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Database Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SQL DBA

Martinez, CA · On-site

$58.25 - $72.75/hr

Implements data models, database designs, data access, and code. Develop, test, analyze, and maintain software applications in support of business requirements. Day to day duties will include data ...

DATABASE DEVELOPER

Norco, CA · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Designing, coding, and debugging stored procedures, functions, packages, and triggers using PL/SQL. Performance Tuning: Analyzing SQL queries and optimizing database performance, indexing, and tuning ...

... designs against logical data models. • Defines data repository requirements, data dictionaries and warehousing requirements. • Optimizes database access and allocates/re-allocates database ...

Database Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Database Engineer Onsite in Foster City, CA | 5 days in office 40 hour work week but must be open ... Collaborate with application developers to optimize schema designs and SQL. Troubleshoot incidents ...

Database Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Database Engineer Onsite in Foster City, CA | 5 days in office 40 hour work week but must be open ... Collaborate with application developers to optimize schema designs and SQL. Troubleshoot incidents ...

Database Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Database Engineer Onsite in Foster City, CA | 5 days in office 40 hour work week but must be open ... schema designs and SQL. ● Troubleshoot incidents and provide timely resolution across ...

Database Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Database Engineer Onsite in Foster City, CA | 5 days in office 40 hour work week but must be open ... schema designs and SQL. ● Troubleshoot incidents and provide timely resolution across ...

Database Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Database Engineer Onsite in Foster City, CA 5 days in office 40 hour work week but must be open to ... schema designs and SQL. • Troubleshoot incidents and provide timely resolution across ...

Database Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Database Engineer Onsite in Foster City, CA 5 days in office 40 hour work week but must be open to ... schema designs and SQL. • Troubleshoot incidents and provide timely resolution across ...

SQL DBA

San Diego, CA · On-site

$53 - $66.25/hr

Designs, develops and maintains city databases hosted on various database servers that serve applications across all departments. * Troubleshoots database performance problems and provides solutions ...

Database Administrator

San Jose, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Experience designing and supporting backup, recovery, disaster recovery, and high-availability database environments. * Solid knowledge of SQL performance tuning and database optimization techniques.

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Database Designer information

See California salary details

$47

$63

$77

How much do database designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for database designer in California is $63.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57.16 and $70.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a database designer?

A database designer develops computer programs that store data and automate specific tasks. When beginning a project, database designers define the scope and establish the database parameters. Plans may include indexes and constraints that allow users or other designers to access the content easily and implement proper database administration protocols. Designers often work as part of large development teams that include software designers, information technology technicians, and other data scientists.

What does a database designer do?

A Database Designer is responsible for planning, creating, and managing the structure of databases that store and organize data for organizations. They analyze data requirements, design database models, and ensure that databases are efficient, secure, and scalable. Database Designers work closely with developers and system administrators to implement and maintain database systems that support business operations. Their work is essential for ensuring data integrity and supporting the performance of applications that rely on databases.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a database designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Database Designer, you need expertise in database modeling, SQL, and a strong understanding of data architecture principles, typically supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with relational database management systems (RDBMS) like Oracle, MySQL, or Microsoft SQL Server, and certifications such as Oracle Certified Professional or Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate are valuable. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with stakeholders and translate business requirements into efficient designs. These skills ensure that databases are robust, scalable, and aligned with organizational goals, which is critical for data integrity and business operations.

What are some common challenges database designers face when collaborating with software development teams?

Database designers often work closely with software developers to ensure that data structures align with application requirements. A common challenge is balancing optimal database performance with the flexibility developers need for evolving features. Communication is key, as misunderstandings about data relationships or normalization can lead to inefficient queries or data redundancy. Regular meetings, clear documentation, and the use of collaborative tools help bridge these gaps and result in a robust, scalable database design.

What is the difference between Database Designer vs Database Administrator?

AspectDatabase DesignerDatabase Administrator
Primary RoleDesigns database structures and schemasMaintains, secures, and optimizes databases
Skills & CertificationsData modeling, SQL, ER diagramsDatabase management, security, backup/recovery
Work EnvironmentDesign phase, project-basedOperational, ongoing management
Industry UsageUsed during initial database developmentUsed for daily database operations

While both roles work with databases, the Database Designer focuses on creating the structure and schema, whereas the Database Administrator manages and maintains the database systems on a daily basis. They often collaborate but serve different functions within database management.

Can I become a database designer with no experience?

Becoming a database designer typically requires knowledge of database management systems, data modeling, and SQL, which can be learned through self-study, online courses, or formal education. Entry-level positions may be available to those with strong analytical skills and a willingness to learn, but gaining experience through internships or certifications can improve job prospects.

What cities in California are hiring for Database Designer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Database Designer job openings:

Infographic showing various Database Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,409 per year, or $63.7 per hour.

Mainframe Database Administrator (DBA)

West Advanced Technologies (WATI)

Downey, CA • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Mainframe Database Administrator (DBA)
Downey, CA
12+ months

Position Description:
A Mainframe Systems Programmer/DBA is responsible for leading and/or supporting the most complex database upgrade projects, modification, installation, testing, implementation, maintenance and enhancements of new or existing system software products. This classification must plan, install, configure, test, implement and manage core database products, software products in support of the County's database architecture and business needs. Special organizational or functional industry position titles for Systems Programmer/DBA include, but are not limited to, DB2 Systems Programmer/DBA, IMS Systems Programmer/DBA and ADABAS/NATURAL Systems Programmer/DBA.
Skills Required:
The Mainframe Systems Programmer/DBA for Legacy Systems manages different types of databases, such as hierarchical (IMS), relational (DB2), and file-based (ADABAS), and is responsible for planning and upgrading the database environments on a County-established basis; verifying the health of all the databases; database administration technical consulting for application and operations teams for the purpose of project planning/development; maintenance on production database systems; performance of technical reviews for existing systems that utilize one of the following database management systems (DBMS): ADABAS, DB2 or IMS; performance of evaluations for the purposes of selecting new or fine-tuning existing DBMS software; consultation with project development teams to provide recommendations on database design; development of logical and physical database designs; creation of overviews of logical database designs; creation of physical databases; database capacity planning; development and use of backup and recovery procedures for databases; database performance monitoring; database space monitoring; database reorganizations; database replication; database compression and database partitioning. The following technology skill sets are required to perform in this classification. IBM: Z/OS, IMS, DB2, ADABAS, SMP/E, JCL, IMS DB/DC, CICS, ACF2, ASSEMBLER/COBOL/REXX, IBM FILE MANAGER, DELTA/IMS, NATURAL/ SUPERNAT, ENTIREX, CA SPOOL, IMS & DB2 BMC Tools, N20/TRIM.
This classification must have a minimum of seven (7) years of experience as a Systems Programming/ DBA, with at least three (3) years of that experience in a lead role.
This classification requires the possession of a bachelor's degree in an IT-related or engineering field.
Skills Preferred:
Z/OS 2.4,HCD/IODEF , Z13S,Z15,SMP/E, ASSEMBLER, JCL, COBOL,ACF2,SYSPLEX coupling facility,, HMC (Processor Interface), OSA (Networking Interface), ICC (Integrated Console Controller), FICON (Fiber connectivity to peripheral devices),z/OS Open System and Unix Systems Services (USS) on the Mainframe. ,CLIST, REXX,, FICON switch configuration and definition in HCD, Server Time Protocol (STP) configuration.
Z/OS upgrade experience, Mainframe hardware upgrade, HCD & HMC Experience, mainframe storage experience are preferred.
Regards
Naresh Damagalla
West Advanced Technologies, Inc
E: naresh.d@wati.com