Top U.S. Cities for SQL Developers to Earn the Most in 2025

If you’re an SQL developer looking to build your career in the US in 2025 this guide has you covered. We’ll cover the top cities to make the most of your SQL salary.

New to the field, switching careers or looking to move up? Knowing where to focus can make a big difference to your salary and career progression. Understanding how location affects your SQL salary is key to making smart career decisions.

Understanding SQL Developer Salaries

SQL developer salaries can vary a lot depending on where you live, your experience, industry and company size. In the US the average SQL developer salary is around $117,000 per year. But it can range from $87,000 to over $190,000 depending on the job and location.

The big two factors affecting SQL salaries are location and experience. Cities like New York, Austin and Houston tend to pay more but also have a higher cost of living. Experience matters a lot too—senior developers make a lot more than those just starting out.

For example if you’re an experienced developer in San Francisco you’ll earn more than someone just starting out in a smaller city. Understanding these dynamics will help you know where to focus your job search and career growth.

Why Location Matters for SQL Salaries

Where you live can really influence how much you make as an SQL developer. Some cities pay more because of factors like the cost of living, how much tech talent is in demand, and how many tech companies are around. Picking the right city could mean more money, better job opportunities, and a balance between income and living costs.

Here are the best places for SQL developers in 2025, breaking down salaries, job availability, and key industries. Let’s get into it.

1. San Francisco, California

San Francisco is still one of the best places for tech pros, including SQL developers. Here, salaries can hit up to $191,000 per year (according to Glassdoor). There’s a high demand for SQL skills, thanks to the presence of major tech companies, finance firms, and a buzzing startup scene.

Industries Hiring in San Francisco:

• Technology and Startups: Silicon Valley giants like Google and Facebook always need SQL talent.

• Finance and Fintech: SQL plays a key role in financial analysis and automation for the city’s growing fintech industry.

Cost of Living Consideration: The high cost of living in San Francisco can eat into those attractive salaries, so be sure to weigh affordability when considering a move.

2. Seattle, Washington

Seattle is another solid choice if you're looking to maximize your salary as an SQL developer. With big names like Amazon and Microsoft based here, there’s always a demand for tech talent. The average SQL salary is about $130,000 a year.

Industries Hiring in Seattle:

• Cloud Computing and Technology: Companies like AWS and Microsoft offer lots of opportunities for SQL pros.

• Healthcare Technology: Seattle is also a big player in healthcare tech, where SQL is used to handle patient data and analytics.

3. New York City, New York

New York City is packed with opportunities for SQL developers, with average salaries around $134,000 per year (Indeed). Finance, healthcare, and media are all big industries in NYC that need data expertise.

Industries Hiring in New York City:

• Finance: SQL is crucial for data analysis, reporting, and automating processes in financial institutions.

• Media and Advertising: Media companies use SQL to understand consumer behavior and boost targeted ads.

• Healthcare: Hospitals use SQL for managing records and analyzing patient data.

Cost of Living Consideration: NYC is pricey, so even a high salary might not go as far. But if you’re looking for variety and career growth, NYC has a lot to offer.

4. Austin, Texas

Austin has quickly become a tech hotspot, with SQL developers earning about $124,000 a year. The city has relatively affordable housing, a great tech community, and a laid-back vibe.

Industries Hiring in Austin:

• Technology Startups: Startups are booming, which means lots of opportunities for SQL talent.

• Retail and E-commerce: Big retail companies in Austin use SQL to manage supply chains and improve customer experience.

Quality of Life: Austin is known for its vibrant culture and lower cost of living, making it a great place for work-life balance.

5. Raleigh, North Carolina

Raleigh is a bit of a hidden gem for SQL professionals, offering salaries around $99,000 per year. The Research Triangle—Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill—has a lot of tech and research-driven industries.

Industries Hiring in Raleigh:

• Research and Development: SQL experts are needed in research institutions for data-driven projects.

• Biotech and Healthcare: SQL is used to analyze complex data in biotech and healthcare.

6. Denver, Colorado

Denver is a growing tech city with SQL professionals making around $113,000 annually (Glassdoor). It’s a solid choice thanks to its quality of life and relative affordability.

Industries Hiring in Denver:

• Energy Sector: SQL is used by energy companies to manage resources and improve efficiency.

• Technology and Startups: Denver’s tech scene is expanding, providing new opportunities for SQL developers.

Industry and Experience Impact on Salaries

The industry you work in and your experience level are huge factors in how much you make as an SQL developer. Financial services, healthcare, and staffing are some of the top-paying industries.

Experience is also key. According to Indeed, here’s how average salaries break down by experience:

• 0-1 year: $74,146

• 1-3 years: $85,269

• 4-6 years: $100,649

• 7-9 years: $108,619

• 10-14 years: $112,626

• 15+ years: $118,516

If you’re experienced and work in a high-demand industry, you can make a lot more. Keeping up with learning and skills development can really pay off.

Key SQL Salary Comparisons by City

Here’s a comparison of estimated pay for SQL developers in major U.S. cities, based on Indeed and Glassdoor data:

Top-Paying Companies for SQL Developers

Glassdoor lists the top-paying companies for SQL developers in the U.S. Here’s what it looks like:SQL developer salaries can vary a lot depending on where you live, your experience, and the industry you work in. By sharpening your skills, getting certifications, and keeping up with industry trends, you can significantly increase your earning potential.

Do some research to figure out what’s fair in your area. Tools like Glassdoor and Payscale are great for benchmarking salaries, and working with a recruiter can help you negotiate your best offer.

With these strategies, you can boost your SQL career and earn more, setting yourself up for success in data analysis and beyond.

Conclusion

SQL developer salaries vary a lot depending on where you live, your experience and the industry you work in. By honing your skills, getting certified and keeping up with industry trends you can increase your earning potential big time.

If you really want to build up your SQL skills I’d recommend checking out the SQL From A to Z track. It’s honestly one of the best ways to go from beginner to advanced and it covers everything you need in a super practical way. You’ll get hands-on practice and it’s all set up to help you learn at your own pace which is perfect if you’re busy or just need flexibility.

Do some research to figure out what’s fair in your area. Tools like Glassdoor and Payscale are great for benchmarking salaries and working with a recruiter can help you negotiate your best offer.

With these strategies, you can boost your SQL career and earn more, setting yourself up for success in data analysis and beyond.