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Database Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Description TEKsystems is looking for a database engineer for a full time role with one of our clients located in the western suburbs of Chicago. This role needs someone with Azure Automation ...

Database Engineer

Oakbrook Terrace, IL · Hybrid

$100K - $114K/yr

Description TEKsystems is looking for a database engineer for a full time role with one of our clients located in the western suburbs of Chicago. This role needs someone with Azure Automation ...

Database Engineer/DBA

Oakbrook Terrace, IL · Hybrid

$100K - $114K/yr

Description TEKsystems is looking for a database engineer for a full time role with one of our clients located in the western suburbs of Chicago. This role needs someone with Azure Automation ...

As an Azure SQL Database Engineer you will be responsible for deployment, migration, implementation, and administration of databases and support of all database environments and related applications ...

Senior Database Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$113K - $177K/yr

Senior Database Engineer will work closely with a multidisciplinary Agile team to build high quality data pipelines driving analytic solutions. These solutions will generate insights from the ...

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 ...

Sr Cloud Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$137K - $205K/yr

The Senior Cloud Database Engineer will work closely with a team of database product specialists and help enhance our product portfolio of database products on the AWS platform with a core focus on ...

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Showing results 1-20

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 Jun 9, 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.

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:
Infographic showing various Database Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,793 per year, or $60.5 per hour.

Other

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

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 development skills and hands-on administration of Microsoft SQL Server and Azure SQL environments.
  • Develop, configure, and support database architectures that meet operational requirements, application functionality, and organizational data standards.
  • Monitor database environments to ensure optimal performance, quickly troubleshoot issues, and maintain system stability, uptime, and data accuracy.
  • Establish and maintain database security measures to safeguard confidential information and minimize potential vulnerabilities or unauthorized access.
  • Manage backup processes and support disaster recovery planning by testing and maintaining reliable recovery and restoration procedures.
  • Produce and maintain detailed technical documentation related to database configurations, processes, architecture, and performance reporting.
  • Utilize analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities to investigate and resolve complex database and system issues.
  • Work collaboratively with software developers and technical teams to enhance database performance and support application integrations.
  • Build and manage scalable data pipelines for collecting, transforming, and processing data from diverse sources while maintaining efficient data structures and schemas.
  • Partner with business stakeholders, analysts, and data science teams to translate business needs into practical and scalable technical solutions.
  • Maintain high standards for data governance by implementing validation, monitoring, and testing practices that ensure data quality and integrity.
  • Coordinate with infrastructure and IT operations teams to oversee cloud-based database services and data processing platforms.
  • Apply best practices in relational database management, data modeling, and database optimization techniques.
  • Support database release management activities, including deployments and environment promotions across production and non-production systems in alignment with SLA requirements.
  • Keep up to date with evolving technologies, trends, and industry standards related to database administration and data engineering.
  • Contribute to additional projects and responsibilities as needed to support departmental and organizational goals.
  • 3–5 years of practical experience supporting and managing relational database management systems in enterprise environments.
  • At least 2 years of hands-on experience working with Microsoft Azure technologies, including Azure SQL, Managed Instances, Azure Automation, Logic Apps, Azure Synapse, and Azure Data Factory.
  • Strong background in SQL and T-SQL development with experience in performance optimization, transactional replication, auditing, and remediation of compliance or security vulnerabilities.
  • Proven experience designing, developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting scalable data pipelines and data integration processes.
  • Two or more years of experience across data management disciplines, including data integration, data modeling, data optimization, data quality, archiving, and data purging.
  • Experience implementing CI/CD pipelines in cloud environments using DevOps tools such as Git and GitHub.
  • Proficiency in database diagnostic and performance tools, including SQL Profiler and SQL Dynamic Management Views (DMVs).
  • Experience creating logical and physical data models using industry-standard data modeling tools.
  • Proficiency with development and database tools such as Visual Studio 2022 or later, SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), and Visual Studio Code.
  • Must be available to participate in a rotating 24x7 on-call schedule to support production systems.