What does a database developer do?

A database developer specializes in designing and creating storage programs according to a client's needs. Their responsibilities revolve around meeting with clients to discuss their preferences and requirements, coordinating with other teams, identifying errors or inconsistencies by conducting regular maintenance tests, and monitoring its performance to ensure smooth workflow. A database developer may also respond to inquiries and concerns, provide corrective measures, produce instructional materials for the database users, and develop strategies to keep the data safe and secure.
Database developer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real database developer resumes:
- 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.
- Create browser-independent HTML and JavaScript interfaces displaying dynamic views.
- Develop T-SQL procedures to create database objects dynamically base on user inputs.
- Perform data integration utilizing SSIS, and develop dynamic business reports utilizing SSRS.
- Work as QA testing scripts and validating results.
- Lead the technical evolution and use of Teradata CRM.
- Develop automated ASM disk header check and backup process.
- Create test scenarios and test the proposed fix as part of QA.
- Develop SQL code in Teradata for customer lists for target marketing campaigns.
- Create template CDISC SDTM-compliant domains, both normalize and de-normalize in Clindex.
Database developer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 8% of Database Developers are proficient in ETL, C++, and Java. They’re also known for soft skills such as Creativity, Analytical skills, and Communication skills.
We break down the percentage of Database Developers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- ETL, 8%
Designed and developed ETL solutions through analysis of business objectives.
- C++, 5%
Created tools in C, C++, and PowerBuilder to assist in version control (PVCS) and packaging of product.
- Java, 5%
Designed and implemented a library of Java classes which provided developers with persistent business objects.
- Microsoft SQL Server, 5%
Developed and administered reporting and application development database (Microsoft SQL Server) following a strict set of normalization standards.
- Database Development, 4%
Participated in process improvement teams to identify and improve database development processes, and optimize performance of existing data structures.
- PL/SQL, 4%
Developed various Oracle PL/SQL programs for rating services to help investors perform efficient credit risk-driven investment analysis.
Most database developers use their skills in "etl," "c++," and "java" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential database developer responsibilities here:
Creativity. One of the key soft skills for a database developer to have is creativity. You can see how this relates to what database developers do because "developers are the creative minds behind new computer software." Additionally, a database developer resume shows how database developers use creativity: "designed and developed new telephone number inventory user interface and database using ms access and vba code modules"
Analytical skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling database developer duties is analytical skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "developers must analyze users’ needs and then design software to meet those needs." According to a database developer resume, here's how database developers can utilize analytical skills in their job responsibilities: "develop automated data exportation to excel spreadsheets and outlook e-mail notifications, setting conditional formatting creating macros and writing vba. "
Communication skills. This is an important skill for database developers to perform their duties. For an example of how database developer responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "developers must be able to give clear instructions to others working on a project." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a database developer: "developed data warehouse etl processes using ascential/ardent datastage 5.1 for retrieving telecommunications data. ".
Detail oriented. A big part of what database developers do relies on "detail oriented." You can see how essential it is to database developer responsibilities because "developers often work on many parts of an application or system at the same time and must therefore be able to concentrate and pay attention to detail." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical database developer tasks: "customized vba object oriented, etl, stored procedures, data validation and error handling operators. "
Problem-solving skills. A commonly-found skill in database developer job descriptions, "problem-solving skills" is essential to what database developers do. Database developer responsibilities rely on this skill because "because developers are in charge of software from beginning to end, they must be able to solve problems that arise throughout the design process." You can also see how database developer duties rely on problem-solving skills in this resume example: "created automated solutions integrating various applications using vba. "
The three companies that hire the most database developers are:
- Oracle82 database developers jobs
- Humana49 database developers jobs
- Robert Half24 database developers jobs
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Database developer vs. 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. Furthermore, as a developer, it is essential to ensure that all processes adhere to the company's standards and policies.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a database developer are more likely to require skills like "c++," "database development," "database design," and "bi." On the other hand, a job as a business intelligence developer requires skills like "business intelligence," "analytics," "dashboards," and "visualization." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Business intelligence developers tend to make the most money working in the health care industry, where they earn an average salary of $92,515. In contrast, database developers make the biggest average salary, $96,203, in the finance industry.On average, business intelligence developers reach similar levels of education than database developers. Business intelligence developers are 4.0% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.5% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Database developer vs. 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. They are highly trained tech experts who work full-time for establishments that give computer design services or in industries that have huge databases, such as educational academies, institutions, and insurance firms. It is their responsibility to closely monitor the database system to ensure efficiency and functionality. They work jointly with information systems managers to customize database solutions based on corporate needs. They also coordinate the systems that data analysts use for translating numbers into strategic business plans.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, database developer responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "c++," "c #," "database development," and "bi." Meanwhile, a database administrator has duties that require skills in areas such as "customer service," "troubleshoot," "database administration," and "disaster recovery." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Database administrators earn a lower average salary than database developers. But database administrators earn the highest pay in the health care industry, with an average salary of $92,665. Additionally, database developers earn the highest salaries in the finance with average pay of $96,203 annually.In general, database administrators achieve lower levels of education than database developers. They're 6.6% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.5% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for database developers in the next 3-5 years?
Pavel Chernyavskiy Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Statistics, University of Wyoming
Database developer vs. Senior/lead developer
A lead developer typically works for a software company. They are responsible for designing, developing, and debugging code. They lead a software team and communicate all team activities to their management. They must have creative expertise, great communication skills, and an aptitude for teamwork.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, database developers are more likely to have skills like "c #," "microsoft sql server," "database development," and "database design." But a senior/lead developer is more likely to have skills like "web application," "architecture," "api," and "web services."
Senior/lead developers earn the best pay in the finance industry, where they command an average salary of $136,565. Database developers earn the highest pay from the finance industry, with an average salary of $96,203.When it comes to education, senior/lead developers tend to earn higher degree levels compared to database developers. In fact, they're 5.5% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Database developer vs. Sql server developer
A structured query language (SQL) server developer is a specialist who is tasked to develop and maintain systems to store, organize, and access databases. With their experience in data architect and management, SQL server developers can develop and scale SQL databases based on the needs of their organization. They conduct troubleshooting in databases which involve data validation and extensive testing to ensure that the end user's specifications are met. They are also involved in the maintenance of the organization's server.
Even though a few skill sets overlap between database developers and sql server developers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a database developer might have more use for skills like "c++," "java," "database development," and "database design." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of sql server developers require skills like "sql server analysis," "sql server profiler," "column," and "schema. "
Sql server developers enjoy the best pay in the health care industry, with an average salary of $95,274. For comparison, database developers earn the highest salary in the finance industry.The average resume of sql server developers showed that they earn similar levels of education compared to database developers. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 3.6% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.7%.Types of database developer
Updated January 8, 2025











