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Database Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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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 Aug 19, 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?

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,793 per year, or $60.5 per hour.

Contract to Hire :: Database Programmer

Collabera

Lisle, IL

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Company Description

Established in 1991, Collabera has been a leader in IT staffing for over 22 years and is one of the largest diversity IT staffing firms in the industry. As a half a billion dollar IT company, with more than 9,000 professionals across 30+ offices, Collabera offers comprehensive, cost-effective IT staffing & IT Services. We provide services to Fortune 500 and mid-size companies to meet their talent needs with high quality IT resources through Staff Augmentation, Global Talent Management, Value Added Services through CLASS (Competency Leveraged Advanced Staffing & Solutions) Permanent Placement Services and Vendor Management Programs. 

Collabera recognizes true potential of human capital and provides people the right opportunities for growth and professional excellence. Collabera offers a full range of benefits to its employees including paid vacations, holidays, personal days, Medical, Dental and Vision insurance, 401K retirement savings plan, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance.

Job Description

Contract to Hire

Required Skills:

Database Design

T-SQL Programming

Stored procedures/Functions/ Trigger Development

MS SQL Server Installation, configuration

Query optimization, Execution plan Analysis

MS SQL Server Job setup

Database Performance Monitoring

MS SQL Server Database Optimization

Should Have:

Database capacity planning

C# or Java Programming

PostgreSQL

MongoDB

NOSQL 

 Responsibilities:

Design database for OLTP and OLAP applications

Define database standards for tables, columns, indexes

Handle the daily responsibilities of supporting the build and release needs of Agile scrum teams

Provide guidance to cross-team and team members in database best practices and procedures

Support all pre-production, managed environments for middleware services and applications

Deploy code and other proactive maintenance activities to keep the services up and running

Own specific deployment problems and provide active coordination between various groups including internal and external groups in resolving a specific problem

Work with Development, QA and other teams to understand changes to the existing production environment on an ongoing basis and for environment support

Update documentation that communicates standards and best practices of the engineering team

Implement metrics, Success Factors and Key Performance Indicators for the process and the team


Qualifications

Qualifications:

BS in Computer Science or equivalent

3+ years of experience Database Programming/Management

Excellent analytical and communication (both verbal and written) skills

Innovative thinking and vision

Solid understanding of technology

Ability to meet deadlines and be accountable

Must have a strong sense of ownership, urgency and initiative

Experience with agile software development methodologies (scrum etc)

Good written and oral communication skills


Additional Information

To know more about this position, please contact:

Ujjwal Mane

973-805-7557

ujjwalmane(at)collabera.com