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Database Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

The Lead Database Administrator is a senior member of the database team responsible for the advanced operational support, performance optimization, and architectural maintenance of the firm ...

FedRAMP DBA

Itasca, IL · On-site

$49.50 - $67.25/hr

The Database Administrator (DBA) within the CCOE Database Services Team is responsible for the design, availability, performance, security, compliance, automation, and ongoing support of IFS cloud ...

We are seeking a talented MySQL DBA / System Administrator with an entrepreneurial spirit to join our expanding team. He/she will provide technical vision and leadership for our database ...

SQL DBA

Evanston, IL · On-site

$48 - $60/hr

MUST HAVE: 5+ years of progressive MS SQL DBA experience Experience with database design, scripting, implementation and maintenance Experience with data modeling tools and data model development From ...

ORACLE DBA MANAGER

Bloomingdale, IL · On-site

$51.25 - $69.50/hr

SUMMARY The Oracle DBA Manager is the organization's utmost senior hands-on Oracle database resource and primary Oracle DBA, responsible for daily administration, support, reliability, performance ...

SQL DBA

Evanston, IL · On-site

$48 - $60/hr

Company Description MUST HAVE: • 5+ years of progressive MS SQL DBA experience • Experience with database design, scripting, implementation and maintenance • Experience with data modeling tools ...

ORACLE DBA MANAGER

Bloomingdale, IL · On-site

$51.25 - $69.50/hr

SUMMARY The Oracle DBA Manager is the organization's utmost senior hands-on Oracle database resource and primary Oracle DBA, responsible for daily administration, support, reliability, performance ...

ORACLE DBA MANAGER

Bloomingdale, IL · On-site

$136K - $177K/hr

SUMMARY The Oracle DBA Manager is the organization's utmost senior hands-on Oracle database resource and primary Oracle DBA, responsible for daily administration, support, reliability, performance ...

ORACLE DBA MANAGER

Bloomingdale, IL · On-site

$51.25 - $69.50/hr

SUMMARY The Oracle DBA Manager is the organization's utmost senior hands-on Oracle database resource and primary Oracle DBA, responsible for daily administration, support, reliability, performance ...

Showing results 41-60

Database information

See Illinois salary details

$25

$51

$78

How much do database jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for database in Illinois is $51.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.16 and $58.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a database administrator?

Database administrators (DBAs) are IT professionals responsible for managing and maintaining databases that store and organize data for organizations. Their job includes installing, configuring, monitoring, and securing databases, as well as troubleshooting issues and ensuring data integrity. DBAs also perform backups, restore data when needed, and optimize database performance to support business operations. They often work with database management systems like Oracle, SQL Server, MySQL, or PostgreSQL.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a database administrator?

To thrive as a Database Administrator, you need strong skills in database design, SQL, data security, and a relevant degree or certification such as Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate. Familiarity with database management systems like Oracle, MySQL, or Microsoft SQL Server, and backup and recovery tools is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and strong communication skills help administrators manage data integrity and collaborate with IT teams. These skills are critical for ensuring data availability, security, and optimal database performance within organizations.

What are common challenges faced by database professionals and how can they be addressed?

Database professionals often encounter challenges such as managing large volumes of data, ensuring data security, and minimizing downtime during system upgrades or migrations. Staying current with evolving database technologies and best practices is essential to address these challenges effectively. Collaboration with developers, network administrators, and security teams can help proactively identify and resolve potential issues, ensuring optimal database performance and integrity.

What is the difference between Database vs Data Analyst?

AspectDatabaseData Analyst
Required CredentialsDatabase certifications (e.g., Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server)Data analysis certifications (e.g., Microsoft Data Analyst, Tableau)
Work EnvironmentDatabase management systems, server environmentsData visualization tools, spreadsheets, reporting platforms
Employer & Industry UsageIT departments, database administration teamsBusiness intelligence, marketing, finance teams
Common Search & ComparisonDatabase vs Data Analyst

While both roles involve working with data, a Database professional primarily manages, maintains, and secures databases, ensuring data integrity and performance. In contrast, a Data Analyst interprets data, creates reports, and provides insights to support business decisions. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job focus within data-related fields.

Can I become a database administrator with no experience?

Becoming a database administrator typically requires some experience with database management systems, SQL, and related tools. Entry-level positions may be available for those with strong technical skills, relevant certifications, or a background in IT, but gaining experience through training or internships is usually necessary to qualify for the role.

What are jobs in a database?

Jobs in a database typically refer to tasks or processes such as data entry, database administration, query writing, or maintenance that ensure data is stored, organized, and accessible efficiently. These roles often require knowledge of database management systems like SQL, and may involve monitoring performance, backups, and security. They can be full-time, part-time, or project-based positions depending on organizational needs.

What careers use databases?

