How to hire a database developer

How to hire a database developer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step database developer 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 developer job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new database developer
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a database developer do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the database developer you need to hire. Certain database developer 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

   A database developer's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, database developers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list presents database developer salaries for various positions.

   Type of Database Developer	Description	Hourly rate
   Database Developer	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	$33-56
   Business Intelligence Developer	A business intelligence developer is primarily responsible for organizing and developing systems that will inform the company of essential data and solutions as a basis for decision-making. They are also responsible for coordinating with stakeholders and other high-ranking personnel to determine specific goals, develop models, conduct research and analysis, and gather data through various processes, ensuring accuracy and productivity... Show more	$33-58
   Database Administrator	Database administrators use specially designed software to keep, organize, restore, and secure data for businesses, employees, and customers from unauthorized people or unwanted users. They search for potential security risks or issues and proactively correct or find appropriate solutions... Show more	$28-53

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • ETL
   • C++
   • Java
   • Microsoft SQL Server
   • Database Development
   • PL/SQL
   • SSRS
   • Database Design
   • T-SQL
   • BI
   • Data Warehouse
   • Data Models
   • Power Bi
   • Data Analysis

   Check all skills

   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.
   • Implement and automate existing manual process, to create CRF by creating new database objects in SQL and macro in excel.
   • Develop an ASP.Net application to input and manage a production schedule, production statistical analysis and trend reporting.

   More database developer duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your database developer job description helps attract top candidates to the position. A database developer 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 developer in Iowa may be lower than in Washington, and an entry-level database developer usually earns less than a senior-level database developer. Additionally, a database developer 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 developer salary

   $90,837yearly

   $43.67 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level database developer salary

   $69,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 13, 2025

   Average database developer salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Washington	$114,423	$55
   2	California	$114,099	$55
   3	New York	$94,828	$46
   4	Massachusetts	$92,281	$44
   5	District of Columbia	$91,852	$44
   6	Arizona	$89,744	$43
   7	Texas	$88,303	$42
   8	Pennsylvania	$88,226	$42
   9	New Jersey	$87,249	$42
   10	Virginia	$86,740	$42
   11	Maryland	$86,293	$41
   12	North Carolina	$85,097	$41
   13	Minnesota	$82,420	$40
   14	Florida	$81,992	$39
   15	Michigan	$81,749	$39
   16	Illinois	$81,417	$39
   17	Nebraska	$81,055	$39
   18	South Carolina	$80,017	$38
   19	Georgia	$79,287	$38
   20	Missouri	$77,493	$37

   Average database developer salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	The Citadel	$138,645	$66.66	1
   2	Square	$122,378	$58.84
   3	Expedia Group	$121,017	$58.18
   4	The Knot	$120,744	$58.05
   5	Saks Fifth Avenue	$120,174	$57.78
   6	Salesforce	$119,071	$57.25	15
   7	Macy's	$118,691	$57.06	2
   8	Conning	$117,632	$56.55
   9	Vonage	$115,946	$55.74
   10	SiriusXM	$113,764	$54.69
   11	Shutterstock	$113,628	$54.63
   12	Tripadvisor	$112,512	$54.09
   13	InterCall	$112,117	$53.90
   14	RH	$111,374	$53.55	3
   15	MySpace NYC	$111,058	$53.39
   16	Fisher Investments	$110,424	$53.09	3
   17	Seneca Resources	$109,923	$52.85	4
   18	Orbitz	$109,834	$52.80
   19	Merck	$109,480	$52.63
   20	Saks	$109,305	$52.55

4. Writing a database developer job description

   A database developer 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 developer job description:

   Database developer job description example

   Our client is looking to hire a SQL Database Developer at their offices in New York City 10019. This role is on a full time, direct hire basis and will pay an annual base salary of $155K to $170K plus a performance based bonus and excellent benefits package. Our client allows for a hybrid work week with 3 days onsite/2 remote.
   
   The SQL Database Developer will be responsible for overseeing our client's Database environment, Business Intelligence platform and Data Warehouse.
   
   This position, reporting directly to the IS Applications Director, will ensure that all critical data assets are stable, healthy, secure and continually improved. In addition, the Data Developer will own the overall Data Architecture and contribute to the maintenance and development of systems integrations, reports and dashboards.
   Requirements:
   Work closely with the Practice and Business Systems Management Team to develop and maintain a Data Strategy roadmap. Meet with Subject Matter Experts, Product Managers and Application Developers to gather business requirements. Design, model and develop across both Relational Databases and Data Warehouse. Develop SQL views, stored procedures and tables. Maintain, monitor, upgrade and secure the SQL Server platform in partnership with established vendor. Support, upgrade and maintain the Microsoft Reporting Server portal Develop ETL (extract, transform and load) processes to populate Data Marts and Warehouses Develop systems integrations across between traditional databases and modern Cloud APIs. Follow established Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) activities including Analysis, Design, Development, UAT, Pilot, Testing & lessons learned. Troubleshoot data integrations/data feeds between systems. Create reports and dashboards using technologies such as PowerBI and Microsoft Reporting Services. Maintain required SDLC documentation, test scripts, training materials etc. Document databases models, system processes, and maintenance procedures.
   Qualifications:
   Familiarity with Law Firm data concepts such as Clients, Matters, and Timekeepers. 5+ Years Experience in SQL Server Database Management 5+ Years Experience in SQL Server Database Development and SQL scripting (T-SQL) 5+ Years Experience in ETL development using Microsoft SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) 5+ Years Experience developing reports and dashboards using PowerBI and Microsoft Reporting Services (SSRS) Experience with IntApp Integration Builder Must be detail oriented Must have strong customer service skills Must be results and goal oriented Must be able to work in high-paced environment with time sensitive deadlines
   
   
   #legal

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find database developers for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any database developers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level database developers with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your database developer job on Zippia to find and recruit database developer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting database developers requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   Sometimes, it's not enough to interview database developer 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 developer

   Once you've decided on a perfect database developer candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   To prepare for the new database developer first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

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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How much does it cost to hire a database developer?