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Database Designer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

SQL DBA

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$51.50 - $64.50/hr

Provide top-notch Solution Architecture and guidance throughout projects, from the creation of database designs to the final delivery, ensuring quality and excellence. * Uphold and promote ITIL ...

SQL DBA

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K - $150K/yr

Provide top-notch Solution Architecture and guidance throughout projects, from the creation of database designs to the final delivery, ensuring quality and excellence. * Uphold and promote ITIL ...

Designing, developing, and implementing data lakes and relational and non-relational databases in Az (3+ yrs) Required Education Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field Required Skills and ...

Primary Purpose The Database Administrator designs, administers and maintains enterprise database systems, including Oracle, SQL Server, DB2, MySQL and/or Progress. Works with development and ...

Company Description The Aparecio Foundation is a nonprofit organization that was designed as an ... The Database Coordinator position will be responsible for creating and maintaining a library ...

Company Description The Aparecio Foundation is a nonprofit organization that was designed as an ... The Database Coordinator position will be responsible for creating and maintaining a library ...

Proven experience designing, developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting scalable data pipelines ... Proficiency in database diagnostic and performance tools, including SQL Profiler and SQL Dynamic ...

Performs database promotions to all servers per Service Level Agreements. Provides necessary ... Two or more years of experience designing, building, maintaining, optimizing, and troubleshooting ...

Database Engineer

Villa Park, IL · On-site

$89K - $114K/yr

Performs database promotions to all servers per Service Level Agreements. Provides necessary ... Two or more years of experience designing, building, maintaining, optimizing, and troubleshooting ...

Kemper is seeking an SQL Server DBA. This Database Administrator (DBA) is a principal-level ... Designs, installs, configures, upgrades, patches, and maintains enterprise Microsoft SQL Server ...

This position develops, tests, executes and documents database SQL programs for use in supporting ... Experience in designing and developing high volume transaction based systems required * Experience ...

Kemper is seeking an SQL Server DBA. This Database Administrator (DBA) is a principal-level ... Designs, installs, configures, upgrades, patches, and maintains enterprise Microsoft SQL Server ...

Sr. Database Administrator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51.25 - $70.50/hr

Maintain database configurations and designs * Implementation/Support of databases, storage structures, replication, Hyperscale, Clusters, logical partitioning, and disaster recovery solutions.

Sr. Database Administrator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51.25 - $70.50/hr

Maintain database configurations and designs * Implementation/Support of databases, storage structures, replication, Hyperscale, Clusters, logical partitioning, and disaster recovery solutions.

Exadata Oracle DBA

Chicago, IL

$52.25 - $71/hr

Knowledge of Linux, UNIX Solaris 8, 10 The individual should have previous experience with all aspects of designing/implementing Exadata solutions Experienced on migrating existing Oracle databases ...

Experience designing and implementing Relational, Star and Snowflake schemas. Advanced SQL skills. At least 5 years' experience managing database, web and application servers on Red Hat/CentOS Linux ...

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Database Designer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$50

$66

$81

How much do database designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for database designer in Chicago, IL is $66.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59.71 and $73.61 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 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 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 job categories do people searching Database Designer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Database Designer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Database Designer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $138,320 per year, or $66.5 per hour.

Database Administrator (DB2 UDB/LUW)

MDAEdge

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
MDAEdge is a company focused on database management solutions, and they are seeking a Database Administrator specialized in DB2 UDB/LUW. The role involves optimizing database designs, supporting application development, and ensuring data management and performance tuning.
Responsibilities:
• Responsibility for constructing and/or optimizing physical database designs tailored for the DB2 UDB/LUW database environment in support of various strategic application development initiatives (database/table/object/index/view/trigger/package/procedure etc).
• Supporting application development timelines by reviewing and assisting in the implementation of designs and/or incremental changes to database definitions.
• Design & development Services - Physical database design and creation, partitioning, capacity planning, DDL creation update etc., view design and creation, stored procedure, trigger and query coding and tuning
• Data Services - Data replication, reporting, adhoc query support, data correction, CDC/IIDR change tracking
• Performance and Tuning Services - Performance Profile baseline, database tuning, index reviews, query tuning.
• Data backup & management services – Backup requirements, backup plan, recovery plan, disaster recovery backup plan, data archiving & purge, utilities and SSIS support, reorganization strategy and maintenance plan
• Database and OS Upgrade Services - Transition to different DBMS or operating system, support upgrade-related issues per application
• Security Services - Non-standard Security role setup
• HOTS turnover plan
• Database connectivity support activities
• Undertaking the planning and carrying out of system upgrade initiatives and database recovery actions as required and generally contributing toward the overall online availability goals of the organization.
• Perform feasibility studies and cost estimates in response to user requests.
• Query performance monitoring, tuning and recommendation.
• Position requires the individual to carry a cell phone and be available at all times.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Responsibility for constructing and/or optimizing physical database designs tailored for the DB2 UDB/LUW database environment in support of various strategic application development initiatives (database/table/object/index/view/trigger/package/procedure etc).
• Supporting application development timelines by reviewing and assisting in the implementation of designs and/or incremental changes to database definitions.
• Design & development Services - Physical database design and creation, partitioning, capacity planning, DDL creation update etc., view design and creation, stored procedure, trigger and query coding and tuning.
• Data Services - Data replication, reporting, adhoc query support, data correction, CDC/IIDR change tracking.
• Performance and Tuning Services - Performance Profile baseline, database tuning, index reviews, query tuning.
• Data backup & management services – Backup requirements, backup plan, recovery plan, disaster recovery backup plan, data archiving & purge, utilities and SSIS support, reorganization strategy and maintenance plan.
• Database and OS Upgrade Services - Transition to different DBMS or operating system, support upgrade-related issues per application.
• Security Services - Non-standard Security role setup.
• HOTS turnover plan.
• Database connectivity support activities.
• Undertaking the planning and carrying out of system upgrade initiatives and database recovery actions as required and generally contributing toward the overall online availability goals of the organization.
• Perform feasibility studies and cost estimates in response to user requests.
• Query performance monitoring, tuning and recommendation.
• Position requires the individual to carry a cell phone and be available at all times.
Company:
The world doesn't have a talent shortage. It has a talent alignment problem. MDA Edge exists to fix that. Founded in , the company is headquartered in Sheridan, WY, US, , with a team of 51-200 employees. The company is currently Growth Stage.