Are SQL developers in demand?

As companies from all types of sectors push toward digitalization and gear up to become data-driven organizations, the demand for SQL developers is on the rise.

With job opportunities in the tech industry projected to see a growth of 13% by 2026, SQL developer jobs are accounted for in these statistics.

SQL or Structured Query Language is a standard programming language that is used for accessing and manipulating databases as stated by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

If you have the right skill set and proficiency with managing databases, you can land SQL developer jobs and build a fulfilling career.

Read on to learn more about SQL developer jobs and get clarity on the following questions:

SQL Developer Job Description


SQL developers collaborate with project managers, analysts, business owners, and clients to build database models for substantiating system requirements.

Listed below are some of the general SQL developer job duties:

  • Designing databases and optimizing their performance, reliability, and stability
  • Creating and implementing database systems according to the user requirements
  • Improving the performance and functionality of applications
  • Developing schemas, dictionaries, and tables for databases
  • Ensuring data quality and security
  • Testing databases for bugs and fixing the same
  • Documenting codes and providing progress reports for peer feedback
  • Developing and executing stored procedures to examine SQL queries
  • Troubleshooting any issues related to database performance
  • Creating complex scripts to support application development

Also read: How to write a brilliant SQL developer resume?

How to Become a SQL Developer?


Becoming a SQL developer has a good future scope because SQL is a massive technology that is not limited to the tech industry alone and extends to other sectors like retail, finance, healthcare, etc.

You can apply for SQL developer jobs online on various job portals such as LinkedIn, AngelList, or Indeed.

Given below are some tips that will help you land SQL developer jobs:

Get a Relevant Degree


Usually, recruiters prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field for SQL developer jobs.

However, if you have an associate degree, you can land entry-level SQL developer jobs.

Formal education will arm you with fundamental knowledge of programming languages, familiarity with database applications, and security systems.

Thereby, helping you move a step closer to bagging SQL developer jobs.

Surveys show that 70% of the SQL developers hold a bachelor’s degree while 20% hold a master’s degree.

Meet the SQL Developer Job Requirements


Having the right skills is crucial to becoming a SQL developer and excelling in this position.

You must be detail-orientated and possess exceptional analytical skills and proficiency in implementing database management principles.

And since the nature of SQL developer’s work requires teamwork, you must have good communication and collaboration skills.

Listed below are some technical skills that are essential for a good SQL developer:

  • Proficiency in SQL
  • Familiarity with integrated development environments like MYSQL, MYSQL Server, and Oracle SQL Developer
  • Basic knowledge of other programming languages such as C, Python, C++, Java, C#, JavaScript, and PHP
  • Experience with cloud platforms like Microsoft Azure, Amazon AWS, Big Data, Hadoop, and Hive
  • Familiarity with operating systems like UNIX and Linux

The below-given table shows additional skills that are required for getting SQL developer jobs:

Query Review Code Optimization
Database Table Designing Server Maintenance
Data Modeling Table Index Development
Requirement Gathering Project Management
Issue Analysis Database & Solution Development
Documentation & Reporting Data Integration
Data Security Database Testing

Get Certified


The best way to validate your skills and even polish or acquire the in-demand skills for SQL developer jobs is by getting certified.

You can take up online or in-person certificate courses that will help you get an edge over other candidates and increase your chances of getting hired.

The following are some SQL developer certificate courses that you can consider taking up:

  • Microsoft Certified Architect: SQL Server (MCA)
  • Developing SQL Databases
  • Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Business Intelligence Developer (MCITP)
  • Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA)
  • Oracle Certified Implementation Specialist Certification
  • Certified Data Management Professional - Data Management (CDP-DM)
  • TS: SQL Server, Implementation and Maintenance (MCTS)
  • IBM Certified Database Associate
  • Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals
  • MTA: Database Fundamentals
  • Oracle Certified Professional: MySQL 5.7 Database Administrator
  • Teradata Certification
  • Database Design and Programming with SQL
  • Ultimate MySQL Bootcamp

Build a Compelling Resume


A good SQL developer resume is like a key that will unlock endless career opportunities for you.

No matter how good your skills may be, if your resume fails to justify them, you won’t be able to land SQL developer jobs.

To build a compelling resume, you must tailor it according to the job description provided in the listing that you’re targeting.

Ensure to pick keywords from the listing and add them to your resume to help it rank high in the Application Tracking System (ATS) that recruiters use to filter the most qualified resumes.

Also Read: How to build an ATS-friendly resume?

Write a Personalized Cover Letter


To support your resume and solidify your chances of landing SQL developer jobs, you must write a personalized cover letter.

While your resume showcases your skills and expertise, your cover letter must align them with the employers’ requirements.

And to ensure that the recruiter reads your cover letter, personalize it by addressing your letter with the hiring manager’s full name.

Also read: How to write a great cover letter in 2022?

SQL Developer Jobs Salary


Given the extensive prerequisites for SQL developer jobs, these professionals are paid well.

The average salary of SQL developers in the US is $96,203 per annum.

And this salary figure changes based on experience level, skills, location, and employer.

Some of the highest paying US cities for SQL developer jobs are:

New York, NY $111,437
Arlington, VA $110,520
Irving, TX $96,663
Tampa, FL $95,463
Fort Lauderdale, FL $94,966

Also Read: How to negotiate a good salary package in 2022?

Key Points from the Blog


  • SQL or Structured Query Language is a standard programming language that is used for accessing and manipulating databases
  • SQL developers collaborate with project managers, analysts, business owners, and clients to build database models for substantiating system requirements.
  • Recruiters prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field for SQL developer jobs.
  • You must be detail-orientated and possess exceptional analytical skills and proficiency in implementing database management principles to land SQL developer jobs.
  • The best way to validate your skills and even polish or acquire the in-demand skills for SQL developer jobs is by getting certified.
  • You must build a compelling resume and a cover letter to get hired for SQL developer jobs.
  • The average salary of SQL developers in the US is $96,203 per annum.

If you need expert guidance on your career-related queries, visit Hiration’s Career Activator Platform with 24x7 chat support and write to us at support@hiration.com.

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