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Database Programmer Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

SQL Database Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site +1

$94K - $106K/yr

... database engineering and administration activities, including installation, configuration, monitoring, backup, recovery, and troubleshooting Develop and implement data management policies and best ...

Performs database programming and supports systems design. * Includes maintenance of database dictionaries, overall monitoring of standards and procedures, file design and storage, and integration of ...

Oracle Database Administrator

Philadelphia, PA

$51.25 - $69.75/hr

Performs database programming and supports systems design. * Includes maintenance of database dictionaries, overall monitoring of standards and procedures, file design and storage, and integration of ...

Senior Database Reliability Engineer

Malvern, PA · On-site +1

$104K - $141K/yr

Frontline has a dynamic career growth opportunity for a Senior Database Reliability Engineer (DBRE) to help develop, build and support efficient database solutions for our custom applications. Acting ...

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Database Programmer information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$21

$44

$79

How much do database programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for database programmer in Pennsylvania is $44.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.75 and $44.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 programmers with knowledge of SQL, database management systems, and programming languages like Python or Java tend to have higher earning potential.

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 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.

Is a DBA job in demand?

Database Administrator (DBA) jobs are in high demand due to the increasing reliance on data management and security across industries. Skills in SQL, database design, and cloud platforms enhance employability, and many organizations seek experienced DBAs to maintain and optimize their data systems.

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.

Can I become a DBA with no experience?

Becoming a database administrator (DBA) typically requires some experience with database management, SQL, and related tools. Entry-level positions may be available to those with strong technical skills, certifications, or related IT experience, but most DBAs gain expertise through hands-on work and training over time.

What does a database programmer do?

A database programmer designs, develops, and maintains database systems to store, organize, and retrieve data efficiently. They write code using languages like SQL and work with database management systems such as Oracle or MySQL, often collaborating with developers and analysts to optimize data performance and security.

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.
What are popular job titles related to Database Programmer jobs in Pennsylvania? For Database Programmer jobs in Pennsylvania, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Database Programmer jobs in Pennsylvania look for? The top searched job categories for Database Programmer jobs in Pennsylvania are:
What cities in Pennsylvania are hiring for Database Programmer jobs? Cities in Pennsylvania with the most Database Programmer job openings:
Infographic showing various Database Programmer job openings in Pennsylvania as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, and 32% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,548 per year, or $44 per hour.

Senior Database Administrator / DBA SME

DPG Solutions LLC

State College, PA

$48.50 - $66.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

US Citizenship is required

An active TS/SCI with FS Polygraph is required

DoD 8570 IAT Level II certification is required, such as CompTIA Security+


Senior Database Administrator / DBA SME

DPG is seeking a Senior Database Administrator / DBA SME to support a mission critical customer in a classified environment. This role is best suited for someone who has spent real time supporting operational mission systems, understands the realities of secure infrastructure, and can operate independently as a senior technical resource.

The ideal candidate is not just a database administrator who performs routine maintenance. We are looking for a hands on DBA with strong experience supporting relational database management systems, Linux based environments, database security, automation, troubleshooting, replication, backup and recovery, performance tuning, and operational sustainment. This person will help support, modernize, and improve database services that directly impact mission operations.


Job Description

DPG is hiring a Senior Database Administrator to support mission critical systems in a classified environment. You will work directly with systems engineers, software engineers, security personnel, and mission stakeholders to administer, sustain, troubleshoot, and improve database environments that support operational mission platforms.

This role requires a strong understanding of database administration, backend system integration, Linux command line operations, security compliance, automation, backup and recovery, performance optimization, and database reliability. The selected candidate will support databases that are tightly integrated with applications, infrastructure, storage, networking, and mission services.


What You Will Do

Administer, sustain, troubleshoot, and improve relational database management systems in a classified mission environment.

Support database design, configuration, maintenance, performance tuning, patching, backup, recovery, replication, and disaster recovery activities.

Work with systems engineers, software engineers, DevOps teams, data teams, and security personnel to implement reliable backend database solutions.

Support database environments that interact with Linux systems, applications, storage, virtualization, network services, and mission platforms.

Identify and understand customer needs, then translate those needs into secure, reliable, and maintainable database solutions.

Apply a strong understanding of database principles, theories, and concepts to develop practical design and sustainment solutions.