Database professionals, such as database administrators, data analysts, and data engineers, use databases to store, manage, and analyze data across various industries. These roles often require knowledge of database management systems like SQL, Oracle, or MySQL, and involve tasks such as data security, performance tuning, and data modeling.

What are the most commonly searched types of Database jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Database jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Database jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Database job openings:

Infographic showing various Database job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,066 per year, or $51.5 per hour.

Lead Database Administrator

Sidley

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

The Lead Database Administrator is a senior member of the database team responsible for the advanced operational support, performance optimization, and architectural maintenance of the firm's database environments, including the legacy hub-and-spoke data distribution framework. This role independently resolves complex, high-impact issues, mentors other database administrators, and serves as a key technical escalation point for the team. The Lead Database Administrator also helps guide the team's transition toward cloud-native and modern data platforms (Azure, Databricks) as those initiatives mature.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Serve as the primary technical escalation point for complex SQL Server performance, replication, availability, and database infrastructure issues, including support of the firm's hub-and-spoke data distribution framework.

  • Design, maintain, and enhance the firm's hub-and-spoke data distribution architecture, including staging tables, MERGE-based sync procedures, intermediary databases, and related SQL Server ETL/data integration solutions

  • Mentor and provide technical leadership to Database Administrators through guidance on query tuning, performance optimization, ETL design, troubleshooting, and best practices.

  • Lead root cause analysis for recurring database issues, recommend long-term improvements, and participate in database capacity planning and infrastructure roadmap initiatives.

  • Develop, implement, and support enterprise reporting, data integration, and automation solutions using SSRS, SSIS, Visual Studio, PowerShell, and related SQL Server technologies.

  • Monitor, optimize, and maintain database performance, availability, backup and recovery, security, and disaster recovery technologies, including replication, log shipping, failover clustering, and SQL Server Availability Groups.

  • Perform SQL Server administration, including patching, cumulative updates, version upgrades, documentation, and support for Azure-based SQL Server environments.

  • Evaluate and support modernization initiatives by piloting Azure-native and Databricks-based solutions, including database migrations across on-premises and cloud environments in partnership with database leadership.

  • Participate in a rotating 24x7 on-call schedule and provide off-hours support as required to ensure the availability and reliability of critical database systems.

Education and/or Experience:

Required:

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field, or equivalent experience

  • A minimum of 6 years of experience administering Microsoft SQL Server (2016-2022) in enterprise environments, including at least 3 years in a senior or lead technical capacity

  • Expert-level SQL Server performance tuning and troubleshooting experience, including execution plans, indexing strategies, and root-cause analysis of recurring or systemic issues

  • Demonstrated experience designing, maintaining, and troubleshooting large-scale ETL and data distribution architectures (e.g., hub-and-spoke, staging/MERGE-based sync patterns, or equivalent)

  • Strong hands-on experience with, SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS), SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS), Visual Studio for SSIS/SSRS development, SQL Server replication technologies, and SQL Server Availability Groups, including setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting

  • Experience with SQL Server monitoring tools (e.g., SQL Sentry or equivalent)

  • Experience performing and overseeing SQL Server patching, cumulative updates, and upgrades, including change management governance

  • Advanced proficiency in PowerShell scripting for SQL Server administration and automation

  • Demonstrated experience mentoring or providing technical guidance to junior or mid-level database administrators

  • Experience with Power BI for reporting and analytics (preferred for enterprise reporting modernization)

  • Strong knowledge of Windows Server

  • Strong knowledge of physical and VMware-based SQL Server configurations

  • Azure SQL Server administration experience, including hybrid on-prem/Azure environments

Preferred:

  • Experience modernizing legacy SSRS reporting to Power BI

  • Experience automating SQL Server administration using PowerShell and CI/CD practices

  • Experience supporting large-scale, mission-critical SQL Server environments in regulated enterprises

  • Demonstrated ability to mentor and influence the technical work of others without direct management authority

  • Exposure to Azure-native data platforms (Azure SQL Managed Instance, Azure Synapse, or similar) or Databricks

  • Experience leading or contributing to architecture/modernization roadmap discussions

Other Skills and Abilities:

The following will also be required of the successful candidate:

  • Strong organizational skills

  • Strong attention to detail

  • Good judgment

  • Strong interpersonal communication skills

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

  • Able to work harmoniously and effectively with others

  • Able to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion

  • Able to work under pressure

  • Able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities

#LI-KG2

#LI-Hybrid

The target salary range for this role is:

$123,000 - $169,000 if located in Illinois.

Salaries vary by location and are based on numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the relevant market, skills, experience, and education of the selected candidate. Our compensation package also includes bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits program. Benefits information can be found at Sidley.com/Benefits.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities above satisfactorily and meet the requirements. The requirements listed above are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. If you need such an accommodation, please email sidleytalentacquisition@sidley.com (current employees should contact Human Resources).

Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.