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Junior Database Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

... engineering solutions. • Perform/automate database installs, upgrades, and patches. • Work with ... junior members of the team • Performs other projects and duties as assigned or required • ...

... engineering solutions. • Perform/automate database installs, upgrades, and patches. • Work with ... junior members of the team • Performs other projects and duties as assigned or required • ...

Sr. Data and AI Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Mentoring and guiding junior engineers, cross-team collaboration with cloud engineers * Build and ... NoSQL databases and concepts: DynamoDB, Cassandra, Redis, ... * Data streaming: Spark, Kafka ...

Junior Developer

Barrington, IL · On-site

$66K - $86K/yr

Experience with relational databases like oracle, sql server * Creative Problem solver. * Excellent ... The support engineer will be responsible for handling tier 2 help desk tasks that involve ...

Jr. Web Developer

Wood Dale, IL · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

The Junior Web Developer supports the design, development, maintenance, and enhancement of web ... Support database integrations and SQL development Collaborate on enhancements and new feature ...

Jr. Web Developer

Wood Dale, IL · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

The Junior Web Developer supports the design, development, maintenance, and enhancement of web ... Support database integrations and SQL development Collaborate on enhancements and new feature ...

Senior Data Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$109K - $148K/yr

Mentor and support junior data engineers through code reviews, pairing, and guidance on design and implementation. * Perform performance tuning, cost optimization, and reliability improvements in ...

Senior Data Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$109K - $148K/yr

Mentor and support junior data engineers through code reviews, pairing, and guidance on design and implementation. * Perform performance tuning, cost optimization, and reliability improvements in ...

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Junior Database Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$34.5K

$74K

$112.9K

How much do junior database engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior database engineer in Chicago, IL is $74,020.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $82,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a junior database engineer do?

A Junior Database Engineer assists in designing, implementing, and maintaining databases under the supervision of more experienced engineers. Their responsibilities often include writing basic queries, ensuring data integrity, performing backups, and troubleshooting database issues. They may also help optimize database performance and support application developers with database-related needs. This role serves as an entry point for building expertise in database administration and engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior database engineer?

To thrive as a Junior Database Engineer, you need a solid understanding of database concepts, SQL, and basic programming skills, typically supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with database management systems such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, or Oracle, and certifications like Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals can be advantageous. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These skills ensure accurate data management, efficient troubleshooting, and seamless collaboration within technical teams.

What are some common challenges faced by junior database engineers when managing database performance?

Junior Database Engineers often encounter challenges such as optimizing slow queries, managing growing data volumes, and ensuring database reliability. Balancing performance tuning with security and data integrity requirements can be tricky, especially when working on live production systems. Many teams support junior engineers with mentorship and code reviews, but developing troubleshooting skills and familiarity with monitoring tools is essential for growth in this role.

What is the difference between Junior Database Engineer vs Database Administrator?

AspectJunior Database EngineerDatabase Administrator
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field; certifications like Microsoft SQL Server or Oracle are a plusSame as Junior Database Engineer; often requires certifications like Oracle Certified Professional or Microsoft Certified Database Administrator
Work EnvironmentEntry-level role focused on assisting with database development, testing, and maintenanceResponsible for overall database performance, security, backups, and troubleshooting
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in tech companies, finance, healthcare, and any organization managing data systemsCommon in large enterprises, IT departments, and organizations with complex data needs

The main difference between a Junior Database Engineer and a Database Administrator lies in their responsibilities. Junior Database Engineers focus on assisting with database development and testing, while Database Administrators handle ongoing management, security, and optimization of databases. Both roles require similar credentials and are vital in data-driven organizations, but the DBA role typically involves more experience and responsibility.

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 are popular job titles related to Junior Database Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Junior Database Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Junior Database Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Junior Database Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Junior Database Engineer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Junior Database Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Junior Database Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,020 per year, or $35.6 per hour.

Database Engineer

Paylocity

Schaumburg, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Create, enhance, and support databases as part of the product team.

  • Design, troubleshoot, and perform performance tuning of databases, including hardware planning and error handling.

  • Participate in the full software development lifecycle, including code reviews, testing, deployment, and database upgrades.


Paylocity rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 71 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

138th of 500 rated business services


Job description

Description:

Paylocity is an award-winning provider of cloud-based HR and payroll software solutions, offering the most complete platform for the modern workforce. The company has become one of the fastest-growing HCM software providers worldwide by offering an intuitive, easy-to-use product suite that helps businesses automate and streamline HR and payroll processes, attract and retain talent, and build a strong workplace culture.


