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Database Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary : 1872 Consulting is seeking a Database Engineer to join their Engineering Team. The role involves ensuring the performance, availability, and security of PostgreSQL instances ...

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

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

This is primarily a SQL database engineer position, 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 ...

Regularly mentor or coach one or more junior database engineers * Design standalone systems of moderate complexity, or major new features in existing systems * Perform code reviews and provides ...

Database Engineer

Mount Prospect, IL · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

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.

Oracle Database Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$57K - $113K/yr

The Oracle Database Engineer troubleshoots problems that involve trade-offs between budget, schedule and quality/performance of the service.They articulate the business value and impact of technical ...

Oracle Database Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$57K - $113K/yr

The Oracle Database Engineer troubleshoots problems that involve trade-offs between budget, schedule and quality/performance of the service. They articulate the business value and impact of technical ...

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Database Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$62.4K

$125.9K

$172.7K

How much do database engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for database engineer in Chicago, IL is $125,888.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,600.00 and $144,300.00 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?

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.

Are database engineers in demand?

Database engineers are in high demand due to the increasing reliance on data management and storage across industries. They often require skills in SQL, database design, and familiarity with tools like Oracle, MySQL, or PostgreSQL, making their expertise valuable in many organizations. The role is expected to grow as data-driven decision-making becomes more critical.

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 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:

Infographic showing various Database Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,888 per year, or $60.5 per hour.

Database Engineer

Chicago, IL • On-site

1872 Consulting
IT Services • 11 - 50 employees

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
1872 Consulting is seeking a Database Engineer to join their Engineering Team. The role involves ensuring the performance, availability, and security of PostgreSQL instances, orchestrating upgrades, backups, and provisioning of database instances, and collaborating with various teams to drive insights with data.
Responsibilities:
• Ensure performance, security, and availability of databases
• Handle common database procedures, such as upgrade, backup, recovery, migration, etc.
• Profile server resource usage, optimize and tweak as necessary
• Work with Data Scientists, Software Engineers, and various business groups to implement solutions using an iterative approach.
• Troubleshooting performance issues.
• Develop simple automation scripts to streamline common database procedures
Qualifications:
Required:
• Strong proficiency in MySQL and PostgreSQL database management
• Experience with replication configuration in MySQL and PostgreSQL
• Knowledge of de-facto standards and best practices in MySQL and PostgreSQL
• Proficient in writing and optimizing SQL statements
• Knowledge of MySQL and PostgreSQL features, such as extension, Partitioning, Indexes and procedures, Autovacuum, stats collection, etc.
• Ability to plan resource requirements from high level specifications
• Proficient understanding of code versioning tools such as Git
• Proficiency in analyzing slow queries and connection optimization
• High attention to detail and constructive attitude in peer code reviews
• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or comparable experience
Preferred:
• Familiarity with AWS and Infrastructure as Code tools like Terraform, strong plus
Company:
1872 Consulting is a recruitment and IT consulting company. Founded in 1872, the company is headquartered in Chicago, USA, with a team of 11-50 employees. The company is currently Early Stage.

1872 Consulting logo

About 1872 Consulting

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

1872 Consulting, based in Chicago, IL, USA, operates within the IT consulting industry. Armed with a diverse team of experts, the company offers specialized IT consulting services, focusing on modernizing business technologies and driving innovative business strategies. Established in 1872, the company has a rich history marked by its commitment to bridging the gap between businesses and technology. Its mission is to empower organizations to surpass their business goals by providing state-of-the-art IT solutions and service. The company prides itself on its core values of integrity, excellence, and innovation, instilling these principles in every project they undertake.

Industry

It services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

2014