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Database Programmer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Senior Database Architect

Champaign, IL · On-site

$63 - $84.25/hr

A top-notch database engineer will be someone whose database optimization skills translate into the efficient flow of information throughout an organization. About Us Smartz was founded in June of ...

Senior Database Architect

Champaign, IL · On-site

$63 - $84.25/hr

A top-notch database engineer will be someone whose database optimization skills translate into the efficient flow of information throughout an organization. About Us Smartz was founded in June of ...

Showing results 21-40

Database Programmer information

See Illinois salary details

$20

$42

$77

How much do database programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for database programmer in Illinois is $42.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.60 and $43.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a database programmer?

Database programmers maintain a company’s database and ensure the stored information is secure. Some database programmers may design databases from scratch, but most companies use an established commercial database, such as the ones offered by Oracle, IBM, or Microsoft. The job duties of a database programmer include writing Structured Query Language (SQL) queries, generating data reports, and troubleshooting storage issues.

What is a database programmer?

A Database Programmer is a specialized software developer who designs, implements, and maintains databases to store and organize data efficiently. They write code, often using languages like SQL, to create database structures, queries, and procedures that support data-driven applications. Database Programmers also ensure data integrity, optimize performance, and may collaborate with other IT professionals to integrate databases with applications. Their role is essential in managing the flow and security of information within an organization.

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

To thrive as a Database Programmer, you need strong proficiency in database design, SQL programming, and a solid understanding of data modeling, typically supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with database management systems like Oracle, MySQL, or Microsoft SQL Server, as well as certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate, are highly beneficial. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure reliable database performance, efficient data handling, and successful collaboration with development teams and stakeholders.

How does a database programmer typically collaborate with other IT professionals during a project?

Database Programmers often work closely with software developers, system administrators, and business analysts to design, implement, and maintain databases that support various applications. Collaboration usually involves gathering requirements, integrating databases with front-end applications, and troubleshooting performance issues together. Being proactive in communication and documentation is essential, as projects often require aligning database functionalities with broader technical and business goals. Regular meetings and code reviews are common, helping ensure that solutions are robust and scalable.

What is the difference between Database Programmer vs Database Developer?

AspectDatabase ProgrammerDatabase Developer
CredentialsTypically requires programming skills, SQL certifications, and knowledge of database languagesOften requires similar credentials, with additional focus on database design and architecture
Work EnvironmentWorks primarily with coding, scripting, and database maintenance in IT or software companiesInvolves designing, developing, and optimizing databases in various industries
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in tech firms, finance, healthcare, and any industry relying on data managementCommon in software development, data analysis, and enterprise IT sectors

While both roles involve working with databases, a Database Programmer mainly focuses on coding and maintaining database scripts, whereas a Database Developer is more involved in designing and developing database systems. The roles often overlap, but the developer typically has broader responsibilities in database architecture and optimization.

Are database programmers still in demand?

Database programmers, also known as database developers or SQL developers, continue to be in demand due to the ongoing need for data management and analysis across industries. Skills in SQL, database design, and familiarity with platforms like Oracle, MySQL, or Microsoft SQL Server are valuable, and employment opportunities remain steady as organizations rely on databases for operations and decision-making.

How much do database programmers make?

Database programmers typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled professionals with knowledge of SQL, database management systems, and programming languages like Python or Java tend to have higher earning potential.

What job categories do people searching Database Programmer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Database Programmer jobs in Illinois are:

Infographic showing various Database Programmer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,500 per year, or $42.5 per hour.

Principal Engineer, Database as a Service

Allstate Insurance

Chicago, IL • On-site

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

At Allstate, great things happen when our people work together to protect families and their belongings from life's uncertainties. And for more than 90 years, our innovative drive has kept us a step ahead of our customers' evolving needs. From advocating for seat belts, air bags and graduated driving laws, to being an industry leader in pricing sophistication, telematics, and, more recently, device and identity protection.

Job Description

The Principal Engineer leads Allstate's Database as a Service (DBaaS) organization, driving the technical strategy, adoption, and evolution of enterprise database platforms that support critical business applications across the company. This role will help modernize Allstate's traditional database environment while advancing next-generation database capabilities that support cloud adoption, automation, and AI-enabled business needs.
As a hands-on technical leader, this individual partners closely with engineering, security, infrastructure, architecture, and product teams to strengthen existing SQL Server and Oracle environments, expand modern database platforms, and improve developer productivity through automation, self-service, and Infrastructure as Code. The Principal Engineer plays a highly visible role in shaping Allstate's future data platform ecosystem, influencing senior technical leaders, and enabling scalable, resilient, secure, and AI-ready database services.
As a Director you won't just deliver results - you drive our culture and shared purpose. At Allstate, we value in person connected experiences not just with your team but also other Allstaters. This may require travel within your local area or to one of our offices on a regular basis.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the vision, technical strategy, and execution of Allstate's Database as a Service (DBaaS) platform across both traditional enterprise databases and emerging cloud-native capabilities.

  • Serve as a hands-on technical leader and senior engineering resource for database architecture, platform modernization, and technical execution.

  • Drive the stabilization, standardization, and modernization of critical SQL Server and Oracle database platforms.

  • Advance Infrastructure as Code, APIs, automation, and self-service capabilities to improve database delivery, consistency, and operational efficiency.

  • Help define and build next-generation database capabilities that enable AI, analytics, and future enterprise platform priorities.

