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Junior Database 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 ...

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

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

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 ...

Junior Developer

Barrington, IL

$66K - $86K/yr

Experience with relational databases like oracle, sql server * Creative Problem solver. * Excellent ... As a junior developer and support engineer, this role would be primarily customer facing. The ...

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Junior Database information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$30.4K

$68.7K

$122.1K

How much do junior database jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior database in Chicago, IL is $68,701.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $77,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a junior database administrator?

A Junior Database Administrator (DBA) is an entry-level professional responsible for assisting in the management, maintenance, and security of databases within an organization. They support senior DBAs by performing tasks such as monitoring database performance, performing backups, and troubleshooting minor issues. Junior DBAs also help implement data recovery strategies, maintain user access, and ensure data integrity under supervision. This role provides on-the-job learning and is typically a stepping stone to more advanced database positions.

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

To thrive as a Junior Database Administrator, you need foundational knowledge of database concepts, SQL, data modeling, and a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with database management systems like MySQL, Oracle, or Microsoft SQL Server, as well as tools for backup and monitoring, is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help you manage data integrity and collaborate with other IT team members. These competencies ensure reliable data operations, minimize downtime, and support organizational data needs.

What are some common challenges faced by junior database administrators, and how can they be addressed?

Junior Database Administrators often encounter challenges such as learning new database management systems, ensuring data security, and troubleshooting performance issues. It can be overwhelming to adapt to different environments and manage multiple tasks, especially when balancing maintenance duties with urgent support requests. To overcome these challenges, junior DBAs should focus on continuous learning through training and mentorship, use documentation to track processes, and collaborate closely with senior team members for guidance. Building strong problem-solving skills and staying organized are also key to success in this role.

What is the difference between Junior Database vs Database Administrator?

AspectJunior DatabaseDatabase Administrator
CredentialsBasic knowledge, certifications like SQL FundamentalsAdvanced certifications like Oracle DBA, Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator
Work EnvironmentSupport roles, entry-level tasks, supervisedOversees database performance, security, and maintenance
ResponsibilitiesAssist with data entry, basic queries, troubleshootingDesign, implement, and manage databases, optimize performance

The Junior Database role is an entry-level position focusing on support and basic database tasks, while a Database Administrator handles comprehensive management, optimization, and security of databases. The roles differ mainly in experience, responsibilities, and required certifications, with the Junior Database serving as a stepping stone toward becoming a Database Administrator.

Can I become a junior database with no experience?

Junior database roles typically require some foundational knowledge of databases, SQL, and data management. While prior experience is not always mandatory, candidates often need basic technical skills, and entry-level positions may provide on-the-job training or require relevant certifications. Building skills through online courses or certifications can improve chances of securing such roles without prior experience.

How to become a junior database administrator?

To become a junior database administrator, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Gaining experience with database management systems like SQL Server, Oracle, or MySQL, along with developing skills in data security, backup, and recovery, is essential. Certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Database Fundamentals or Oracle Database SQL Certified Associate can also improve job prospects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Database jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Database jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Junior Database job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,701 per year, or $33 per hour.

Database Engineer

Paylocity

Schaumburg, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 20 hours ago


Paylocity rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 70 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

149th of 492 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.

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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