Technology Tennessee (TN) Rank #34 of 50

Database Administrator Salary in Tennessee

The median database administrator salary in Tennessee is $89,890 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $101,000.

Median Salary
$89,890
vs National
$-11,110
State Rank
#34 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Database Administrator Salary Overview in Tennessee (2026)

Tennessee ranks #34 out of 50 states for database administrator compensation. Database Administrator salaries in Tennessee are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $89,890 per year, database administrators in Tennessee earn $11,110 less than the national median of $101,000.

A key advantage of working in Tennessee is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $89,890 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $101,000 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Tennessee is significant: database administrators at the 10th percentile earn $51,798, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $141,519 — a $89,721 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Tennessee for this role is Nashville, where the median reaches $101,000.

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 Tennessee by Experience

In Tennessee, an entry-level database administrator earns around $55,180, while experienced professionals earn up to $129,050 per year. The cost of living index in Tennessee is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,180
$-6,820 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$89,000
$-11,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$129,050
$-15,950 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Tennessee

Percentile TN Salary
10th Percentile $51,798
25th Percentile $68,886
Median (50th) $89,890
75th Percentile $114,454
90th Percentile $141,519

Database Administrator Salary by City in Tennessee

The largest employment areas for database administrators in Tennessee include Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Database Administrator in Tennessee

Education

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

Key Skills

SQLOraclePostgreSQLMySQLPerformance TuningBackup/Recovery

Job Outlook in Tennessee

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Database Administrator Salary in Tennessee

How much does a Database Administrator make in Tennessee? ▼
The median database administrator salary in Tennessee is $89,890 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $101,000. Salaries range from $51,798 (10th percentile) to $141,519 (90th percentile).
How much does a Database Administrator make per hour in Tennessee? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $89,890, a database administrator in Tennessee earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Tennessee a good state for database administrators? ▼
Tennessee ranks #34 out of 50 states for database administrator pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level database administrators earn $55,180, while senior professionals earn $129,050.
How does Tennessee compare to other states for database administrator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for database administrators is Hawaii at $166,650. Tennessee's median of $89,890 ranks #34 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Michigan ($90,900) and Ohio ($90,900).
What is the entry-level database administrator salary in Tennessee? ▼
An entry-level database administrator in Tennessee earns approximately $55,180 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $89,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $129,050.
What city in Tennessee pays database administrators the most? ▼
Nashville is the highest paying city in Tennessee for database administrators, with a median salary of $101,000. Other cities include Memphis and Knoxville.