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

What is a database programmer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted expert

James Sellmann Ph.D.

Database programmers, also known as database managers, write manuals to help coordinate, maintain, view, and update record sets stored on a computer server. They are responsible for developing and testing modern database applications with advanced programming languages. Sometimes, they also upgrade and restore other programs.

Other database programmers have the responsibility of writing manuals or demonstrating the app to workers. Some of the programmers work on big tasks. They will most likely use software that will allow them to speed up the programming process and focus on the pieces unique to a specific programming mission.

Many employers in this area search for college graduates with more than one database programming language knowledge with applicable expertise and skills. Most database programmers nowadays have at least a bachelor's degree. Database programmers should be rational and able to address challenges that require advanced reading ability and a willingness to update their skills continuously.

What general advice would you give to a database programmer?

James Sellmann Ph.D.

Dean, Professor of Philosophy and Micronesian Studies, University of Guam

General advice is to keep in mind that you must leverage your skills, especially your soft skills of being able to work with people, to communicate effectively and to be able to solve problems. Be real. Don't try to pretend to be someone else to impress others. Be your authentic self. And show up on time.

ScoreDatabase ProgrammerUS Average

Salary

6.1

Avg. Salary $78,390

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

4.4

Growth rate 9%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

2.7

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.55%

Asian 21.04%

Black or African American 7.66%

Hispanic or Latino 9.72%

Unknown 5.26%

White 55.77%

Gender

female 26.42%

male 73.58%

Age - 46

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 - 46

Stress level

4.4

Stress level is moderate

7.1 - high

Complexity level

9.2

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

8.1

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a database programmer

Explore database programmer education requirements

Most common database programmer degrees

Bachelor's

69.0 %

Master's

14.8 %

Associate

12.7 %

Start to develop specific database programmer skills

Skills	Percentages
PL/SQL	7.92%
Access Database	5.69%
Microsoft SQL Server	4.85%
SAS	4.56%
Data Entry	3.59%

Complete relevant database programmer training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New database programmers 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 programmer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real database programmer resumes.

Research database programmer duties and responsibilities

Work as designer, senior programmer, project manager, business solution analysts, DBA to achieve business requirements.
Implement and automate existing manual process, to create CRF by creating new database objects in SQL and macro in excel.
Created/Modify HTML pages for better graphical and functional standpoint.
Use VBA to develop reports and SQL to update client information.

Prepare your database programmer resume

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

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