While traditional HR and payroll providers automate basic HR processes such as payroll and benefits administration, Paylocity goes further by developing tools that HR and businesses need to compete for talent and deliver against the expectations of the modern workforce.


Paylocity acquired Airbase! Airbase Inc., a modern finance and spend management software solution that combines bill pay / accounts payable automation, expense management, corporate cards and procurement capabilities. The acquisition of Airbase represents an expansion of Paylocity’s suite and is expected to deliver incremental integrated value to HR and finance leaders in managing all of their spend on a single platform – expanding the Paylocity total addressable market beyond HCM and further into the Office of the CFO.


We give our employees what they need to succeed, including great benefits and perks! We offer various benefits, as well as perks that support you, your family, and your finances. And if it’s career development you desire, we provide that, too! At Airbase by Paylocity, people matter most and have always been at the heart of our business.


Help Airbase by Paylocity enhance communication and enable employees to connect, collaborate, and create from anywhere with a position in Product & Technology! Want to develop the strategies and principles needed to deliver compelling software? Join our team and help us enhance our all-in-one software platform, elevate our one-of-a-kind technology, and improve the employee experience. Take your career to the next level at one of G2's Top 100 Software Companies. Explore our Product & Technology positions to see where you fit!


Position Overview 

This role is a member of our product teams, responsible for creating, enhancing, and supporting databases. They are responsible for maintaining our critical data stores. Working side-by-side with Product Owners, Software Test Engineers, and Business Stakeholders, they are actively involved in the complete software development life cycle including technical design, hands-on coding, unit testing, integration testing, performance tuning, maintenance, test automation, deploys and database upgrades. 


Primary Responsibilities  

The below represents the primary duties of the position, others may be assigned as needed. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

  • Work on a small to medium size projects overall within a team/area 
  • Work in parallel with peers and often take a leading role on features or refactors 
  • 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 consistent, useful, constructive feedback 
  • Effectively deliver medium or large team projects 
  • Recognize and surface risks/unknowns and keep work in line with bigger picture goals 
  • Provide input in database design, performance tuning, troubleshooting, error handling and hardware planning 
  • Resolve data issues and facilitate data analysis 
  • Interested in staying current and proficient on existing emerging relevant database technology through self-study and company/vendor provided training opportunities 
  • Follows defined database standards.  
  • Responsible for overall health and database stability for databases assigned to them.  
  • Understand our overall database backup strategy and be able to perform point in time recovery. Owns RPO and RTO of servers/databases assigned to them. 
  • Participation in on-call duties  

Education and Experience 

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field. 
  • 2+ years experience in an engineering role 
  • Experience with Mongo Atlas or Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL database  
  • Experience with AWS cloud highly preferred  
  • Experience with Microsoft SQL Server database  
  • Experience with SQL Always On and clustering  
  • Responsibility for database SLA  
  • Advanced knowledge of database level patching while minimizing downtime 
  • Provide support for growing database technologies used by Paylocity.  
  • Advanced knowledge of gathering/understanding compliance related data and adhering to compliance standards.  
  • Intermediate level knowledge of SQL Coding.  
  • Provides table/object design recommendations where appropriate while adhering to outlined standards.  
  • Provides intermediate guidance on optimization and index strategy.  
  • Ability to perform intermediate recommendations on system resource requirements which includes server right sizing. 
  • Fundamental knowledge of HA technologies used by our data stores.  
  • Expert knowledge of data backup, recovery, integrity, security, and compliance. 
  • Fundamental knowledge of disaster recovery concepts and ability to follow outlined DR strategy.  
  • Participation in on-call duties 

Physical requirements 

  • Ability to sit for extended periods: The role requires sitting at a desk or workstation for long periods, typically 7-8 hours a day. 
  • Use of computer and phone systems: The employee must be able to operate a computer, use phone systems, and type. This includes using multiple software programs and inquiries simultaneously. 

Work Location: Embassy Golf Links Business Park, Sunriver Building , 3rd floor Challaghatta, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560071


Airbase by Paylocity is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to the full inclusion of all individuals. We recruit, train, compensate, and promote regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law. At Airbase by Paylocity, we believe diversity makes us better. We embrace and encourage our employees’ differences in age, culture, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion or spiritual belief, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, or any other status protected by state or local law for an individual who falls within the jurisdiction of such law. We actively cultivate these differences through our employee resource groups (ERGs), employee experiences, perspectives, talents, and approaches to drive innovation in the software and services we provide our customers.


Applicants who require an accommodation throughout the application and interview process should request this in advance by contacting accessibility@paylocity.com.



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