How To Become An SQL Server Developer: What It Is and Career Path

What is an sql server developer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

5 min read

An SQL server developer specializes in creating and managing databases using Microsoft SQL Server. They design, develop, and maintain databases, ensuring data accuracy, security, and performance. SQL Server developers write complex queries, stored procedures, triggers, and functions. They work with database administrators, software developers, and IT professionals. SQL Server developers troubleshoot issues, provide technical support, and perform regular backups and maintenance. Their skills are in high demand in finance, healthcare, education, and e-commerce.

ScoreSQL Server DeveloperUS Average

Salary

7.0

Avg. Salary $90,179

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

4.0

Growth rate 21%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

4.0

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.17%

Asian 32.76%

Black or African American 4.52%

Hispanic or Latino 8.27%

Unknown 4.82%

White 49.46%

Gender

female 27.46%

male 72.54%

Age - 38

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 - 38

Stress level

4.0

Stress level is moderate

7.1 - high

Complexity level

7.9

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

6.6

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being an sql server developer?

Pros

High demand for SQL skills in the job market
Good salary and benefits
Possibility of remote work or flexible schedule
Opportunity for career growth and advancement
Potential for job stability and security

Cons

May require working outside normal business hours for maintenance or upgrades
Sitting for long periods of time can lead to health issues
May require working with large amounts of data, which can be overwhelming
Risk of burnout due to high workload and stress levels
Can be isolating, as much of the work is done independently or remotely

Key steps to become an sql server developer

Explore sql server developer education requirements

Most common sql server developer degrees

Bachelor's

71.8 %

Master's

22.8 %

Associate

3.0 %

Start to develop specific sql server developer skills

Skills	Percentages
Database Objects	9.73%
SQL Server Analysis	7.25%
SSRS	7.16%
Ssis Packages	7.02%
T-SQL	6.83%

Complete relevant sql server developer training and internships

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

Research sql server developer duties and responsibilities

Work with dynamic T-SQL queries, DDL, DML statements for creating objects, making updates and managing user permissions.
Log various SSIS packages as well as individual tasks to text and XML file formats for later debugging and review.
Design the data warehouse schema and optimize the existing reporting for the trading re-conciliation and compliance system
Used database consistency checks using DBCC utilities.

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When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your sql server developer resume.

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