An SQL server developer is in charge of designing, developing and maintaining SQL databases as well as designing applications that interface with SQL databases. They are also often responsible for analyzing a company or organization’s data management and input needs and also help design systems that organize, store and access that data for them.
What is SQL?
SQL or Structured Query Language, describes a language for communication with relational databases. Using SQL commands, data can be inserted, changed or deleted relatively easily.
The database language SQL is characterized by its simple syntax. It is based on relational algebra and consists essentially of English language elements. SQL is standardized and can be used across platforms with many database systems.
Most of the existing database systems have SQL interfaces. These systems enable access to the stored data via the universal SQL database language.
The actual SQL queries can be carried out with little effort, since only a few different commands have to be known for the majority of the statements.
In addition to commands for creating, editing and deleting data, SQL has elements for defining data structures and for querying databases. A basic distinction can be made between three different categories of SQL commands. These are as follows:
- Firstly, Data Manipulation Language (DML) commands, which are intended for editing, inserting or deleting data or for read access to the database
- Secondly, Data Definition Language (DDL) commands, that can be used to define the structure of the database and finally,
- And finally, DCL (Data Control Language) commands, which are used to manage individual rights or to control transactions.
Responsibilities of an SQL Server Developer
SQL Developers are primarily tasked with creating, developing and maintaining SQL databases whilst also ensuring their performance and stability. They are also primarily responsible for creating database tables, structures, schemas and dictionaries.
Developers create and implement these databases based on the requirements of the end user and as such, also help ensure data quality and integrity.
An SQL Server Developer is responsible for overseeing data security whilst also preparing documentations for database applications.
They are also required to create SQL queries that integrate with other applications and create scripts, functions, triggers and procedures that support application development.
An SQL developer also tests databases, performs bug fixes, fixes any issues related to performance as well as provides solutions for corrective measurebto be put into place.
They also provide authorization for databases, provide memory management for systems and handle regular procedures like database backup, recovery, upgrade etc.
Day-to-day tasks and responsibilities of an SQL Developer:
- Creating, developing and maintaining SQL databases
- Ensuring database performance and stability
- Creating database tables, structures, schemas and dictionaries
- Ensuring data quality, integrity and security
- Preparing documentations for database applications
- Creating SQL queries that integrate with other applications
- Providing authorization or databases
- Creating scripts, functions, trigger and procedures that support application development
- Testing databases and performing bug fixes
- Fixing any issues related to performance
- Providing solutions for corrective measures
- Handling regular procedures like database backup, recovery and upgrade
- Providing memory management for systems
Seeking an SQL Server Developer?
SQL Developers for hire
Skills and Knowledge Required
The most fundamental skill required to become an SQL developer is being proficient in SQL and being able to create and modify databases as well as write complex SQL queries.
Having experience with integrated development environments like Oracle SQL Developer, MySQL or MS SQL Server is also ideal. It should be noted, however, that specializing in a particular database environment is often better than having basic knowledge of multiple environments.
Furthermore, familiarity with other programming languages is also important since not every company works with the same programming languages and it is thus possible that the applications you might be supporting may be written in a different language.
Hence, in addition to SQL, basic knowledge of C, C ++, C#, Java, Javascript, PHP and Python will help you go a long way and ultimately give you an advantage.
Familiarity with the .NET framework is also useful for an SQL server developer, especially for one specializing in MS SQL Server.
Knowledge of SAP and cloud services like Microsoft Azure and Amazon AWS is ideal and so is knowledge of Big Data software like Hadoop or Hive.
Additionally, having a background in Unix as well as reporting and intelligence tools like SAP Crystal Reports, SSRS (Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services) or Tableau can also help.
Having the ability to problem-solve, communicate and collaborate with colleagues are all essential skills as is being organized and detail-oriented. There soft skills that are highly valued in an SQL developer.
Skills required for an SQL Server developer:
- Proficiency in SQL
- Ability to create and modify databases
- Experience with integrated development environments like Oracle SQL Developer, MySQL or Microsoft SQL Server
- Ability to write complex SQL queries
- Familiarity with other programming languages like C, C++, PHP and Java
- Experience with .NET framework
- Knowledge of SAP
- Background in Unix
- Familiarity with cloud services like Microsoft Azure and Amazon AWS
- Knowledge of Big Data technologies like Hadoop and Hive
- Background in reporting and intelligence tools like SAP Crystal Reports, SSRS and Tableau
- Problem-solving skills
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
- Detail-orientation
- Organizational skills
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Background
A Bachelor’s degree is often the first step to becoming an SQL developer. A degree in Computer Science or Engineering or any other IT related field is acceptable.
Additional certification and training can also help boost your profile and can give you an advantage. Here are a few options for certification valuable as an SQL server developer:
Oracle Database PL/SQL Developer Certified Professional Certification
Oracle Database SQL Certified Associate Certification Overview
The Complete Oracle SQL Bootcamp
SQL Server Developer: Salary & Freelancer Rates
Based on the position and industry they’re in, the salary of an SQL Server Developer can vary. But is SQL Developer a good career? The earnings potential is definitely not bad at all.
Developers that are just starting out can expect a salary of around $50,000 per year whereas SQL developers with a bit of experience behind them can earn up to $74,000 annually. SQL developers in senior roles can earn up to $103,000 per year.
In Germany, the salary range for SQL developers is between €35,000 to €60,000 while in the UK, the range is £23,000 to £47,000.
What is the salary of an SQL developer?
| Junior | $50,000 |
| Average | $74,000 |
| Senior | $103,000 |
What does a freelance SQL developer earn?
| Average rate SQL Server Developers (2022) | $76/hr |
On average, freelance SQL Server Developers charge $76/hour (freelancermap’s price and rate index in September 2022).
Freelance rates in SQL Server Development range between $35 and $91 for the majority of freelancers.
Considering a freelance rate of $76/hour, a freelancer would charge $608/day for an 8-hour working day.
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SQL Server Developer Job Description Template
Here’s an example of a useful job description template that can help you find a qualified SQL developer:
We are looking for an SQL developer who can help us develop and maintain SQL databases as well as write SQL queries that integrate with a variety of applications.
You will be responsible for creating database tables, structures and schemas and additionally, will have to ensure database performance and stability.
Besides having strong communication and problem-solving skills, you must also be organized and detail-oriented.
Responsibilities –
- Create, develop and maintain SQL databases
- Ensure database performance and stability
- Create database tables, structures, schemas and dictionaries
- Create and implement databases based on requirements of end user
- Ensure data quality and integrity
- Prepare documentations for database applications
- Create SQL queries that integrate with other applications
Requirements and qualifications-
- Proficiency in SQL
- Ability to create and modify databases
- Experience with integrated development environments like Oracle SQL Developer, MySQL or Microsoft SQL Server
- Ability to write complex SQL queries
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering or any other related IT subject
- Familiarity with other programming languages like C, C++, PHP and Java
- Background in reporting and intelligence tools like SAP Crystal Reports, SSRS and Tableau
- Problem-solving skills
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
- Organizational skills
Keep on writing, great job!