Job Description and Salary of a Database Developer

A database developer develops applications for designing as well as maintaining databases. The Buzzle article below will elaborate on the job description and salary range of a database developer.

Good News
According to reliable statistics, more than 50% of the job types for database developers are permanent, while around 12% work on a contractual basis. Less than 1% work on a part-time/temporary basis, and a minute 0.1% work on a seasonal basis.

Before proceeding to understand (in detail) what a database developer does, you need to learn to distinguish among the various designations in the software industry. Also called a database programmer, a database developer, in the simplest sense of the word, helps ‘develop databases’. A database is an organized collection of information. He helps design, code, and execute databases correctly. Many people confuse this profession with that of a database administrator (DBA), despite the fact that the two of them have different responsibilities. A DBA helps upgrade, maintain, and secure the databases that are designed by the developer. An elaboration on the job description and salary of a database developer is done in the paragraphs below.

Job Duties

• Database developers design the database structure and related software.
• They design the entire database architecture using related tools.
• They help maintain old and new databases.
• They make use of models, flowcharts, and diagrams to help core programmers write codes.
• They ensure that the functionality of the database is accurate; in case of any bug, they are required to troubleshoot the problem immediately.
• They modify databases as per the client’s request.
• Databases keep growing to accommodate new information; they need to be periodically updated and restructured.
• A developer needs to use SQL queries to perform addition, deletion, and updation of records.
• He has to create SQL reports as well as other database reports using the necessary software.
• He has to know how to manage different databases, link them with each other, and create multiple user functionality.
• He must be familiar with the concepts of procedure optimization and indexing.
• He must be able to create proper SQL statements for extensive databases.
• He has to resolve performance and access issues.
• He has to ensure that data transfer is carried on in a coordinated manner.
• He has to deploy various forms and structures.
• He has to conduct a thorough research on user expectations and existing software technology. Accordingly, he has to design standard protocol and other tools to develop newer database formats.
• He has to implement change control testing modules for modifying databases.
• He has to help maintain existing databases and commands so that they can be used for other applications.
• He has to create and maintain all the essential technical documentation.
• He may also team up with other technical staff to upgrade the databases and develop relational databases.
• He may also need to help maintain the security of the databases, though this job is the work of a DBA.
• He has to know about data modeling, data warehousing, and query optimization.
• He has to undertake management of the SQL server. He needs to know about data recovery and backup.
• He has to write important codes for software generation and document the work carefully for future maintenance and upgradation.

Requirements

• Your job requirements encompass a combination of personal skills and education.
• A Bachelor’s degree in any computer-related field will be a great beginning.
• You will need to train yourself with the required technical skills related to database design and computer coding.
• You will need to understand specific databases, like SAP (Systems, Applications, and Products), Oracle, IBM DB2, MySQL (Structured Query Language), PeopleSoft, etc.
• You will need to have sufficient programming knowledge in Visual Basic and Java.
• It is even more advantageous if you obtain a Master’s degree with a specialization in database management.
• There are plenty of certifications awarded by reputed software companies. You can enroll in one or more of these; they will only serve to enhance your knowledge and help you get better jobs.
• You need to keep updating yourself with the latest technical innovations and software tools.
• Besides, you will need to have a keen analytical mind with brilliant problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• You need to have an excellent command over programming and interpersonal communication. You need to be detail-oriented and creative as well.

Salary

• The ever-growing demand on the IT industry creates a favorable job outlook for most of the database professionals.
• A database developer is among the well-paid professionals; the starting salary itself may be more than USD 70,000.
• The BLS states that the average salary range for this profession is between USD 75,000 and may rise as high as USD 110,000.
• The salary widely depends on your educational qualifications, certifications, technical expertise, and experience.
• The salaries for very high positions may be even more than USD 120,000.
• The state-wise average salary for a database developer is given below.

_{Source: Indeed.com as of January 29, 2015. Figures are in US Dollars.}

Work Environment

• Database developers work in a regular, enclosed office environment, mostly in regular shifts.
• Their schedules can be very hectic though, as the job demands perfection and responsibility.
• In case of projects with unexpected deadlines, they might be expected to work 24 X 7, until the project is completed.
• They work in software companies, private firms, consultancies, and software publishers.
• Working on database languages and related disciplines is not a cakewalk; so, even if the salary is high for this career, remember that you will have to commit yourself completely to the profession.
• The rising demand for computer software has generated a very favorable job growth for this field. The BLS has predicted that the job growth for this field is more than 22% from 2012 to 2022.

The field of information technology is a behemoth of different occupations. If you are well-versed in programming and you enjoy software design, nothing is going to stop you from becoming an expert. Good luck!