Updated August 17, 2026 · Compared across 10,564 active listings
Head-to-Head
| Metric | PostgreSQL | MySQL |
|---|---|---|
| Overall demand | 0.9% | 0.3% |
| 30-day trend | ↑ 0.1pp | ↓ 0.0pp |
| Listings count | 560 | 222 |
| Top category | Software Engineering | Software Engineering |
| Avg. salary | $145,000 | $183,000 |
Demand by Category
| Category | PostgreSQL | MySQL | Leader |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data & Analytics | 0.5% | 0.3% | PostgreSQL |
| Software Engineering | 2.9% | 1.2% | PostgreSQL |
| Product & Design | 0.2% | 0.1% | PostgreSQL |
| DevOps & Infrastructure | 1.0% | 0.3% | PostgreSQL |
| Security | 0.1% | 0.1% | Tied |
| AI & Machine Learning | 0.6% | 0.0% | PostgreSQL |
Who Uses What?
PostgreSQL is dominant in: Data & Analytics, Software Engineering, Product & Design, DevOps & Infrastructure, AI & Machine Learning
Trend Direction
PostgreSQL has clear momentum in the current hiring market, appearing in 560 listings at 0.9% overall demand compared to MySQL's 222 listings at 0.3%. PostgreSQL's 30-day trend is nudging upward at +0.1 percentage points while MySQL holds flat at -0.0 percentage points. The gap is widest in Software Engineering, where PostgreSQL reaches 2.9% demand against MySQL's 1.2%, and PostgreSQL is the only one of the two registering meaningful presence in AI & Machine Learning at 0.6%.
Often Used Together?
Both databases appear together in the same job listing 14.0% of the time, meaning employers do occasionally treat them as complementary rather than interchangeable. That said, the majority of roles ask for one or the other, so knowing both is a bonus rather than a baseline expectation.
Our Take
PostgreSQL is the stronger career bet for most developers and data professionals right now, dominating across every major hiring category including Data & Analytics, Software Engineering and DevOps & Infrastructure. If raw salary is your priority, the data shows a counterintuitive result — MySQL roles carry a higher median salary at $183,000 versus PostgreSQL's $145,000, which may reflect the seniority or specialisation of those specific postings. For volume of opportunity and long-term market alignment, PostgreSQL wins on sheer hiring demand with more than twice the listings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I learn PostgreSQL or MySQL?
PostgreSQL is the stronger choice for most job seekers based on current demand — 560 listings at 0.9% overall versus MySQL's 222 listings at 0.3%. It dominates hiring in Software Engineering, Data & Analytics, DevOps & Infrastructure and AI & Machine Learning. MySQL remains relevant but shows no upward trend and leads no major hiring category.
Which pays better — PostgreSQL or MySQL?
MySQL roles carry a higher median salary at $183,000 compared to $145,000 for PostgreSQL roles, based on current listings. This gap is worth treating with caution — MySQL's smaller sample of 222 listings versus PostgreSQL's 560 may skew the figure toward higher-paying or more senior positions. PostgreSQL offers far more total hiring opportunities, so compensation will vary significantly depending on role level and sector.
Do employers ask for both PostgreSQL and MySQL in the same role?
Employers ask for both PostgreSQL and MySQL in the same role 14.0% of the time, so dual knowledge does come up. However, most listings focus on one database, making that overlap the exception rather than the rule. Learning PostgreSQL first gives you access to the larger pool of opportunities, with MySQL as a useful secondary skill.
See individual skill profiles: PostgreSQL spotlight · MySQL spotlight
Data from 10,564 active listings across 199 companies via Greenhouse, Lever and Ashby. About our data & methodology.