Buyers and Purchasing Agents vs Database Administrators: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Database Administrators professionals earn $60,330 more per year than Buyers and Purchasing Agents professionals — that's 79.7% higher. At the 90th percentile, Buyers and Purchasing Agents earns $127,520 compared to $209,990 for Database Administrators.
Salary Range Comparison
Buyers and Purchasing Agents$46,460 – $127,520
Database Administrators$81,630 – $209,990
$46,460$209,990
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Buyers and Purchasing Agents | Database Administrators | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $46,460 | $81,630 | $-35,170 |
| 25th Percentile | $58,670 | $107,900 | $-49,230 |
| Median (50th) | $75,650 | $135,980 | $-60,330 |
| 75th Percentile | $99,190 | $169,480 | $-70,290 |
| 90th Percentile | $127,520 | $209,990 | $-82,470 |
| Mean (Average) | $81,720 | $142,620 | $-60,900 |
Employment Numbers
Buyers and Purchasing Agents
486,900
employed nationwide
Database Administrators
64,770
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Buyers and Purchasing Agents
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $103,560 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $102,140 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $93,320 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $85,980 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $84,680 |
Best Cities for Database Administrators
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $188,120 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $170,700 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $166,210 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $162,310 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $155,880 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Buyers and Purchasing Agents or Database Administrators?
Database Administrators professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $60,330 (79.7% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Buyers and Purchasing Agents?
Buyers and Purchasing Agents salaries range from $46,460 (10th percentile) to $127,520 (90th percentile), with a median of $75,650.
What is the salary range for Database Administrators?
Database Administrators salaries range from $81,630 (10th percentile) to $209,990 (90th percentile), with a median of $135,980.
How many Buyers and Purchasing Agents and Database Administrators jobs are there?
There are approximately 486,900 Buyers and Purchasing Agents positions and 64,770 Database Administrators positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Database Administrators to Buyers and Purchasing Agents?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Buyers and Purchasing Agents has a median salary of $75,650 while Database Administrators earns $135,980. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
Career Resources
Career Change Resources
Explore tools and guides for transitioning between careers.
Professional Certifications
Find certifications that can boost your earning potential.
Online Degree Programs
Browse accredited online degrees relevant to these careers.
Resume Writing Services
Get professional help crafting a standout resume.
Explore More
Was this data helpful?
Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS