Technology Kentucky (KY) Rank #44 of 50

Database Administrator Salary in Kentucky

The median database administrator salary in Kentucky is $83,830 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $101,000.

Median Salary
$83,830
vs National
$-17,170
State Rank
#44 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Database Administrator Salary Overview in Kentucky (2026)

Kentucky ranks #44 out of 50 states for database administrator compensation. Database Administrator salaries in Kentucky are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $83,830 per year, database administrators in Kentucky earn $17,170 less than the national median of $101,000.

A key advantage of working in Kentucky is its below-average cost of living (87% of the national index). This means the $83,830 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $96,356 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Kentucky is significant: database administrators at the 10th percentile earn $48,306, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $131,978 — a $83,672 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Kentucky for this role is Lexington, where the median reaches $89,890.

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 Kentucky by Experience

In Kentucky, an entry-level database administrator earns around $51,460, while experienced professionals earn up to $120,350 per year. The cost of living index in Kentucky is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,460
$-10,540 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$83,000
$-17,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$120,350
$-24,650 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Kentucky

Percentile KY Salary
10th Percentile $48,306
25th Percentile $64,242
Median (50th) $83,830
75th Percentile $106,738
90th Percentile $131,978

Database Administrator Salary by City in Kentucky

The largest employment areas for database administrators in Kentucky include Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, and Owensboro. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Database Administrator in Kentucky

Education

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

Key Skills

SQLOraclePostgreSQLMySQLPerformance TuningBackup/Recovery

Job Outlook in Kentucky

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Database Administrator Salary in Kentucky

How much does a Database Administrator make in Kentucky? ▼
The median database administrator salary in Kentucky is $83,830 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $101,000. Salaries range from $48,306 (10th percentile) to $131,978 (90th percentile).
How much does a Database Administrator make per hour in Kentucky? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $83,830, a database administrator in Kentucky earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Kentucky a good state for database administrators? ▼
Kentucky ranks #44 out of 50 states for database administrator pay. The cost of living index is 87% of the national average. Entry-level database administrators earn $51,460, while senior professionals earn $120,350.
How does Kentucky compare to other states for database administrator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for database administrators is Hawaii at $166,650. Kentucky's median of $83,830 ranks #44 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Wyoming ($86,860) and Kansas ($84,840).
What is the entry-level database administrator salary in Kentucky? ▼
An entry-level database administrator in Kentucky earns approximately $51,460 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $83,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $120,350.
What city in Kentucky pays database administrators the most? ▼
Lexington is the highest paying city in Kentucky for database administrators, with a median salary of $89,890. Other cities include Louisville and Bowling Green.