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What does a senior database developer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
8 min read

Senior database developers are responsible for supporting various business intelligence and performing data evaluation activities to seize data requirements distinctly, accurately, and completely. They collaborate with a wide range of customers, including senior-level executives and reporting developers. Also, they often perform in the early stages of the software lifecycle to outline data and to design the theoretical, logical, and physical data model blueprint with suitable structure and relationships for maximum performance. Additionally, they work in a rapid environment that creates, executes, and maintains mission analytical information systems for the data warehouse community, ensuring the long-term reliability, flexibility, and sustainability of the systems.

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Senior database developer responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real senior database developer resumes:

  • Complete continuous improvement projects to further automate, fix issues and increase efficiency across database, ETL and business line processing.
  • Involve in DBA responsibilities such as managing users and permissions, creating audit triggers, and overlook the daily back up.
  • Major focus on SQL and PL/SQL application development using packages, store procedures, functions, triggers and views.
  • Provide back end support to the Java base applications with huge and complex data.
  • Implement design changes to store procedures, packages, UNIX shell scripts and job scheduling.
  • Create UNIX shell scripts and external tables to upload data into database tables for processing.
  • Develop web-based dashboards using HTML and CSS to track various metrics of specific business programs.
  • Develop SSIS packages to import clients' data files and transform data between different systems.
  • Create PL/SQL procedure and packages that will be used in the new processing and report base on the business requirement.
  • Test several data validation graphs develop in SSIS environment.
  • Design specifications for migrating PB application into JAVA web base application.
  • Created/Developed/Maintain the stored procedures, triggers to interpret complex business rules.
  • Create advanced SpotFire dashboards using JavaScript controls to gather user input information.
  • Leverage existing share development for maintaining/rebuilding database indexes and statistics and db integrity checks.
  • Demonstrate solid commitment to excellence by resolving urgent UAT blockers and eliminating data corruptions and system issues.

Senior database developer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 8% of Senior Database Developers are proficient in ETL, Database Development, and Java. They’re also known for soft skills such as Creativity, Analytical skills, and Communication skills.

We break down the percentage of Senior Database Developers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • ETL, 8%

    Developed and tested ETL Solutions using SAP DataServices

  • Database Development, 5%

    Ensured timely and accurate completion of all database development and data management projects.

  • Java, 5%

    Design specifications for migrating PB application into JAVA web based application.

  • Data Warehouse, 5%

    Created data warehouse by replicating data and then transforming it into usable information.

  • PL/SQL, 4%

    Developed advance PL/SQL packages, procedures, triggers, functions, Indexes and Collections to implement business logic using SQL Navigator.

  • Database Design, 4%

    Analyzed the existing Power Builder application and database design to understand and define the functionality required for new development.

Most senior database developers use their skills in "etl," "database development," and "java" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential senior database developer responsibilities here:

Creativity. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a senior database developer to have is creativity. Their role and responsibilities require that "developers are the creative minds behind new computer software." Senior database developers often use creativity in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "designed datamart warehouse etl ssis packages, provided data inventory. "

Analytical skills. Many senior database developer duties rely on analytical skills. "developers must analyze users’ needs and then design software to meet those needs.," so a senior database developer will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways senior database developer responsibilities rely on analytical skills: "monitored database performance and identifying poorly performing processes and made enhancements as needed. "

Communication skills. This is an important skill for senior database developers to perform their duties. For an example of how senior 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 senior database developer: "processed and data warehousing for incoming billing services data under gsa for telecommunications system. ".

Detail oriented. A big part of what senior database developers do relies on "detail oriented." You can see how essential it is to senior 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 senior database developer tasks: "created bi reports using oracle report builder functionalities like cross tab, master/detail and matrix. "

Problem-solving skills. A commonly-found skill in senior database developer job descriptions, "problem-solving skills" is essential to what senior database developers do. Senior 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 senior database developer duties rely on problem-solving skills in this resume example: "implemented oracle s bi (business intelligence) tool to provide a reporting solution through the use of operational dashboards. "

All senior database developer skills

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Compare different senior database developers

Senior database developer vs. Developer analyst

A developer analyst is an individual who is responsible for building application requirements and develops database solutions that allow operational efficiency and user-friendly tools. Developer analysts are required to develop a detailed definition of business solutions that can include database design, data flow, and transaction processing requirements. They work with other teams to design and implement a web application that manages internal processes and can result in increased productivity. Developer analysts are also required to perform integration tests for various vendors for services that are according to business requirements and testing processes.

