What Does a SQL Developer Do?
An SQL developer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining databases that are essential to business operations. They work closely with teams across the organization to manage how data is stored, retrieved, and manipulated. Whether it’s creating custom reports, writing efficient SQL queries, or supporting application development, SQL developers serve as the backbone of data-driven decision-making.
These professionals build and maintain the systems that transform raw data into valuable insights. From creating complex stored procedures and optimizing performance to ensuring data integrity and security, SQL developers play a crucial role in maintaining information accessibility, accuracy, and usability. They may also support integration with cloud platforms and collaborate with analysts, data engineers, and software developers.
Looking to Hire a SQL Developer?
Speak with one of our recruiting experts today.
SQL Developer Core Responsibilities
- Design and develop database objects such as tables, views, indexes, stored procedures, and functions
- Write complex queries and optimize them for performance
- Maintain, tune, and monitor database systems for availability and efficiency
- Collaborate with application developers and analysts to integrate backend data functionality into business solutions
- Ensure data integrity, security, and compliance with organizational standards
- Create, maintain, and automate reports using SQL-based tools
- Assist in data migration, transformation, and cleansing projects
- Document database structures, solutions, and technical processes
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency in T-SQL or PL/SQL
- Experience with database management systems such as Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL, or PostgreSQL
- Strong knowledge of database design and normalization
- Query performance tuning and indexing strategies
- Familiarity with data warehousing concepts and ETL processes
- Ability to integrate SQL solutions into software applications or APIs
Soft skills
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving
- Strong attention to detail
- Communication skills to translate technical information for non-technical stakeholders
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
- Collaboration and team-oriented mindset
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field
Certifications
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals
- Microsoft Certified: SQL Server Database Development (recommended for Microsoft-based environments)
SQL Developer Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with cloud platforms such as Azure SQL, AWS RDS, or Google Cloud SQL
- Exposure to scripting languages like Python or PowerShell for automation
- Familiarity with DevOps practices and CI/CD pipelines
- Understanding of business intelligence tools like Power BI or Tableau
- Knowledge of data privacy and security best practices
National Average Salary
SQL developer salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a SQL Developer is:
$97,061
SQL Developer Job Descriptions
It’s important to include the right content in your job description when hiring a SQL developer. The following examples can serve as templates for attracting the best available talent for your team.
Example 1: Healthcare SQL Developer
We’re seeking a Healthcare SQL Developer to design and support SQL-based solutions that power clinical systems, drive patient analytics, and ensure regulatory compliance. This role is crucial to maintaining secure and accurate healthcare data in fast-paced clinical environments.
Responsibilities
- Build and optimize SQL queries, stored procedures, and views for healthcare applications
- Integrate data from EHRs, EMRs, and external healthcare sources using HL7/FHIR standards
- Develop reports and dashboards to support clinical operations and decision-making
- Ensure HIPAA-compliant handling and protection of PHI
- Collaborate with clinical analysts and IT teams on data transformation initiatives
- Support regulatory reporting, audit preparation, and data validation
- Maintain documentation for healthcare data structures and query logic
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in T-SQL and SQL Server (or equivalent platforms)
- Experience working with healthcare data standards (HL7, ICD-10, CPT, FHIR)
- Strong understanding of EHR/EMR systems like Epic or Cerner
- Knowledge of HIPAA, HITECH, and data privacy regulations
- SQL-based reporting and dashboard development
Soft skills
- Strong attention to detail when working with sensitive data
- Effective communication across technical and clinical stakeholders
- Problem-solving in high-stakes, regulated environments
- Ability to manage multiple healthcare data initiatives concurrently
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Health Informatics, Computer Science, or a related field
Certifications
- Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CPHIMS)
- Recommended: Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals
Preferred qualifications
- Experience integrating with cloud-based EHR platforms or public health systems
- Exposure to clinical research databases or population health tools
Example 2: Financial SQL Developer
We’re hiring a Financial SQL Developer to create and maintain SQL-based data solutions that support financial reporting, forecasting, and regulatory compliance. This role is crucial in ensuring the accuracy and transparency of financial data pipelines and reports.
