What does a database programmer do?
A database programmer specializes in developing and maintaining database programs, modifying them according to their clients' needs. They design and write codes for different programs, establish and implement test systems, troubleshoot problems, solve concerns or issues, and upgrade systems as necessary. They may also establish data security plans and implement protocols to protect company and client data. Moreover, a database programmer maintains an active communication line with co-workers, working together to ensure a smooth workflow and provide optimal services to clients.
Database programmer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real database programmer resumes:
- 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.
- Initiate database setup and testing / QA steps for multiple shows.
- Work on developing HTML access to ISIS-PL database via ISIS-PL programming language.
- Analyze company data for correctness too ensure integrity, report errors to QA.
- Provide report generation using T-SQL queries for testing and production purposes per customer requests.
- Create data sources for a GIS base tool allowing banks to visually identify market areas.
- Develop SQL queries using T-SQL to maintain data validation; store procedures to maintain data consistency.
- Add multiple child window prompting with simulate modal-behaviors using CFCs, CSS2, Javascript, and JQuery.
- Create and maintain tables and Unix scripts as needed for new development and ongoing business rule changes.
- Assist in creating GIS map for project activities, digitizing raster maps, and creating vector maps.
- Perform data extraction, transformation and loading (ETL) between systems using SQL tools such as SSIS.
- Perform various tasks relate to database programming and integration with 3rd party statistical packages such as SPSS and SAS.
Database programmer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 8% of Database Programmers are proficient in PL/SQL, Access Database, and Microsoft SQL Server. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Problem-solving skills, and Analytical skills.
We break down the percentage of Database Programmers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- PL/SQL, 8%
Managed, trained, and provided technical guidance to Oracle PL/SQL and Oracle Forms developers and followed progress through project completion.
- Access Database, 6%
Developed a stand-alone Access database application for forecasting environmental impacts of existing and future CalTrans road construction services.
- Microsoft SQL Server, 5%
Develop database applications in Access, MySQL and Microsoft SQL Server.
- SAS, 5%
Reduced monthly report creation time by 5 hours by automating the retrieval of SAS output using Visual Basic programming.
- Data Entry, 4%
Implement automatic calculations based on data entry or derived data.
- HTML, 3%
Designed and created a MySQL relational database using PHP and HTML to keep track of the charity's resources and contributors.
Common skills that a database programmer uses to do their job include "pl/sql," "access database," and "microsoft sql server." You can find details on the most important database programmer responsibilities below.
Communication skills. One of the key soft skills for a database programmer to have is communication skills. You can see how this relates to what database programmers do because "most database administrators work on teams and need to communicate effectively with developers, managers, and other workers." Additionally, a database programmer resume shows how database programmers use communication skills: "developed an oracle telecommunications data warehouse. "
Problem-solving skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling database programmer duties is problem-solving skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "when database problems arise, administrators must troubleshoot and correct the problems." According to a database programmer resume, here's how database programmers can utilize problem-solving skills in their job responsibilities: "developed knowledge based solutions for employees on database programming using java. "
Analytical skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of database programmers is analytical skills. This skill is critical to many everyday database programmer duties, as "dbas must monitor a database system’s performance to determine when action is needed." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "designed and programmed human resources attendance application and engineering quality control database using vba and microsoft access. "
Detail oriented. For certain database programmer responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "detail oriented." The day-to-day duties of a database programmer rely on this skill, as "working with databases requires an understanding of complex systems, in which a minor error can cause major problems." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what database programmers do: "created reports using visual fox pro 9.0, t-sql and html for the accounting department to analyze shipping costs and details. "
The three companies that hire the most database programmers are:
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Compare different database programmers
Database programmer vs. Systems developer
A Systems Developer is responsible for designing and creating software applications and server programs to support business requirements and client specifications. System Developers run multiple diagnostic tests to the systems to ensure performance and stability and revise scripts for optimization as needed. They also evaluate and improve existing networks, develop infrastructure, and set configuration. A Systems Developer must have excellent communication and technical skills, as well as a strong command of programming languages and system codes to identify network structures and operating systems.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between database programmers and systems developer. For instance, database programmer responsibilities require skills such as "access database," "microsoft sql server," "data entry," and "database design." Whereas a systems developer is skilled in "python," "sql server," "web application," and "application development." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Systems developers earn the highest salaries when working in the hospitality industry, with an average yearly salary of $106,498. On the other hand, database programmers are paid more in the pharmaceutical industry with an average salary of $88,973.On average, systems developers reach similar levels of education than database programmers. Systems developers are 1.4% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 1.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Database programmer vs. Database developer/database administrator
A database developer/database administrator specializes in designing and developing database programs and systems, maintaining and updating them regularly. They are in charge of understanding project needs and guidelines, establishing and implementing test systems to identify potential risks and issues, fixing and upgrading components, and storing data according to protocols. They may also produce and present reports to managers and participate in creating security and recovery plans to protect company data. Moreover, as a database developer/database administrator, it is vital to be proactive at dealing with issues while adhering to company standards.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that database programmer responsibilities requires skills like "access database," "sas," "data entry," and "clinical trials." But a database developer/database administrator might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "ssis packages," "database administration," "database development," and "application development."
Database developer/database administrators may earn a higher salary than database programmers, but database developer/database administrators earn the most pay in the finance industry with an average salary of $109,613. On the other hand, database programmers receive higher pay in the pharmaceutical industry, where they earn an average salary of $88,973.In general, database developer/database administrators achieve higher levels of education than database programmers. They're 5.6% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 1.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Database programmer vs. Consultant database administrator
Consultant database administrators maintain and monitor the health and security of the database systems used in different applications utilized by international offices. They create database management procedures including, backup programs, server maintenance, and program updates. These administrators also provide technical support for programs and design a disaster recovery protocol in case of a security breach. They are also in charge of creating accounts and assigning the security level of access for all the users in their network.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, database programmers are more likely to have skills like "access database," "data entry," "java," and "vba." But a consultant database administrator is more likely to have skills like "project management," "database administration," "disaster recovery," and "erp."
Consultants database administrator earn the best pay in the construction industry, where they command an average salary of $105,138. Database programmers earn the highest pay from the pharmaceutical industry, with an average salary of $88,973.When it comes to education, consultants database administrator tend to earn similar degree levels compared to database programmers. In fact, they're 2.2% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 1.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Database programmer vs. Programmer/analyst lead
Types of database programmer
Updated January 8, 2025