If we compare the average senior database developer annual salary with that of a developer analyst, we find that developer analysts typically earn a $23,280 lower salary than senior database developers make annually.While the two careers have a salary gap, they share some of the same responsibilities. Employees in both senior database developer and developer analyst positions are skilled in etl, java, and data warehouse.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between senior database developers and developer analyst. For instance, senior database developer responsibilities require skills such as "database development," "c #," "database design," and "microsoft sql server." Whereas a developer analyst is skilled in "c++," "eclipse," "sql server," and "architecture." This is part of what separates the two careers.

Developer analysts earn the highest salaries when working in the finance industry, with an average yearly salary of $99,277. On the other hand, senior database developers are paid more in the finance industry with an average salary of $114,171.On average, developer analysts reach lower levels of education than senior database developers. Developer analysts are 7.1% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Senior database developer vs. Database analyst

A database analyst is primarily responsible for devising strategies on how to handle a company's collection of data and information. Typically, they are in charge of designing and implementing databases, evaluating existing ones, and providing recommendations for improvement. They are also responsible for testing, populating, and maintaining databases, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. Furthermore, as a database analyst, it is essential to adhere to the company's policies and regulations, all while coordinating with other administrators to make sure that all processes align with the company's goals.

A career as a database analyst brings a lower average salary when compared to the average annual salary of a senior database developer. In fact, database analysts salary is $22,899 lower than the salary of senior database developers per year.While the salary may differ for these jobs, they share a few skills needed to perform their duties. Based on resume data, both senior database developers and database analysts have skills such as "etl," "database development," and "java. "

Each career also uses different skills, according to real senior database developer resumes. While senior database developer responsibilities can utilize skills like "technical specifications," "ssis packages," "scrum," and "informatica," database analysts use skills like "database management," "data collection," "data integrity," and "ssis."

Database analysts may earn a lower salary than senior database developers, but database analysts earn the most pay in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $94,516. On the other hand, senior database developers receive higher pay in the finance industry, where they earn an average salary of $114,171.database analysts earn lower levels of education than senior database developers in general. They're 10.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Senior database developer vs. Etl developer

An ETL developer is responsible for managing data storage systems to secure the organization's data and files for daily operations efficiency. ETL developers perform multiple system testing to ensure the system's accuracy, perform coding adjustments, and troubleshoot for any defects and inconsistencies. They work closely with other development teams to design storage functions to optimize solutions. An ETL developer must have extensive knowledge of the technology industry and a strong command of programming languages to develop an accurate and operational database.

On average, etl developers earn lower salaries than senior database developers, with a $16,140 difference per year.Using the responsibilities included on senior database developers and etl developers resumes, we found that both professions have similar skill requirements, such as "java," "data warehouse," and "pl/sql.rdquo;

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, senior database developers are more likely to have skills like "etl," "database development," "c #," and "database design." But a etl developer is more likely to have skills like "sql server," "informatica powercenter," "informatica workflow," and "data lake."

Etl developers make a very good living in the health care industry with an average annual salary of $102,797. On the other hand, senior database developers are paid the highest salary in the finance industry, with average annual pay of $114,171.etl developers typically earn similar educational levels compared to senior database developers. Specifically, they're 2.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.4% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Senior database developer vs. Pl/sql developer

A PL/SQL developer is responsible for managing and designing the network interface of PL/SQL packages according to business requirements and core specifications. PL/SQL developers must have excellent knowledge of technical solutions to create efficient databases and applications with optimal infrastructure and excellent navigation. They conduct multiple quality assessments to ensure the stability of systems before releasing the final outputs, including the development of instructional manuals and troubleshooting guides. A PL/SQL developer also enhance the features of existing packages and resolve possible downtimes and delays.

Pl/sql developers tend to earn a lower pay than senior database developers by an average of $19,395 per year.While both senior database developers and pl/sql developers complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like etl, java, and data warehouse, the two careers vary in some skills.While some skills are required in each professionacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities, there are some differences to note. "database development," "c #," "ssrs," and "microsoft sql server" are skills that commonly show up on senior database developer resumes. On the other hand, pl/sql developers use skills like sql navigator, pl/sql packages, sql scripts, and sql server on their resumes.In general, pl/sql developers earn the most working in the finance industry, with an average salary of $98,883. The highest-paying industry for a senior database developer is the finance industry.In general, pl/sql developers hold similar degree levels compared to senior database developers. Pl/sql developers are 2.6% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.3% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of senior database developer

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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