Responsibilities
- Develop queries, procedures, and financial data models for reporting and analysis
- Integrate SQL solutions with ERP systems like Oracle Financials or SAP
- Ensure data compliance with SOX, GAAP, and internal audit standards
- Support automation of month-end close and reconciliation processes
- Collaborate with accounting, FP&A, and compliance teams
- Validate financial data to ensure completeness and consistency
- Maintain secure access and change tracking across datasets
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced knowledge of T-SQL and database development
- Experience with financial systems and transactional data structures
- Familiarity with ERP platforms and financial data integrations
- Understanding of compliance frameworks (SOX, GAAP, SEC)
- Data validation and reconciliation logic
Soft skills
- Precision and numerical accuracy under tight deadlines
- Cross-functional communication with finance and tech teams
- Analytical thinking for financial modeling and projections
- Proactive approach to issue resolution and data quality
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Computer Science, or a related field
Certifications
- None required
- Recommended: Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate
Preferred qualifications
- BI dashboard experience with Power BI, SSRS, or Tableau
- Familiarity with financial platforms like NetSuite or Workday
Example 3: SQL BI Developer
We’re seeking a SQL BI Developer to design and maintain robust data pipelines, reports, and dashboards that deliver actionable insights to business leaders. This role supports decision-making through well-structured datasets and visual reporting.
Responsibilities
- Design and implement ETL processes using SQL and BI tools
- Create data models for performance-optimized dashboards and reports
- Build and manage Power BI, Tableau, or SSRS dashboards
- Gather business requirements and define KPIs with stakeholders
- Ensure consistency and accuracy across reporting layers
- Support data warehouse development using dimensional modeling
- Automate scheduled reporting and data refreshes
Requirements
Hard skills
- Strong SQL skills for data extraction, manipulation, and modeling
- Hands-on experience with BI platforms (Power BI, Tableau, SSRS)
- Familiarity with ETL tools and practices (e.g., SSIS, Azure Data Factory)
- Understanding of dimensional modeling and star/snowflake schemas
- Ability to handle large, complex datasets
Soft skills
- Business acumen and data storytelling ability
- Clarity in visual communication and dashboard design
- Collaboration with non-technical stakeholders
- Attention to detail and documentation
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems, Data Analytics, or a related field
Certifications
- None required
- Recommended: Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate
Preferred qualifications
- Experience with DAX, MDX, or custom BI expressions
- Exposure to Agile BI projects or cross-functional sprint planning
Example 4: Cloud SQL Developer
We’re seeking a Cloud SQL Developer to develop scalable SQL solutions in cloud environments such as Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud. This role supports high-availability database operations and DevOps workflows across distributed systems.
Responsibilities
- Build and maintain cloud-hosted SQL databases and services
- Write optimized queries for cloud platforms like Azure SQL, Amazon RDS, or BigQuery
- Implement backup, monitoring, and failover strategies using native cloud tools
- Collaborate with DevOps teams to integrate databases into CI/CD pipelines
- Apply role-based access control (RBAC) and secure data handling practices
- Support data replication, migration, and schema versioning
- Assist with cloud performance tuning and autoscaling configurations
Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience with cloud database platforms (Azure SQL, Amazon Aurora, etc.)
- SQL performance optimization in distributed environments
- Familiarity with infrastructure-as-code tools (Terraform, CloudFormation)
- Knowledge of cloud backup, recovery, and monitoring services
- Security practices for multi-region, cloud-based database operations
Soft skills
- Adaptability in evolving cloud and DevOps ecosystems
- Strong communication with development and architecture teams
- Ownership of uptime, data reliability, and cost efficiency
- Documentation and process standardization mindset
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Cloud Engineering, or related field
Certifications
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate
- AWS Certified Database – Specialty
Preferred qualifications
- Experience with serverless or hybrid database architectures
- Familiarity with data analytics tools in the cloud (Redshift, Synapse, BigQuery)