Where there are companies, there are massive amounts of data. This data needs to be properly stored, transferred, altered, and safeguarded. Further, these systems need to be regularly tested and updated to ensure maximum efficiency and security.
SQL developers create and maintain the databases that this data exists in. They are responsible for the creation, management, architecture, and troubleshooting of these systems. They take further steps to secure these databases and perform regular audits and tests on the systems to verify the functionality and safety of the data within.
These experts should be well versed in data management, programming, scripting, software engineering, general data architecture, and software optimization and security practices. Additionally, being able to work as a team with other developers, project managers, and stakeholders is a plus. Being familiar with SQL fundamentals and T-SQL, database modeling, and web development is a must.
Sample job description #1
ABC Company is seeking a SQL Developer I. This individual is part of a team dedicated to supporting ABC Company’s core claims processing system, related data integrations, vendor extracts and reporting. This individual will perform detailed interface design and development, program, analysis, coding, testing, debugging, documentation, implementation of interfaces and reports, development, and maintenance of data feeds for ABC Company.
Job responsibilities:
- Develops, tests, and maintains data interfaces between business data sources in accordance with departmental and professional standards. Performs analysis, design, coding, and maintenance of data imports and extracts
- Develops, tests, and implements data change scripts to support the claims processing system
- Consults with Business Quality Analysts, Developers, Engineers, DBAs, key departmental stakeholders, and leadership on technical solutions and best practices
- Monitors and audits jobs for performance, recommends changes as appropriate, and advises management on how to improve application environment and system performance
- Maintains effective communication with customers from all departments for system development, implementation, and problem resolution
- Develops and maintains reports and data extracts supporting both internal and external customer’s needs
- Required to take call to assist in resolution of technical problems. May be required to work later hours when system changes are being implemented or problems arise
- Other duties and responsibilities as assigned
Job requirements:
- Requires BS in Computer Science, Business or related technical field or equivalent years of experience may be substituted
- Minimum of 2 years experience in program interfacing required, preferably in a healthcare or health insurance environment
Sample job description #2
ABC Company is looking for a SQL Developer for a leading financial services organization in the (City, State) area. This is a 100% remote position.
Responsibilities for the SQL developer:
- You will be responsible for the delivery of critical product requirements and interact with a culturally and technically diverse team, which includes .Net developers, SQL developers, QA, and product management teams
- Responsible for development, enhancement, testing, support, maintenance and troubleshooting/debugging software applications that support business units or support functions
Qualifications for the SQL developer:
- At least 5 years of experience in advanced SQL development skills such as complex queries, stored procedures
- Strong experience with ECM – Enterprise Content Management
- Experience using indexes to speed up the SQL queries
- Proven ability in Data Analysis to help digest the data and draw conclusions
- Experience in creating database schemas that represent and support business processes
- Extensive knowledge and hands on experience designing and developing objects and components of relational and non-relational database
- Experience with SSRS report development
- Experience developing ERD (Entity Relationship Diagram) – both physical and logical
- Experience writing reusable functions, views and database objects
- Knowledge of financial services domain is preferred
Sample job description #3
How you’ll make an impact:
- Work closely with both Development and Client Services teams as a SQL Developer (this is not a DBA role) to support the completion of ticket requests from clients and maintain a manageable backlog of development requests
- Partner with client to update carrier feeds, update SQL scripts, and write new SQL queries when necessary for completion
- This individual will be instrumental in driving efficient and scalable development opportunities
- Troubleshoot SQL database issues and prevent ticket build-up
- Assist in implementing new client data loads
- Take part in on-going development sprint cycles, maintaining communication with team on progress
Requirements:
- Deep understanding of SQL including but not limited to experience writing queries, stored procedures, and debugging
- Experience implementing or moving data loads (within a SaaS benefits system is a plus)
- Prior experience in utilizing SQL/T-SQL to facilitate solutions for client ticket requests
- Ability to communicate and collaborate with development and business teams in a remote and supportive environment
- 3 years of experience in a SQL Development role and a bachelor’s degree in a related field ( or equivalent experience)
- Flexibility to work part-time hours
Average salary and compensation
The average salary for an SQL developer is $82,500 per year in the United States, with a potential cash bonus per year. Salary may depend on the level of experience, education, and geographical location.
| Location | Salary Low | Salary High |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix, Arizona | $86,850 | $106,150 |
| Los Angeles, California | $98,000 | $119,800 |
| Denver, Colorado | $81,650 | $99,850 |
| Washington, DC | $99,450 | $121,600 |
| Miami, Florida | $81,300 | $99,350 |
| Orlando, Florida | $74,950 | $91,650 |
| Tampa, Florida | $75,750 | $92,550 |
| Atlanta, Georgia | $79,450 | $97,100 |
| Chicago, Illinois | $91,300 | $111,600 |
| Boston, Massachusetts | $98,750 | $120,650 |
| Minneapolis-St.Paul, Minnesota | $78,700 | $96,150 |
| New York City, New York | $103,950 | $127,050 |
| Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | $84,600 | $103,450 |
| Dallas, Texas | $82,400 | $100,700 |
| Houston, Texas | $82,000 | $100,200 |
| Seattle, Washington | $95,000 | $116,150 |
| National Average | $74,250 | $90,750 |
Sample interview questions
- Can you name and explain the different subsets of SQL?
- What is DBMS? What are the different types?
- Can you explain what a table and field are within SQL?
- What are joins?
- What’s a CHAR data type, what about a VARCHAR?
- What’s the difference between clustered and non-clustered indexes?
- What are constraints?
- Can you explain a primary key, unique key, and foreign key?
- Can you briefly describe entities and relationships?
- What’s the difference between Drop and Truncate?
- What does “trigger” mean within the framework of SQL?
- In what ways can a Dynamic SQL be executed?
- What are the various levels of constraints?
- Would you consider yourself a team player?
- What was your most frustrating project? How did you complete it and what was learned?