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Database Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Database Engineer

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

This is primarily a sql database engineer but you will also need to have some experience doing DBA work: * Leverage advanced knowledge of relational database systems, including strong T-SQL ...

Joint Commission

Database Engineer

Villa Park, IL

$89K - $114K/yr

Stay current with emerging database technologies, industry trends, and best practices in database and data engineering. * Perform additional duties and responsibilities as required to support team ...

Joint Commission

Database Engineer

Villa Park, IL · On-site

$89K - $114K/yr

Stay current with emerging database technologies, industry trends, and best practices in database and data engineering. * Perform additional duties and responsibilities as required to support team ...

Ametek

Database Engineer

Mount Prospect, IL · On-site

We're expanding our software organization and seeking a Database Engineer who is passionate about building reliable, highperformance systems that power missioncritical healthcare applications. As a ...

Ametek

Database Engineer

Mount Prospect, IL · On-site

We're expanding our software organization and seeking a Database Engineer who is passionate about building reliable, high-performance systems that power mission-critical healthcare applications. As a ...

Atria Group LLC

Database Developer

Vernon Hills, IL

We provide these services in multiple computing environments and use technologies such as client/server architecture, object-oriented programming languages and tools, distributed database management ...

Metropolis

Senior Data Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$109K - $148K/yr

Required : • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a relevant technical field • 5+ years of experience in data engineering, database engineering, business intelligence ...

Cna

Senior Data AI Engineer

Chicago, IL

$109K - $148K/yr

The engineer works across structured and unstructured data domains - including documents, images ... Design and implement vector databases, embedding pipelines, and knowledge graph structures that ...

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All JobsDatabase Engineer JobsDatabase Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Database Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$62.3K

$125.8K

$172.6K

How much do database engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for database engineer in Chicago, IL is $125,793.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,500.00 and $144,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Database Engineer?

As a database engineer, you work to develop and maintain data solutions and information systems for a company in any industry that requires processing and storage of large amounts of information, including healthcare providers or financial service firms. Because you often deal with sensitive data, you must be familiar with appropriate data protection and encryption processes, as well as relevant regulatory frameworks like HIPAA.

What does a Database Engineer do?

A Database Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining databases that store and organize data for organizations. They ensure that databases are reliable, secure, and optimized for performance. Their duties often include developing database architecture, writing scripts to automate tasks, troubleshooting issues, and collaborating with other IT professionals. Database Engineers play a key role in managing large volumes of data and supporting business operations through data integrity and availability.

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

To thrive as a Database Engineer, you need expertise in database design, management, and optimization, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Proficiency with database platforms like MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, or SQL Server, as well as experience with tools such as SQL, ETL processes, and relevant certifications (e.g., Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate) are typical requirements. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate with developers and stakeholders. These skills are crucial for ensuring data integrity, system performance, and supporting business operations through reliable data management.

What are some common challenges faced by Database Engineers when working with large-scale databases?

Database Engineers working with large-scale databases often encounter challenges such as optimizing query performance, ensuring data consistency across distributed systems, and managing database scalability as data volumes grow. They also need to implement robust backup and recovery solutions to minimize downtime in case of failures. Collaborating closely with application developers and system administrators is essential to address these challenges and maintain database reliability and security.

What is the difference between Database Engineer vs Database Administrator?

AspectDatabase EngineerDatabase Administrator
Primary RoleDesigns, develops, and implements database systems and solutionsMaintains, monitors, and manages existing databases for performance and security
Skills & CertificationsSQL, database design, scripting, certifications like Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator AssociateSQL, backup and recovery, security, certifications like Oracle Certified Professional
Work EnvironmentOften involved in development teams, working on new database solutionsTypically in operations teams, ensuring database stability and performance
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, finance, healthcare, where database design is neededOrganizations requiring ongoing database management and support

While both roles work with databases, Database Engineers focus on designing and building new database systems, whereas Database Administrators manage and maintain existing databases to ensure optimal performance and security.

More about Database Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Database Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Database Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Database Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Database Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Database Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Database Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Database Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Database Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,793 per year, or $60.5 per hour.