How To Become A Database Developer: What It Is and Career Path

What is a database developer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted experts

Dr. Tao Ju,

Kevin Treu Ph.D.

Database developers, also known as database programmers, use their time to create and implement computer databases. Typically, they'll use SQL or other programming languages to get the job done. These professionals are crucial to businesses in the Corporate IT industry, where data drives operations.

A database developer may strive to understand the business's data needs and design effective systems to meet them. They may also optimize existing databases to accommodate the business' changing needs and goals. Frequently, database developers run extensive performance tests to verify the function of their databases.

Other responsibilities include developing documentation, creating operational manuals for the databases, and troubleshooting problems.

To become a database developer, you'll need an understanding of programming languages. Many developers find that it's helpful to have a degree in computer engineering or related courses. Some soft skills that might be helpful in this role include teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.

What general advice would you give to a database developer?

Dr. Tao Ju

Vice Dean for Research & Professor, Washington University in St. Louis

They are not in this alone. The opportunities are out there, but it is up to them to be proactive and take ownership of their career. They should become familiar with and use all of the resources available to them-alumni, faculty and career advisors, job search sites, mentoring programs, career fairs, professional associations, and networking events. Take advantage of their existing network and seek out ways to make further connections. Keep an eye on trends, follow news, and research companies. Dream big but be flexible. In this time of constant transition and change, graduates who can shift their plans to the conditions of the job market will have less stress and more success. Talk with companies they've never heard of and explore careers they've never considered. They might be surprised at what they find and where it leads them. Lastly, remain confident and positive. They've worked hard to get to this point and they can be rest assured that their choice to pursue engineering will pay off in the short and long run.

ScoreDatabase DeveloperUS Average

Salary

7.1

Avg. Salary $90,837

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

4.0

Growth rate 21%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

4.0

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.17%

Asian 29.74%

Black or African American 4.67%

Hispanic or Latino 8.44%

Unknown 4.87%

White 52.12%

Gender

female 26.96%

male 73.04%

Age - 38

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 38

Stress level

4.0

Stress level is moderate

7.1 - high

Complexity level

7.9

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

6.6

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a database developer

Explore database developer education requirements

Most common database developer degrees

Bachelor's

68.5 %

Master's

19.2 %

Associate

8.4 %

Start to develop specific database developer skills

Skills	Percentages
ETL	7.91%
C++	4.88%
Java	4.76%
Microsoft SQL Server	4.71%
Database Development	4.27%

Complete relevant database developer training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New database developers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a database developer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real database developer resumes.

Research database developer duties and responsibilities

Coordinate with DBA in creating and managing tables, indexes, db links and privileges.
Create shell scripts in UNIX to automate the data loading process and to cleanse the flat file inputs.
Design, develop and manage DB2 database scripts for building and migrating the database for banking software customers.
Authore CICS/DB2 applications and DB2 store procedures (COBOL) for (IPA) rebates to manage health care groups.

Prepare your database developer resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your database developer resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a database developer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable database developer resume templates

Build a professional database developer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your database developer resume.