The Day-to-Day as a SQL Developer
SQL Developers design and build databases and applications. They can find work at a wide variety of employers, including software development firms, online retailers, information technology organizations, consulting firms, staffing companies, healthcare organizations, data companies, universities, and banks. SQL Developers usually work with Database Administrators, other Developers, upper-level management, Data Analysts, and stakeholders or clients. SQL Developers can find full-time job opportunities onsite, remotely, or on a freelance basis. They typically work a 40-hour workweek but might work overtime during certain parts of projects or code sprints.
Each SQL Developer role will be slightly different, but they are typically responsible for developing SQL databases; writing and testing applications that interface with those databases; designing tables; attending team meetings; modeling; developing stored procedures; documenting code; creating and delivering reports; collaborating with peers on in-application SQL statements; solving database usage issues; and performing preventative maintenance.
What Skills Should SQL Developers Have?
SQL Developers should be proficient in designing, creating, and managing databases and the applications that interface with them. They should know how to design database tables and structures, as well as create views, functions, and stored procedures. They must be able to write sound, efficient, and proper SQL statements for stable and reliable database performance and understand SQL’s various dialects and tools. They should be familiar with various SQL database management systems and relational databases such as Oracle Database and MySQL and understand their best practices. Each employer will have its own preference for these tools.
SQL Developers should also know how to prepare documentation and reports on the databases they’ve designed and created, as well as how to use server analysis services. Databases must be kept up-to-date, and SQL Developers must know how to perform maintenance tasks such as upgrades, backups, recoveries, and migrations. They should understand how to plan resource requirements from high-level specifications, data modeling, troubleshooting and solving issues, and configuring popular databases.
SQL Developers usually work on a team and need to be great communicators who can solve problems collaboratively. In order to work with their teammates’ code, SQL Developers should have some familiarity with PHP and JavaScript or the preferred languages of their employer. These languages can often be learned on the job if it is an entry-level position. To collaborate with their team, they’ll also need to know version control systems such as Git or Mercurial, depending on what their employer uses.
Learn the Skills You Need to Become a SQL Developer
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Coding
Coding is another way to say computer programming. It is how humans "instruct" computers through the process of designing and building a functioning computer program. Computer and web programs are built using coding languages like C, Python, PHP, HTML, JavaScript, and more. Coding can be used to create desktop, mobile, or web applications.
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SQL
SQL stands for Structured Query Language. It is a computer language used to store, manipulate, and retrieve data which is stored in a relational database.
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Developer Tools
Developer tools are tools typically created by developers to do tasks like debug code, edit code more efficiently, test code, test interface, and more efficiently build websites and applications.
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Git
Git is a distributed version control system that is standard in software and web development. Git allows multiple developers to work on the same project at once or a single developer to keep track of changes. It also creates a simple environment to conduct A/B testing. Git is designed to optimize speed, data integrity, as well as distributed and non-linear workflows.
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Dev Bootcamp
SQL Developer Salaries
A SQL Developer in the United States makes, on average, $93,125 annually, according to Indeed.com.
Salaries for SQL Developers vary by region within the the United States. Listed below are some SQL Developer salaries for specific areas with the United States compared with the average national salary:
- U.S. Average $93K source n/a
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Los Angeles, CA
$124K
source
+33.47%
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Orange County, CA
$124K
source
+33.39%
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Washington, D.C.
$122K
source
+32.02%
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Dallas, TX
$114K
source
+23.25%
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New York City
$108K
source
+16.61%
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Fairfax, VA
$101K
source
+8.85%
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Alexandria, VA
$93K
source
+0.78%
- U.S. Average $93K source n/a
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Chicago, IL
$90K
source
-3.09%
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Miami, FL
$89K
source
-3.95%
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Houston, TX
$82K
source
-11.26%
Typical Qualifications to Become a SQL Developer
The requirements for the SQL Developer position vary by employer, but most are simply looking for proof of the candidate’s skills and whether they are a good culture fit. Some companies will require an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems or Computer Science.
Searching for SQL Developer Jobs
SQL Developers can look for jobs in the finance, healthcare, and software industries. Full-time remote, freelance, and onsite positions are available along this career path. Specific SQL job boards exist where Developers can find positions, but many SQL Developer jobs are often listed on general job boards first.