  • Partner with engineering, architecture, infrastructure, security, product, and senior technology leaders to align database platform investments with enterprise priorities.

  • Influence highly visible technology decisions across senior technical leadership, principal engineers, officers, and cross-functional stakeholders.

  • Establish metrics and KPIs focused on platform reliability, automation adoption, developer experience, performance, resiliency, and operational excellence.

  • Establish enterprise standards for database security, observability, resiliency, and operational excellence.

  • Mentor engineers, architects, and technical leaders while fostering a culture of engineering excellence, accountability, modernization, and continuous improvement.

  • Influence vendor roadmaps and strategic technology partnerships to align platform capabilities with evolving business and engineering needs.

Skills & Capabilities

  • Deepexpertisein enterprise database platforms and modern data infrastructure.

  • Strong understanding of platform engineering, automation, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), APIs, and cloud-native architectures.

  • Ability to influence enterprise technology strategy and drive adoption ofnew technologiesand engineering practices.

  • Proven change leadership and experience leading large-scale modernization or transformation initiatives.

  • Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills across engineering, architecture, security, and business teams.

  • Demonstratedpeopleleadership experience and developing high-performing engineering organizations.

  • Effective communicator capable of translating complex technical concepts into business value.

  • Experience influencing vendor roadmaps and product strategies to align with futureplatformand business needs.

Required Experience

  • 12+ years of experience in database engineering, platform engineering, cloud engineering, infrastructure engineering, or related technical disciplines.

  • 5+ years leading large-scale enterprise database platforms, platform engineering initiatives, or modernization programs.

  • Experienceoperatingin large, complex enterprise environments and designinghighly available, resilient, secure, and scalable platforms supporting business-critical applications.

  • Deepexpertisein enterprise database platforms, includingsignificant experiencewith SQL Server and/or Oracle environments supporting business-critical applications, along with exposure to modern database technologies such as PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Redis, or cloud-native database services.

  • Strong experience with automation, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), APIs, DevOps, and platform engineering practices.

  • Experience building, transforming, or modernizing self-service platforms and operational automation capabilities.

  • Proven ability to influence enterprise technology strategy, architecture decisions, engineering roadmaps, and senior technical stakeholders.

  • Experience partnering with engineering, architecture, security, infrastructure, and product leaders to deliver enterprise-scale technical solutions.

  • Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams, mentor engineers, and drive organizational change through influence and hands-on technical leadership.

Preferred Experience

  • Experience building or leading Database as aService (DBaaS) platforms.

  • Experience with AWS, Azure, GCP, and cloud-native database technologies.

  • Experience enabling database platforms or data infrastructure that support AI, machine learning, analytics, or emerging enterprise AI use cases; exposure to AI-enabled operations, vector databases, or LLM infrastructure is a plus.

  • Experience with Kubernetes, containers, and modern cloudarchitectures.

  • Experience leading large-scale cloud migration or enterprise database transformation initiatives.

  • Understanding ofFinOps, platform economics, operational excellence, and platform adoption metrics.

  • Experience influencing vendor roadmaps and partnering with technology providers to align platform capabilities with future business and engineering needs.

  • Industry certifications in cloud, database, architecture, or related disciplines.

Education

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, ora relatedtechnical field.

Supervisory Responsibilities

  • This job has supervisory duties.

Skills

AI Frameworks, AI Platforms, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Application Programming Interface (API), Business Influence, Database As A Service (DBaaS), Database Engineering, DevOps, Executive Influence, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Infrastructure As Code (IaC), Kubernetes, Microsoft Azure, Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle Database, People Management, Platform Engineering

Compensation

Compensation offered for this role is 199,000.00 - 274,000.00 annually and is based on experience and qualifications.

The candidate(s) offered this position will be required to submit to a background investigation.

Joining our team isn't just a job - it's an opportunity. One that takes your skills and pushes them to the next level. One that encourages you to challenge the status quo. One where you can shape the future of protection while supporting causes that mean the most to you. Joining our team means being part of something bigger - a winning team making a meaningful impact.

Allstate generally does not sponsor individuals for employment-based visas for this position.

Effective July 1, 2014, under Indiana House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1242, it is against public policy of the State of Indiana and a discriminatory practice for an employer to discriminate against a prospective employee on the basis of status as a veteran by refusing to employ an applicant on the basis that they are a veteran of the armed forces of the United States, a member of the Indiana National Guard or a member of a reserve component.

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To view the FMLA poster, click "here". This poster summarizing the major provisions of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and telling employees how to file a complaint.

It is the Company's policy to employ the best qualified individuals available for all jobs. Therefore, any discriminatory action taken on account of an employee's ancestry, age, color, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual and reproductive health decision, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, race (include traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles), religion (including religious dress), sex, or sexual orientation that adversely affects an employee's terms or conditions of employment is prohibited. This policy applies to all aspects of the employment relationship, including, but not limited to, hiring, training, salary administration, promotion, job assignment, benefits, discipline, and separation of employment.

Allstate provides a comprehensive technology setup, including a laptop, monitors, headset, keyboard, and mouse. Employees eligible to work from home also receive a monthly connectivity reimbursement to help offset internet costs.

When working from home, you must have a dedicated, private workspace free from distractions, along with appropriate desk and seating. Reliable internet is required, with minimum speeds of 50 MB download and 5 MB upload.