SQL Database Developer Skills and Salary

SQL Database Developer Skills and SalarySQL Database Developer Skills and SalaryIf youre thinking of becoming a Structured Query Language developer (SQL - sometimes pronounced sequel), now is a great time to make the move. These professionals are in high demand as companies push to implement their digital transformation strategies and become data-driven organizations.What exactly is an SQL developer? The position requires you to design, create and maintain databases. Theyre responsible for all aspects of this, includingDesigning database tables and structuresCreating views, functions and stored proceduresWriting optimized SQL queries for integralrechnung with other applicationsCreating database triggers for use in automationMaintaining data quality and overseeing database securityIts a job that gets even more complex as databases turn into data lakes, and you need to keep your skills sharp. But if you have the right experience and certifications, employers will beat a path to your d oor.Heres an overview of the abilities and hintergrund needed to step into the SQL database developer role.FIND SQL DATABASE DEVELOPER JOBSProgramming experienceIf you havent worked with SQL before, youll see its a relatively straightforward declarative language in which you write queries that either modify the database or retrieve records.Ideally, professional SQL developers should have experience working in a development environment like Oracle SQL Developer. Other programming requirements vary across organizations. For example, you might be supporting applications written in Java, C++ and C, so knowledge of these will help you collaborate with other teams. When working with MySQL, you almost certainly need to have experience with PHP. Likewise, familiarity with the .NET framework is useful, especially if youll be specializing in Microsoft SQL Server.A background in Unix is abedrngnisher big plus. You should be skilled at command line, so understanding Bash or Windows batch script s is another way to help your resume stand out.Find out the going rate for a variety of IT jobs in our Salary Guide.Database knowledgeSpecialization is often key in getting a top SQL database developer job. Oracle remains the worlds most popular database environment, mainly due to its support of larger data structures.The open source MySQL is prevalent in web development, while many other businesses prefer to work with Microsoft SQL Server. Aim to become an expert in one system rather than dabbling in multiple database environments.As an SQL developer, youll need to have hands-on experience with production databases. You should be able toCreate databases with efficient structuresWrite optimized queries, views and triggers for integration with other applicationsMaintain high standards of data quality and integrityUnderstand issues related to network performance and securityAn SQL developer should also have a background inReporting and business intelligence tools like Microsoft SQL Se rver Reporting Services (SSRS) and SAP Crystal ReportsNoSQL database systems, such as MongoDB and CouchDBBig data technologies like Hadoop and SparkCloud services like Amazon AWS and Microsoft AzureThe Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), specifically Scrum and Agile methodologyBolstering your knowledge with a certification can be advantageous. Two recommended designations for the SQL database developer role are the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer Data Management and Analytics or the Oracle Database PL/SQL Developer Certified Professional.Soft skillsEmployers value soft skills in IT team members, with communication being one of the most important. This position requires working with colleagues across the IT department - from applications developers to network engineers - and with third-party vendors, such as cloud service providers.Additionally, digital transformation and the advent of data analytics sometimes require SQL developers to collaborate with experts from other b usiness units. Its not uncommon for marketing, operations and other teams to come to you with questions or concerns regarding their data needs, such as data capture and running business intelligence reports.If your goal is to become an SQL developer, one path to grow the skills you need is to start as a database administrator (DBA). Those coming from a software engineering background probably already know a little about writing SQL queries. Focus on gaining practical experience with database environments like Oracle or MySQL, and try designing your own databases from scratch.Landing an SQL developer job could be a lucrative career move. The current midpoint starting salary for these professions is $118,000 in the United States, and growing demand could drive that salary up even further. So if youve been considering making the jump, now is a great time.