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Database Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Guru Schools

Sr. Database Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$113K - $154K/yr

Irvine, CA- ONSITE Client is looking for a Sr. Database Engineer to be a technical authority and lead designer of our high-performance data environments. You are a "builder" who views databases as ...

ROHM Semiconductor

Database Developer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$33.50 - $43.50/hr

The successful candidate will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining database solutions and maintaining data governance. Daily duties will be focused on maintaining data ...

Saalex

Database Administrator III

San Diego, CA · On-site

$115K - $160K/yr

Salary: $115k-$160k (depending on experience) The Database Administrator III supports the Navy by designing, implementing, and maintaining enterprise database systems supporting global Live Virtual ...

Databricks

Staff Database Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$192K - $260K/yr

... designing next-gen UI/UX for interfacing with data to scaling our services and infrastructure ... Lakebase enables teams to deliver applications faster with an optimized database developer ...

Saalex

Database Administrator III

San Diego, CA · On-site

$115K - $160K/yr

Salary: $115k-$160k (depending on experience) The Database Administrator III supports the Navy by designing, implementing, and maintaining enterprise database systems supporting global Live Virtual ...

SmartFinancial

Senior DBA

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$160K - $175K/yr

Stabilize and Build Lead stabilization of existing database systems while designing and implementing new capabilities as the platform evolves. * Performance and Reliability Design schemas, optimize ...

SmartFinancial

Senior DBA

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$160K - $175K/yr

Stabilize and Build Lead stabilization of existing database systems while designing and implementing new capabilities as the platform evolves. * Performance and Reliability Design schemas, optimize ...

LendingClub

Sr Manager, Database Engineering

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$124K - $169K/yr

... designing, operating, and scaling high-volume OLTP systems in production environments • Strong working knowledge of AWS infrastructure and managed database services (e.g., RDS, EC2, VPC, IAM, S3 ...

SmartFinancial

Senior DBA

Newport Beach, CA

$160K - $175K/yr

Stabilize and Build Lead stabilization of existing database systems while designing and implementing new capabilities as the platform evolves. * Performance and Reliability Design schemas, optimize ...

Jobsbridge

Sr. DBA

San Ramon, CA

Experience developing requirements, designing, developing, building, and analyzing database management systems to include database modeling and design, relational database architecture, metadata and ...

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All JobsDatabase Designer JobsDatabase Designer Jobs in California

Database Designer information

See California salary details

$47

$63

$77

How much do database designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 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 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.

What does a database designer do?

A database designer creates and organizes the structure of databases to ensure efficient data storage, retrieval, and management. They analyze data requirements, develop data models, and use tools like SQL to implement the design, often collaborating with developers and stakeholders. Strong analytical skills and knowledge of database management systems are essential for this role.

Is DBA still in demand?

Database Administrators (DBAs) remain in demand due to the ongoing need for data management, security, and performance optimization in organizations. Skills in SQL, cloud platforms, and database tuning are highly valued, and many companies continue to hire DBAs to maintain critical systems.

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 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.

Can I become a DBA with no experience?

Becoming a database administrator (DBA) typically requires some experience with database management, SQL, and related tools. Entry-level positions may be available for those with strong technical skills, relevant certifications, and a solid understanding of database concepts, but most DBAs gain experience through roles such as database support or development first.

How much do database designers make?

Database designers typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in SQL, data modeling, and database management tools can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $120,000 annually.
More about Database Designer jobs
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Database Designer jobs near you

Sr. Database Engineer

Guru Schools

Irvine, CA • On-site

$113K - $154K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Overview:
Title: Sr.Database Engineer
Employment Type: C2C
Location: Irvine, CA- ONSITE
Client is looking for a Sr. Database Engineer to be a technical authority and lead designer of our high-performance data environments. You are a "builder" who views databases as code-equally skilled at deep SQL performance tuning as you are at building automated deployment pipelines for global-scale clusters.
You thrive on the challenge of high-stakes, large-scale data systems. As a key client-facing expert, you will guide our clients away from legacy "babysitting" models toward modern, self-healing, cloud-native database architectures on AWS.
What You'll Do
  • Architect Scalable Data Systems: Design and oversee the implementation of enterprise-scale relational (RDS, Aurora) and NoSQL (DynamoDB, DocumentDB) database architectures.
  • Engineer Database Automation: Develop "Database-as-Code" using Terraform or CloudFormation to automate provisioning, scaling, and recovery processes across multi-region environments.
  • Optimize for Performance: Act as the final authority on complex performance tuning, including query optimization, indexing strategies, and hardware-level bottleneck analysis.
  • Modernize for AI: Design and implement specialized data storage solutions, such as vector databases (Amazon OpenSearch, pgvector), to support Generative AI and RAG-based applications.
  • Set the Standards: Define and enforce best practices for data modeling, security (encryption at rest/transit), and high-availability/disaster recovery (RPO/RTO) across the practice.
  • Lead & Mentor: Act as a technical mentor for junior engineers, leading deep-dive design reviews and fostering a culture of operational excellence.

What You Bring (Requirements)
  • Professional Experience: 8-12+ years in database administration or engineering, with at least 4+ years in a Senior Engineering role focusing on cloud environments.
  • AWS Database Mastery: Expert-level knowledge of the AWS database ecosystem (Aurora, RDS, DynamoDB, Redshift).
  • Coding & Scripting: Proven mastery of Python and Advanced SQL for automation and sophisticated data manipulation.
  • Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Deep experience with Terraform or AWS CDK to manage database infrastructure.
  • Data Modeling: Expert-level understanding of both relational and non-relational data modeling techniques.
  • Client-Facing Excellence: Exceptional skills in leading technical workshops and translating ambiguous business needs into high-performance technical designs.
  • Startup Mentality: A "builder" mindset with a focus on impact, ownership, and the agility to solve "unsolvable" technical challenges.

Bonus Points (Nice-to-Haves)
  • Certifications: AWS Certified Database - Specialty or AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional.
  • AI/ML Fluency: Experience with vector databases and preparing data pipelines for LLM integration.
  • Consulting Background: Experience in a Professional Services or global consulting environment.

Skills:
Engineering Data Management,Cloud Development

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