How to hire an sql developer

How to hire an sql developer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step sql developer hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write an sql developer job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new sql developer
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does an sql developer do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring an sql developer, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   An sql developer's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, sql 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.

   The following list breaks down different types of sql developers and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of SQL Developer	Description	Hourly rate
   SQL 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	$33-53
   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... Show more	$29-58
   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

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Database Objects
   • T-SQL
   • SSRS
   • ETL
   • SQL Server Analysis
   • Java
   • Ssis Packages
   • JavaScript
   • Power Bi
   • Microsoft SQL Server
   • Windows Server
   • Data Analysis
   • BI
   • Data Warehouse

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage migration of SQL 2005 databases to SQL 2008 R2.
   • Work with dynamic T-SQL queries, DDL, DML statements for creating objects, making updates and managing user permissions.
   • Coordinate with DBA in creating and managing table, indexes, table spaces, triggers, db links and privileges.
   • Used subversion tools, SVN version management to manage various versions of the procedures and functions for of the application.
   • Achieve significant performance improvement in reducing response time of queries by rewriting and tuning SQL statements embed in PhP code.
   • Involve in DBA responsibilities such as managing users and permissions, creating audit triggers, and overlook the daily back up.

   More sql developer duties

3. Make a budget

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

   $88,505yearly

   $42.55 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level sql developer salary

   $70,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 14, 2025

   Average sql developer salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$107,237	$52
   2	Washington	$104,055	$50
   3	New York	$96,033	$46
   4	District of Columbia	$95,601	$46
   5	Massachusetts	$94,040	$45
   6	New Jersey	$93,473	$45
   7	Maryland	$92,053	$44
   8	Pennsylvania	$92,035	$44
   9	South Carolina	$91,091	$44
   10	Texas	$89,926	$43
   11	Virginia	$87,725	$42
   12	Arizona	$87,533	$42
   13	North Carolina	$86,936	$42
   14	Illinois	$84,607	$41
   15	Florida	$84,392	$41
   16	Georgia	$83,900	$40
   17	Minnesota	$83,713	$40
   18	Tennessee	$80,411	$39
   19	Michigan	$80,085	$39
   20	Iowa	$79,856	$38

   Average sql developer salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Meta	$124,608	$59.91	8
   2	HumanEdge	$105,673	$50.80
   3	Kelly Services	$104,804	$50.39	3
   4	SEI Investments	$104,094	$50.05
   5	Janney Montgomery Scott	$103,909	$49.96
   6	BMO Capital Markets	$103,811	$49.91	5
   7	TEKsystems	$102,656	$49.35	37
   8	The Carlyle Group	$101,442	$48.77	1
   9	Isthmus	$101,137	$48.62
   10	DaVita Kidney Care	$100,781	$48.45	3
   11	Creative Financial Staffing	$99,753	$47.96
   12	Ability Commerce	$99,670	$47.92
   13	Teladoc	$99,449	$47.81
   14	Ukpeagvik IOoOupiat Corporation	$98,605	$47.41	8
   15	Kemper	$98,508	$47.36	17
   16	ICONMA	$98,462	$47.34	3
   17	Populus Group	$97,729	$46.99
   18	Health Advocates	$97,152	$46.71
   19	Luth Research	$97,011	$46.64
   20	Aerotek	$96,950	$46.61

4. Writing an sql developer job description

   An sql 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. To help get you started, here's an example of an sql developer job description:

   Sql developer job description example

   Computer Technologies Consultants (CTC) is seeking a SQL Developer Lead to support our clients team in Washington, DC. This position is hybrid.
   
   With offices in Washington DC and San Diego, CA, CTC is a leading technology company providing lifecycle IT, data analytics, cloud managed hosting services, agile software development, DevOps, Test Automation, Cyber Security, and infrastructure solutions. Additionally, we provide Professional Talent Acquisition Services as we proudly support the unique needs of U.S. Defense, Intelligence, and Federal Civilian agencies as well as Fortune 1000 companies.
   
   Got the Government Contractor Blues? Looking for a company that cares and goes beyond just filling another contract billet? Well look no further! Experience this family-oriented company who takes pride in you and will help you grow where your passions lie. Holding many Defense & Federal government contracts around the globe, with our client you have the opportunity to take on new and evolving challenges, aim beyond what you think you are capable of and work in collaborative, dynamic, and high-tempo environments. Our clients employees are their most valued asset and they invest in their people because they are in it for the long term. They are committed to your success and well-being and offer competitive benefits packages, salaries, bonus/award programs, and a high potential for professional growth and job opportunities world-wide.
   Why Should You Be Interested ? Direct hire full-time position Competitive base salary and comprehensive benefits Mid-size company with room for growth
   Position Title : SQL Developer Lead Position Location : This position is currently remote and onsite and Washington, DC
   Daily Responsibilities : Performs requirement analysis, data design, database structural changes, and implements complex SQL and PL/SQL code based on high level customer requirements to develop queries and reports from Oracle SQL Developer tool. Advanced level experience converting requirements into SQL code, developing test cases and scripts, supporting UAT and production support. Identify specific fields in Data Warehouse from which to pull data. Where current data exists outside of Data Warehouse, add fields to Agency Data Warehouse to house pertinent data. Aggregate data from offline sources, clean data, and put in format for upload to Data Warehouse. Upload data to newly created fields in Data Warehouse Experience with data load automation, Python, Unix Shell, Batch files. Experience using Excel to create test reports, automate testing, Excel formulas, macros, filters. Experience with reporting tools like Tableau, MicroStrategy, Power BI. Ability to work independently in small team environment, manage tasks assigned, and complete assignments on time. Experience in Agile methodology, user stories, story board, JIRA, source control tools
   Required Years of Experience (min) : 5-7 years related experience
   Required Degree/Certifications : Bachelors Degree or equivalent (5 years additional experience)
   Required Experience : 5-7 years working in Oracle PL/SQL environment
   Required Clearance : Public Trust

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right sql developer for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your sql developer job on Zippia to find and attract quality sql developer candidates.
   • Use niche websites such as dice, engineering.com, stack overflow, it job pro.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit sql developers, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   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.

   While interviews are great, you will only sometimes learn enough from a conversation with an sql developer applicant. In those cases, having candidates complete a test project can go a long way in figuring out who's the most likely to succeed in the role. If you aren't a technical person and don't know how to design an appropriate test, you can ask someone else on the team to create it or take a look at these websites to get a few ideas:

   • 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 sql developer

   Once you've selected the best sql developer candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the 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.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new sql developer. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

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 an sql developer?