Seattle vs Olympia: Database Administrator Salary (2026)
Compare database administrator salaries between Seattle, WA and Olympia, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Seattle, WA | Olympia, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $135,817▲ | $117,614 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.30▲ | $56.55 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,487 | $90,171▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $101,001 | $111,954▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $167,747▲ | $123,508 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $185,114▲ | $129,678 |
| Total Employed | 1,010▲ | 390 |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for database administrators, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Olympia.
The salary gap between Seattle and Olympia is $18,203 (15.48%). Seattle's median is +27.30% compared to the US national median of $106,691.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Seattle spans $112,627,Olympia spans $39,507. Seattle 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, Seattle ($122,211 effective) pays 7.72% more than Olympia ($113,450 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($135,817/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($185,114)
- ✓Larger job market (1,010 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $122,211)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Olympia if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, database administrator salaries in Seattle grew 10.7% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 13.2% growth in Olympia over the same period.
Seattle, WA
$120,300 (2021) → $133,180 (2025)
Olympia, WA
$101,910 (2021) → $115,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Seattle, WA
Olympia, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays database administrators more: Seattle or Olympia?
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Should I relocate from Seattle to Olympia as a database administrator?
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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