What Does a Database Developer Do?
A database developer is a software developer who specializes in designing, implementing, and maintaining databases. Database developers create and maintain database structures, make sure that data is stored efficiently, and write and test database code, including SQL (Structured Query Language) queries, procedures, and functions.
As part of their job, database developers work closely with other software developers and stakeholders to ensure the database meets their needs and supports the applications and systems that rely on it. In addition, they ensure the database’s security, scalability, and performance. These developers are important members of the development team and play a critical role in the success of software projects that involve large amounts of data.
Looking to Hire a Database Developer?
Speak with one of our recruiting experts today.
National Average Salary
Database developer salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Database Developer is:
$129,630
Database Developer Job Descriptions
When it comes to recruiting a database developer, having the right job description can make a big difference. Here are some real-world job descriptions you can use as templates for your next opening.
Example 1
[Your Company Name] is looking for an experienced database developer to join our team. If you have advanced computer and technical skills, along with organizational and analytical skills, our company might be the perfect place for you. Database developers design databases to organize and save data while also keeping it safe and secure. They run tests to identify areas of improvement, provide database access to authorized users, monitor the performance of a database, merge old databases with new ones, as well as troubleshoot and fix usage issues and malfunctions.
Typical duties and responsibilities
- Ensure that data is secure
- Identify needs for databases
- Conduct testing and implement improvements
- Provide users with access and permissions
- Merge old databases into new ones
- Monitor database performance
- Troubleshoot and fix problems
Education and experience
Database developers need to earn a high school diploma or equivalent. They should receive a bachelor’s degree from an accredited program, ideally in a field such as computer science or information technology. Employers with large databases might prefer to hire candidates with a master’s degree, and those with knowledge of Structured Query Language (SQL).
Required skills and qualifications
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Advanced computer and technical skills, including Microsoft Office Suite
- Knowledge of Structured Query Language (SQL)
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to understand complex information
- Outstanding interpersonal and relationship-building skills
- Ability to troubleshoot and solve problems
- Keen attention to detail
Preferred qualifications
- 8+ years of experience as an Oracle DBA/Application ADBA
- 5+ years of SQL and PL/SQL Development experience
- Eclipse 3.3+, Linux scripting
- DB Schema Design, DB Performance tuning, Oracle 10g+, TOAD 9.6+
- Working knowledge of Telecom domain and Fiber Planning
Example 2
We are looking to add a Database Developer to our fast growing company! The role is responsible for designing, coding, and modifying websites, from layout to function and according to a client’s specifications. Strive to create visually appealing sites that feature user-friendly design and clear navigation.
Primary responsibilities
- 1+ years of experience with front-end programming, HTML5, JavaScript/jQuery
- 1+ years of experience with one or more Javascript Frameworks such as angular, react, vue, etc.
- 1+ years of experience working with a relational database
- Experience using a version control system
- Strong debugging skills with the ability to easily and quickly read and modify existing code
- Ability to partner and work in a fast-paced, collaborative team environment
- Experience writing and integrating unit tests
Required knowledge, skills, and abilities
- Bachelor’s degree in computer related field preferred
- Minimum 6 years experience in Microsoft SQL Server database Programming, database design, data warehouse design, query performance tuning, writing stored procedures, etc.
- Minimum of 6 years of experience on Microsoft BI tools (SSIS, SSRS, SSAS)
- Good to have database administration skills – Job monitoring, Backup/restore, security management, etc.
- Experience developing ETL processes loading Data Warehouses/Data Marts required
- Must have strong knowledge on Data Warehouse design concepts – Star, Snowflake, etc.
- Knowledge of best practices and software development process
- Experience supporting a multi-database environment
- Ability to work independently with little or no supervision
- Outstanding analytical and problem solving skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to effectively prioritize and escalate issues
- Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot software/database issues independently
- Ability to work extended hours when needed
Example 3
We are currently searching for a database developer to help ensure our applications are stable and reliable. You will work closely with the Engineering Applications development team to build and maintain our existing databases. If you are a self-starter who is interested in supporting the systems to reduce advanced Launch Vehicle development costs in a fast-paced startup environment, this job is for you!
Responsibilities
- Coordinate with the Development Manager and System Administrators to design stable and reliable databases
- Modify databases as needed
- Work with software developers to establish best practices for database storage and organization
- Support development of KPI’s to evaluate metrics for database performance
- Develop technical, functional documentation, and user guides complying with audit requirements
- Respond to support requests for bugs & issues reported
- Evaluate and recommend changes to current and future database products and services
- Work in a product development process that is primarily Agile/Scrum
- Support training development for all levels of the organization as required
Qualifications
- 2+ years of experience as a Database Developer
- Bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems, Computer Science/Engineering, or a related discipline (4+yrs direct industry experience may be substituted)
- Knowledge of recovery tactics and database security
- Proficient in SQL
- Good interpersonal skills with experience interfacing effectively between business groups and IT teams
- Ability to gather, document, and communicate requirements
- Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills with a “make it happen” attitude
- Knowledge of best engineering practices in agile software development: architectural paradigms, code reviews, branching, task management, documentation, and testing
Example 4
We are looking for a Database Developer to join our web services team. This team supports our flagship website properties. This role will create, review, modify, define and design database objects as well as work as a liaison to application developers to provide assistance on how these objects interact with other applications as well as 3rd party applications.
Duties and responsibilities
- Support database objects residing in Postgres & MySql databases
- Design, create, modify and remove database objects (tables, views, indexes, keys, stored procedures, functions, DB links, etc.) to support development projects
- Design, build, and maintain extract-transformation-load (ETL) processes
- Implement and test database objects in non-production environments
- Move supporting data between non-production environments
- Work with Application Development Teams, Project, Testing, and Release Managers, Architects, and IT Management to support fixes, enhancements, and projects
- Assist other developers with SQL questions as needed
- Performance review and tuning on pending, new and, production database objects
- Maintain database objects in a software version control system
- Support Testing efforts from a database perspective
- Data expert for migrating data from existing applications and database environments to new architecture
- Work with IT resources to effectively integrate with database(s)
- May assist the Database Architect with performing other duties or special projects as required or assigned
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science or other appropriate discipline plus 1 – 4 years of experience in database design, development or administration or Associate degree in related field and 5+ years of relevant data processing, systems analysis/design, and 2-3 years of experience developing/maintaining database objects in one of the database systems or a combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills are acquired
- Hands-on database tuning and troubleshooting experience
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
- Excellent math, research skills, and analytical/problem solving skills
- Excellent planning, organizational, and time management skills. Ability to multi-task and work on multiple project assignments while under pressure
- Self-starter, able to work independently and in a team environment
- Ability to deal effectively with a wide variety of other company personnel, including technical personnel from other disciplines, IT Management, business users, outside vendors, and consultants
- Ability to train and/or mentor as well as oversee specific project work of others
- Exposure to ETL tools like Pentaho is desired
- Ability to write/tweak scripts on unix platform
- Exposure to version control tools like git
- Good understanding of RDBMS concepts
Candidate Certifications to Look For
- Oracle Database SQL Certified Associate. Oracle, which produces a commonly used database software, offers this certification for beginning database developers. The exam focuses on SQL, the programming language used in designing databases. Candidates should have a strong understanding of computing concepts and experience with command-line interfaces. The exam is 120 minutes and requires a score of at least 63% to pass.
- IBM Certified Database Associate. This entry-level certification proves a candidate’s knowledge of SQL, working specifically with DB2 11. The 90-minute exam is 63 questions long, with a score of 43 needed to pass. Courses exist to prepare candidates for the certification exam, but they aren’t required.