Los Angeles vs Stockton: Database Administrator Salary (2026)
Compare database administrator salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Stockton, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Stockton, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $114,768▲ | $96,799 |
| Hourly Rate | $55.17▲ | $46.54 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,106▲ | $60,862 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,990 | $87,213▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $157,732▲ | $127,465 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $171,377▲ | $163,290 |
| Total Employed | 2,280▲ | 60 |
Verdict
Los Angeles, CA offers better overall compensation for database administrators, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Stockton.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Stockton is $17,969 (18.56%). Los Angeles's median is +7.57% compared to the US national median of $106,691.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $109,271,Stockton spans $102,428. Los Angeles has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Los Angeles ($101,058 effective) pays 9.71% more than Stockton ($92,111 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($114,768/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($171,377)
- ✓Larger job market (2,280 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,058)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Stockton if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, database administrator salaries in Los Angeles grew 13.5% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 23.2% growth in Stockton over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$99,160 (2021) → $112,540 (2025)
Stockton, CA
$77,040 (2021) → $94,920 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Stockton, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays database administrators more: Los Angeles or Stockton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Stockton?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Stockton as a database administrator?
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Related Comparisons
Written by Amina Khan, MS, DBA
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in database management. She specializes in relational database systems. Amina works in a technology consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.98% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Khan, MS, DBA, a licensed database administrator with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov