How to Become a Database Administrators in California
Database Administrators in California earn a median salary of $111,090/year, which is 6% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~5.8%. After taxes and rent, a database administrators takes home approximately $5,260/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.
What a database administrators can afford in California
Becoming a database administrators in California
Meet education requirements
Database Administrators positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many database administrators positions in California require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain California licensure or certification
California may require specific licensing or professional certification for database administratorss. Requirements vary by state — contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in California
California employs 8,360 database administrators. The highest concentrations are in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara and Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom.
Database Administrators salary by metro area in California
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $148K | $71.36/hr | 700 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | $125K | $60.2/hr | 490 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles | $125K | $60.16/hr | 60 |
| Vallejo | $122K | $58.56/hr | 50 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $117K | $56.26/hr | 1,860 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | $114K | $54.65/hr | 80 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $111K | $53.52/hr | 810 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville | $110K | $52.7/hr | 40 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | $107K | $51.36/hr | 130 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | $106K | $50.85/hr | 400 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $105K | $50.67/hr | 2,610 |
| Salinas | $102K | $48.9/hr | 50 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma | $97K | $46.81/hr | 60 |
| Modesto | $96K | $46.29/hr | 40 |
| Fresno | $96K | $46.09/hr | 100 |
Database Administrators salary range in California
Database Administrators careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a database administrators make in California?▼
The median database administrators salary in California is $111,090 per year ($53.41/hr). This is 6% above the national median of $104,620. Salaries range from $63,190 to $175,950.
What are the requirements to become a database administrators in California?▼
Database Administrators positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. California may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the California licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a database administrators afford to live in California?▼
At the median salary of $111,090, a database administrators in California would take home approximately $6,672/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 21.2% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for database administrators in California?▼
The highest paying metro areas for database administrators in California are San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($148,430), Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom ($125,220), San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles ($125,120). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does California have state income tax for database administrators?▼
Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 5.8%. On a $111,090 salary, this means roughly $6,469/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.