Troubleshoot database issues related to performance, availability, replication, disaster recovery, backups, restores, user access, audit logging, and application integration.

Support database security controls, auditing, compliance requirements, access management, encryption, patching, and system hardening.

Automate routine database administration tasks where practical to improve consistency, reduce manual effort, and strengthen operational reliability.

Support integration, testing, deployment, and sustainment activities across production and non production environments.

Provide operational support for mission platforms, including planned maintenance, incident response, break fix support, and occasional after hours support.

Document database configurations, procedures, troubleshooting steps, operational processes, and system changes.

Collaborate with technical teams and mission stakeholders to resolve issues quickly and communicate technical concepts clearly.


Qualifications You Must Have

8 or more years of experience in database administration, database engineering, backend data support, or closely related technical work.

Experience administering relational database management systems in secure, classified, or mission critical environments.

Experience with relational database management systems such as Oracle, Oracle Exadata, PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL Server, or similar enterprise database platforms.

Experience with Oracle Intelligent Advisor is strongly preferred where applicable to the customer environment.

Experience working with systems engineers and software engineers to implement, modify, troubleshoot, and sustain backend databases.

Experience using the Linux command line to perform database administration, troubleshooting, scripting, and operational support activities.

Experience troubleshooting database issues related to disaster recovery, replication, backups, restores, performance, availability, and application connectivity.

Experience troubleshooting database performance issues, including query performance, indexing, capacity, and resource utilization.

Experience supporting database security controls, audit requirements, compliance requirements, user access, logging, encryption, and system hardening.

Experience automating routine database administration tasks using scripting, job scheduling, or automation tools.

Strong understanding of database principles, relational database design, SQL, indexing, query performance, data integrity, and operational sustainment.

Strong analytical, research, troubleshooting, and problem solving skills.

Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly with engineers, security personnel, leadership, and mission stakeholders.

Ability to work independently, prioritize issues, and resolve problems in high visibility environments.

Ability to support occasional after hours maintenance or operational support when required.

Must be a U.S. Citizen.

Must have an active TS/SCI clearance with FS Polygraph.

Must have an active DoD 8570 IAT Level II certification, such as CompTIA Security+.


Qualifications We Prefer

Experience virtualizing or containerizing databases.

Existing Security+ certification.

Experience with AWS.

Experience with NoSQL database products such as MongoDB and DynamoDB.

Experience with spatial databases.

Coding experience with SQL, Python, or Java is helpful.


Desired Skills

Experience supporting Oracle Exadata in classified or enterprise environments.

Experience with Oracle Intelligent Advisor.

Experience with PostgreSQL, SQL Server, MySQL, MongoDB, DynamoDB, or other database technologies.

Experience with database backup and recovery tools, replication technologies, clustering, high availability, and disaster recovery planning.

Experience with database monitoring, performance tuning, query optimization, indexing strategies, and capacity planning.

Experience supporting databases that are tightly coupled to mission applications, DevSecOps pipelines, or operational platforms.

Experience with scripting or programming languages such as SQL, Python, Java, Bash, Perl, PowerShell, or PL/SQL.

Experience with automation and configuration management tools such as Ansible, Puppet, Chef, or similar frameworks.

Experience with AWS, cloud adjacent, or hybrid infrastructure environments.

Experience with VMware environments, including ESXi and vCenter.

Experience with Git, Artifactory, Bitbucket, CI/CD tools, Jira, or similar developer and DevOps tools.

Experience with Kubernetes, Rancher, containerized applications, or modern platform technologies.

Experience working within Agile or Scrum based delivery environments.

Experience supporting systems where uptime, security, auditability, and operational reliability are critical.

Ability to coordinate technical issues across internal teams, external organizations, vendors, and customer stakeholders.

Demonstrated ability to work independently and troubleshoot problems efficiently.

Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical issues clearly and professionally.


Overview of Benefits

Company funded 401k Profit Sharing Plan with 25% of base pay deposited every pay period and vested day one of employment.

All health care benefits and premiums paid by the company, with company HSA contribution.

Quarterly equity share bonuses.

250 hours of PTO with up to 40 hours available to be carried over.

Biannual company sponsored events for employees and their families.

Education benefits, including certification reimbursement and tuition reimbursement.