How to hire a database administrator/software engineer

How to hire a database administrator/software engineer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step database administrator/software engineer hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a database administrator/software engineer job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new database administrator/software engineer
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the database administrator/software engineer you need to hire. Certain database administrator/software engineer roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a database administrator/software engineer to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a database administrator/software engineer that fits the bill.

   The following list breaks down different types of database administrator/software engineers and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Database Administrator/Software Engineer	Description	Hourly rate
   Database Administrator/Software Engineer	Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs. Some develop the applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or another device... Show more	$35-63
   Software Analyst	A software analyst is responsible for creating and designing software programs and applications, as well as modifying existing ones for optimization according to business requirements. Software analysts work with the technical team to draw system codes, analyze programming languages, and ensure the stability and efficiency of software navigation by running multiple quality checks to the system... Show more	$29-47
   Software Developer	A software developer is responsible for designing application systems to support the user and business' needs. Duties of a software developer include testing software codes, performing diagnostic programs and troubleshooting, interpreting system data and establishing efficient parameters, and ensuring the compatibility of the systems... Show more	$32-54

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Java
   • PL/SQL
   • Web Application
   • Microsoft SQL Server
   • Database Administration
   • DBA
   • Recovery Procedures
   • Linux
   • Database Servers
   • Software Development
   • JavaScript
   • Configuration Management
   • Database Design
   • C

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Develop and enhance multiple ETL processes using SSIS to automate import and export data from different vendors into master inventory tables.
   • Implement a centralize configuration system for managing application settings, consisting of a desktop application with a WCF backend.
   • Use Perl/CGI, HTML, SYBASE on an AIX UNIX platform.
   • Design new SSIS packages and optimize legacy packages as an ETL developer.
   • Develop a part of corporate web site using HTML, DHTML and JavaScript.
   • Develop an internal system for processing articles using PHP, Webmatrix, MySQL, JavaScript.

   More database administrator/software engineer duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your database administrator/software engineer job description helps attract top candidates to the position. A database administrator/software engineer salary can be affected by several factors, such as geography, experience, seniority, certifications, and the prestige of the hiring company.

   For example, the average salary for a database administrator/software engineer in West Virginia may be lower than in Washington, and an entry-level database administrator/software engineer usually earns less than a senior-level database administrator/software engineer. Additionally, a database administrator/software engineer with certifications may command a higher salary, and working for a well-known company or start-up may also impact an employee's pay.

   Average database administrator/software engineer salary

   $99,252yearly

   $47.72 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level database administrator/software engineer salary

   $73,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 19, 2026

   Average database administrator/software engineer salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$122,447	$59
   2	Oregon	$102,783	$49
   3	Virginia	$93,125	$45
   4	New Hampshire	$89,247	$43
   5	Maryland	$88,881	$43
   6	Michigan	$88,175	$42
   7	New Jersey	$87,529	$42
   8	District of Columbia	$87,257	$42
   9	Texas	$84,602	$41
   10	Colorado	$84,287	$41

   Average database administrator/software engineer salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Precise Software Solutions	$117,777	$56.62
   2	KBACE Sales Ops	$102,269	$49.17
   3	TRW Automotive Holdings	$100,854	$48.49
   4	Tanisha Systems Inc.	$96,429	$46.36	7
   5	Msei	$90,855	$43.68
   6	PROLIM	$87,324	$41.98
   7	IBM	$82,449	$39.64	98
   8	L3Harris	$81,771	$39.31	103
   9	Raytheon Technologies	$79,661	$38.30	144

4. Writing a database administrator/software engineer job description

   A database administrator/software engineer job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a database administrator/software engineer job description:

   Database administrator/software engineer job description example

   Type of Requisition:
   
   Regular
   
   Clearance Level Must Currently Possess:
   
   Top Secret/SCI
   
   Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain:
   
   Top Secret SCI + Polygraph
   
   Suitability:
   
   Polygraph
   
   Public Trust/Other Required:
   
   Job Family:
   
   Software Engineering
   
   Job Description:
   
   GDIT is your place. You make it your own by embracing autonomy, seizing opportunity, and being trusted to deliver your best every day. We think. We act. We deliver. There is no challenge we can't turn into opportunity. And our work depends on TS/SCI level cleared Software Engineer/ DBA joining our team to support our Intelligence customer in Springfield, VA.
   
   GENERAL SUMMARY: Researches, designs, develops and/or modifies enterprise-wide systems and/or applications software.
   
   PRINCIPAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
   
   * Designs, develops, codes, tests, and debugs complex new software products, or makes significant enhancements to existing software.
   * and integrates design strategies, product specifications, development schedules, and user expectations into product capabilities.
   * Resolves complex hardware/software compatibility and interface design considerations.
   * Conducts investigations and tests of considerable complexity.
   * Researches emerging technologies to determine impact on application execution.
   * Provides input to staff involved in writing and updating technical documentation such as user manuals, system documentation, and training materials.
   * Troubleshoots complex problems and provides customer support for software operating systems and application issues.
   * Advises hardware engineers on machine characteristics that affect software systems, such as storage capacity, processing speed, and input/output requirements.
   * Prepares reports on analyses, findings, and project progress.
   * Provides guidance and work leadership to less-experienced
   * software engineers.
   * May serve as a technical team or task leader
   * Maintains current knowledge of relevant technology as assigned
   * Maintains current knowledge of relevant technology as assigned
   
   EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
   
   * Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Engineering or a related technical discipline, or the equivalent combination of education, technical training, or work/military experience.
   * 8-10 years of related software development experience.
   
   #Rover2022
   
   Scheduled Weekly Hours:
   
   40
   
   Travel Required:
   
   None
   
   Telecommuting Options:
   
   Onsite
   
   Work Location:
   
   USA VA Springfield
   
   Additional Work Locations:
   
   COVID-19 Vaccination: GDIT does not have a vaccination mandate applicable to all employees. To protect the health and safety of its employees and to comply with customer requirements, however, GDIT may require employees in certain positions to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Vaccination requirements will depend on the status of the federal contractor mandate and customer site requirements.
   
   We are GDIT. The people supporting some of the most complex government, defense, and intelligence projects across the country. We deliver. Bringing the expertise needed to understand and advance critical missions. We transform. Shifting the ways clients invest in, integrate, and innovate technology solutions. We ensure today is safe and tomorrow is smarter. We are there. On the ground, beside our clients, in the lab, and everywhere in between. Offering the technology transformations, strategy, and mission services needed to get the job done.
   
   GDIT is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status, or any other protected class.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find database administrator/software engineers for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your database administrator/software engineer job on Zippia to find and recruit database administrator/software engineer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites such as dice, engineering.com, stack overflow, it job pro.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit database administrator/software engineers, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   Sometimes, it's not enough to interview database administrator/software engineer candidates, so you can ask them to do a test project. If you are not a technical person and don't know what a test project should be, you can use these websites:

   • TestDome
   • CodeSignal
   • Testlify
   • BarRaiser
   • Coderbyte

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new database administrator/software engineer

   Once you have selected a candidate for the database administrator/software engineer position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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