Database Administrator Salary Overview in Iowa City, IA
Careerclev's modeled 2026 benchmark places Database Administrator pay in Iowa City, IA at about $102,251 per year. On the latest official BLS baseline for this market, the lower local range starts near $65,700.0, while the strongest-paid professionals can reach about $126,000.
Salary estimates are based on data from the Iowa City, Ia metropolitan area.
If you’re comparing Database Administrator salaries in Iowa City, IA, the real story isn’t just the headline number. Local employer mix, seniority, specialization, and whether the role is remote, hybrid, or onsite can push compensation well above or below the local median.
Iowa City, IA vs. U.S. National Average
Iowa City, IA pays -2% vs u.s. for Database Administrator roles. The difference is driven by local employer demand, industry mix, cost pressures, and how concentrated this role is in the underlying metro labor market.
| Market | Projected Salary | vs Iowa City, IA | Market Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa City, IA (this guide) | $102,251 | Baseline | Local market |
| United States | $104,620 | +2% vs U.S. | National baseline |
| Des Moines, IA | $121,990 | +19% vs U.S. | Comparable city |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $108,350 | +6% vs U.S. | Comparable city |
| Des Moines, IA | $104,300 | +2% vs U.S. | Comparable city |
Database Administrator Salary by Experience Level in Iowa City, IA
Experience changes the local salary picture quickly because employers usually pay for independence, specialization, and broader scope, not just years on paper. In Iowa City, IA, this breakdown shows how aDatabase Administrator can move from early-career pay into stronger bands as the role becomes more self-directed.
| Level | Experience | Projected Salary | Projected Range | Market Signal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Database Administrator | 0-2 years | $84,935.0 | $70,707.0 - $102,251 | -19% vs U.S. |
| Mid-Level Database Administrator | 3-5 years | $102,251 | $84,935.0 - $120,041 | -2% vs U.S. |
| Senior Database Administrator | 6-10 years | $120,041 | $102,251 - $135,603 | +15% vs U.S. |
| Lead / Principal Database Administrator | 10+ years | $135,603 | $120,041 - $165,435 | +30% vs U.S. |
Best Salary Areas Near Iowa City, IA
Nearby metro areas help show how Database Administrator pay changes around Iowa City, IA. Each market reflects its own employer mix, local demand, and industry concentration, making these comparisons useful for candidates weighing their location options.
Database Administrator Salary by Industry in Iowa City, IA
Industry premiums in Iowa City, IA usually come from employers that place the Database Administrator role close to revenue, infrastructure, compliance, product delivery, or other high-value work. National industry data gives the best available benchmark until local industry slices are available.
| Industry | Modeled Salary | Reference Range | Signal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $124,500 | $84,820.0 - $150,950 | Stronger salary |
| Finance and Insurance | $118,180 | $62,200.0 - $167,680 | Stronger salary |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $117,740 | $61,660.0 - $162,180 | Stronger salary |
| Information | $115,940 | $44,990.0 - $167,290 | Competitive |
| Administrative, Support, Waste Management, and Remediation Services | $109,930 | $51,530.0 - $164,520 | Competitive |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $109,200 | $63,500.0 - $166,880 | Competitive |
| Wholesale Trade | $106,350 | $60,280.0 - $164,570 | Competitive |
| Government Excluding Schools, Hospitals, and Postal Service | $100,570 | $62,800.0 - $144,580 | Competitive |
Database Administrator Salary by Skill Specialization in Iowa City, IA
Skills like SQL can make a Database Administrator easier to price at the high end of the Iowa City, IA market, especially when the skill is tied to complex systems, measurable business value, or scarce local supply.
Entry-Level Database Administrator Salary in Iowa City, IA
Entry-level Database Administrator jobs in Iowa City, IA are modeled around the lower local wage percentiles. Candidates who can show practical projects, job-ready tools, and strong fundamentals usually have a better path into the middle of the local salary range.
For a broader starting-pay benchmark beyond this city market, see the entry-level Database Administrator salary guide.
Remote vs Onsite Database Administrator Pay in Iowa City, IA
Remote work can widen the employer pool for Database Administrator candidates in Iowa City, IA. Onsite and hybrid roles may still pay more when employers need local availability, local clients, regulated work, or team coverage.
| Work Type | Estimated Salary | Experience | Best Fit | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remote | $147,000 | Lead | National hiring pools | High |
Cost of Living vs Salary in Iowa City, IA
A salary in Iowa City, IA should be read alongside housing, commuting, tax, and everyday costs. The same annual pay can feel very different at entry, mid-level, and senior levels.
Top Employers Hiring Database Administrators in Iowa City, IA
Employer mix is one of the biggest city-level salary drivers. The industries below highlight where Database Administrator pay tends to be strongest in Iowa City, IA, based on the sectors that create the most hiring demand for this role.
Iowa City, IA Compared With Other U.S. Cities
This comparison is useful when one city salary number is not enough on its own. It shows whetherIowa City, IA is genuinely a stronger-paying market for Database Administrator work or whether the local benchmark sits closer to the broader national middle.
Database Administrator Salary Trends in Iowa City, IA Over Time
Historical salary trend data for Database Administrator in Iowa City, IA is available across multiple BLS wage years. The chart below shows how the local salary benchmark has changed over time.
* 2024–2026 values are modeled estimates extending from the last confirmed BLS benchmark. The last confirmed BLS figure ($95.0K, 2024) is extended with recent wage trend history, employment outlook, and tech-market signals where available, then replaced when official data is published.
Career Growth Opportunities in Iowa City, IA
Local career growth is strongest when it is read through both the city salary ladder and the broader national demand outlook. The city salary benchmark shows what this market currently pays, while the career path and BLS demand data show how that benchmark can expand with scope and responsibility.
| Metric | 2026 Outlook |
|---|---|
| Projected employment | 78k → 77.5k |
| Typical education | Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. |
| Related experience | A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified. |
| Local market anchor | 60 jobs with a median of $102,251 |
Factors Affecting Database Administrator Salary in Iowa City, IA
Local pay rarely moves for one reason alone. In city markets, the biggest differences usually come from employer concentration, industry mix, seniority, and whether the role is tied to business-critical work that is harder to staff.
How to Increase Your Database Administrator Salary in Iowa City, IA
In city markets, salary growth often comes from better positioning as much as from patience. These moves are most useful when you already understand the local benchmark and want a clearer path beyond it.
Database Administrator Salary in Iowa City, IA: FAQs
These questions usually come up after readers compare the city benchmark, the statewide picture, and the local experience ladder. They help clarify how to read the market and what matters most when you compare this city with other options.
These FAQs focus on how readers searching for "Database Administrator" usually compare local pay, employer mix, and market differences in this city.
What is the average Database Administrator in Iowa City, IAs salary?⌄
What is the entry-level Database Administrator in Iowa City, IAs salary?⌄
How much can senior Database Administrator in Iowa City, IAs professionals earn?⌄
Does location affect Database Administrator in Iowa City, IAs salary?⌄
Which skills matter for Database Administrator in Iowa City, IAs salary growth?⌄
Salary figures use BLS OEWS wage facts for 2024. City pages use the BLS metropolitan area as the salary dataset, display the largest city as the public page name, and model experience bands from local wage percentiles.