40 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Database Administrator Salary Overview in Iowa (2026)

Iowa ranks #40 out of 50 states for database administrator compensation. Database Administrator salaries in Iowa are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $86,860 per year, database administrators in Iowa earn $14,140 less than the national median of $101,000.

A key advantage of working in Iowa is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $86,860 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $97,596 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Iowa is significant: database administrators at the 10th percentile earn $50,052, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $136,749 — a $86,697 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Iowa for this role is Iowa City, where the median reaches $92,920.

Nationally, database administrator employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for database administrators across the country.

Database Administrator Salary in Iowa by Experience

In Iowa, an entry-level database administrator earns around $53,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $124,700 per year. The cost of living index in Iowa is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,320
$-8,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$86,000
$-14,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$124,700
$-20,300 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Iowa

Percentile IA Salary
10th Percentile $50,052
25th Percentile $66,564
Median (50th) $86,860
75th Percentile $110,596
90th Percentile $136,749

Database Administrator Salary by City in Iowa

The largest employment areas for database administrators in Iowa include Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Sioux City. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Database Administrator in Iowa

Education

Most database administrator positions require a bachelor's degree. Iowa has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SQLOraclePostgreSQLMySQLPerformance TuningBackup/Recovery

Job Outlook in Iowa

Nationally, database administrator employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Iowa's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Database Administrator Salary in Iowa

How much does a Database Administrator make in Iowa? ▼
The median database administrator salary in Iowa is $86,860 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $101,000. Salaries range from $50,052 (10th percentile) to $136,749 (90th percentile).
How much does a Database Administrator make per hour in Iowa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $86,860, a database administrator in Iowa earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Iowa a good state for database administrators? ▼
Iowa ranks #40 out of 50 states for database administrator pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level database administrators earn $53,320, while senior professionals earn $124,700.
How does Iowa compare to other states for database administrator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for database administrators is Hawaii at $166,650. Iowa's median of $86,860 ranks #40 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Louisiana ($87,870) and South Carolina ($87,870).
What is the entry-level database administrator salary in Iowa? ▼
An entry-level database administrator in Iowa earns approximately $53,320 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $86,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $124,700.
What city in Iowa pays database administrators the most? ▼
Iowa City is the highest paying city in Iowa for database administrators, with a median salary of $92,920. Other cities include Des Moines and Cedar Rapids.