Database Developer Job Descriptions, Average Salary, Interview Questions

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.

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National Average Salary

Database developer salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. To explore salary ranges by local market, please visit our sister site zengig.com.

The average U.S. salary for a Database Developer is:

$128,820

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.

How to Hire a Database Developer

There are a number of important initial considerations when hiring a database developer:

  • Recruiting: Do you have the knowledge, tools, and resources to attract and screen candidates?
  • Complexity: Do you need a senior professional, or will mid or junior-level skills and experience suffice?
  • Duration: Are you hiring for a project or an ongoing need?
  • Urgency: How soon does the opening need to be filled? What happens while it remains open?
  • Headcount: Do you have the budget and approval for an internal employee, or should you consider alternate options?

Answering these questions will help determine the best course of action for your current hiring need. Fortunately, great options exist for every scenario. These are our recommendations:

1. Use 4 Corner Resources (or another professional recruiting firm)

The heavy lifting is done for you when working with a top-tier staffing company like 4 Corner Resources. We source, screen, recruit, and deliver only the most qualified candidate(s), saving you significant time and effort throughout the hiring process while you remain focused on your core business. Understanding your needs and ensuring the right candidate for the position is the key to our success.

This is the best route to take when:

  • You need to fill the position quickly
  • You want access to a vast talent pool of high-quality, prescreened candidates
  • Your position is suited for temporary hiring services, contract staffing, or contract-to-hire recruiting, and you intend to direct the work activity.
  • You are hiring an employee as a direct placement but aren’t able to recruit effectively or efficiently with your internal staff. 
  • You aren’t familiar with current salary rates, market trends, and available skill sets
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2. Hire an experienced freelancer

The freelance, or gig, economy continues to grow, with more talent available daily. Freelancers provide high-quality work without a long-term commitment. They can offer you a fresh perspective, more flexibility, and increase efficiency. While the freelance market isn’t ideal for every position, database developers are often a great fit. 

We recommend this option when:

  • Your need is project-based
  • The work can be performed remotely
  • You do not intend to direct the daily work activity
  • You are hiring for expertise your internal team does not possess
  • You do not require an employee to work onsite or follow a specific schedule

We recommend using either Toptal, Upwork, or both.

Toptal

Toptal is an exclusive network of the top freelance software developers, designers, finance experts, product managers, and project managers in the world. Toptal vets its freelancers before making them accessible, ensuring their legitimacy. Top companies hire Toptal freelancers for their most important projects. Hiring a database developer on Toptal can help you quickly get the results you need.

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Upwork

Upwork is a freelance talent network that helps individuals connect with experts in a variety of fields to accomplish project-based needs. When you have a specific, well-defined goal in mind, this can be a great path to hiring an experienced database developer. If you are satisfied with the outcome you can continue to book the same freelancer through Upwork’s easy-to-use project interface.

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3. Post the opening on a top job board

Your best option may be to advertise your opening on a proven job board. There are many widely used job sites out there that draw visits from qualified candidates. If you have someone internally who can dedicate the time and energy to sort through applications and screen individuals effectively, this can be a great choice. 

We recommend using a job board when:

  • Your internal recruiting team has the knowledge and experience to assess candidate qualifications
  • You are hiring a direct employee and have time to manage the entire recruiting effort 
  • You have a process for receiving, screening, and tracking all resumes and applications
  • You are prepared to respond to all applicants

We recommend using CareerBuilder to find database developers:

CareerBuilder

CareerBuilder has been a trusted source for hiring since 1995. Reach 80+ million unique, diverse U.S. job seekers annually by posting your jobs through their talent acquisition channels. Through CareerBuilder, you can engage candidates and drive them into your sourcing pipeline. We recommend using CareerBuilder for hiring when you have the internal resources and processes to review, screen, and reply to all applicants.

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4. Leverage your internal resources

You can utilize your own website, social media, and employees to assist in your search for top candidates. 

A company website posting should be the first step in notifying prospective candidates that you are hiring. Social media can also be a powerful tool for spreading the word about your new opening. As far as exposure is concerned, this option can be as good as some job boards when you have a large enough following across various platforms, like LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter.

Current employees are every organization’s greatest asset. Encourage your internal team to promote job openings to their network by offering cash and other incentives.

We recommend these options when:

  • Your brand has great name recognition
  • You can consistently monitor and respond to candidate activity through your website and social media accounts
  • You have a process in place to quickly and broadly communicate job openings and requirements
  • You have an effective employee referral program in place

If you aren’t sure which path is best, schedule a discovery call today with our seasoned recruiting professionals. The 4 Corner team is on standby to help you find the best option for your unique hiring need.

Sample Interview Questions

  • What is your experience with SQL and writing queries?
  • Do you take into account scalability, performance, and security when designing and implementing databases?
  • Do you have experience with stored procedures, functions, and triggers?
  • What are the best ways to troubleshoot and optimize database performance?
  • Have you ever worked with a large, complex dataset? Can you tell me how you handled it?
  • What are the best practices for ensuring consistency and integrity in a database?
  • What is your experience with normalization and denormalization of databases?
  • Have you ever had to update a legacy database to meet current requirements and how did you do it?
  • What do you do to keep up with the latest advances in database technology and SQL?
  • Have you ever experienced database migration or data integration between multiple systems?

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