[ErrantX]

Agreed. In my experience a senior sysadmin can work as a above-passable developer. But a senior developer can rarely function as a sysadmin.

As to DBA; I can't help but feeling that the OP hasn't worked with "real" DBA's. That's a whole different ballpark and I've yet to meet a sysadmin or developer who can make even a passable DBA.

I've always thought the hierarchy goes: DBA -> Ops -> Developers. With the last two really about equals.

[collyw]

Thing is a good DBA is probably better than a crap developer. And a good developer is probably better than a crap DBA. Likewise with Sysadmins.

When I think about expected earnings, I would say your hierarchy is correct.

[dvanduzer]

...you've never met a sysadmin that took an algebra class in college?