SQL Developers can look for jobs on these sites:
- Dice
- Indeed
- SimplyHired
- ZipRecruiter
- Authentic Jobs
- Glassdoor
- GitHub Jobs
- The Muse
- Crunchboard
- Startupers
- Modis
- CareerBuilder
- Monster
- The Ladders
- Krop
- Mashable
- Smashing
- SQL Crossing
- IT Job Board
SQL Developers can find remote and freelance opportunities on these sites:
- Upwork
- Freelancer
- AngelList
- Toptal
- Hired
- Guru
- Gigster
- PeoplePerHour
- X-Team
- FlexJobs
Tips to Become a SQL Developer
SQL Developers might find the job search competitive, but they can try networking—virtually or in-person—as a major step toward landing a job in tech. Even if none of the connections you make end up hiring you, they could become mentors or refer you to a company that does. Try connecting with SQL Developers who are already working at the companies you’d like to work at someday. Consider asking for an informational interview if you'd like to establish a strong connection, and prepare questions to ask about the job, their company, or SQL skills. If you specify that you’d like to chat for a specific length of time such as 20 minutes, they’re more likely to schedule a time to speak with you.
Spend time learning by reading job descriptions, identifying unmet requirements, and sharpening those specific skills. Many entry-level SQL Developer positions will involve report writing, developing complex queries, and automating administrative tasks. Try to find a mentor, course, or guide to ensure you're learning the skills correctly.
You can find mentors or SQL coding buddies through social media groups like Facebook and LinkedIn, paid coding mentor services, or by networking with other SQL Developers. Learn the skills, but don’t hesitate to apply for jobs even if you don’t meet every listed requirement or preference. There is enough demand for SQL Developers and not enough supply, so companies are often willing to hire candidates who don’t meet their dream specifications.
If you do find a mentor or SQL buddy, ask them if they’d be willing to conduct a mock interview with you. Ask your friends or family to help with this, or sign up for an online mock interview service. Mock interviews are a reliable way to feel more confident during the actual job interview when the time comes. If you’re having trouble getting interviews even after applying for many jobs, try connecting with some recruiters or a tech recruiting platform such as Dice.
What Job Titles Would a SQL Developer Hold?
The SQL Developer position might specify the particular data technologies that an employer uses, whether it is a Junior or Senior position, or whether the role will also involve other programming languages in the title. Programmer positions will usually require coding in some languages other than SQL, while SSIS-, SSRS-, and SSAS-specific positions will expect candidates to know how to use Microsoft SQL Server tools.
SQL Developers can apply for jobs with these titles:
- SQL Developer
- Database Developer
- Junior Database Programmer
- Oracle Database Developer
- SQL SSIS/SSRS Developer
- MySQL Developer
- Entry-Level SQL Developer
Related Careers
An SQL Developer who wants to change their career can most easily pivot into a Back-End Developer role. This will require knowledge of coding languages such as Ruby or Java. If you learn Ruby or Java, you would also qualify for Ruby Developer or Java Developer positions. If you want to work with more front-end coding languages, you can become proficient in JavaScript, HTML, and CSS to secure a Front-End Developer role.
If you already know one back-end language, one front-end language, and SQL, you would be qualified to work as a Full Stack Developer, Web Developer, or Software Engineer. These positions generally offer salaries similar to that of an SQL Developer, except for the Software Engineer role. Software Engineers typically earn higher salaries than SQL Developers.
Salary Comparison to SQL Developer
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Back End Developer
$150K
+61.42%
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Full Stack Developer
$127K
+37.44%
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Software Engineer
$123K
+32.61%
- SQL Developer $93K n/a
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Web Developer
$82K
-10.9%
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Software Engineer
Indeed.com Avg. Salary
$123K / year
Glassdoor Avg. Salary
$112K / year
Software Engineers use their extensive knowledge of user experience design, operating systems, and programming languages to develop software. They can create different types of software, from games to operating systems. After analyzing a client's needs, they design, develop, and test software to meet that need. Software Engineers can be divided into two distinct career categories: Application Engineers and Systems Engineers.
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Web Developer
Indeed.com Avg. Salary
$82K / year
Glassdoor Avg. Salary
$81K / year
Web developers build webpages using coding languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They program functionality and identify and troubleshoot errors in code. Web developers can work on front-end development (the part of the website you see in a web browser), or on back-end development (the logic and database functionality that runs on the web server). Others work as full-stack developers who provide end-to-end (front-end to back-end) expertise.
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Full Stack Developer
Indeed.com Avg. Salary
$127K / year
Glassdoor Avg. Salary
$96K / year
Full Stack Developer builds web applications for both the visible Front-end that users see and the Back-end that powers the applications.
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Back End Developer
Indeed.com Avg. Salary
$150K / year
Glassdoor Avg. Salary
$94K / year
A Back-end Developer builds the server-side of a web application and integrates Front-End development components.