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Junior Database Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Sidley

Lead Database Administrator

Chicago, IL · On-site

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 ...

New

Addison Group

Junior Paralegal

Mundelein, IL · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

Junior Paralegal Industry: Legal Services Location: Chicago, IL Assignment Type: Direct Hire Pay ... Update corporate databases and ensure entity information remains complete and current. * Research ...

New

AAR Corporation

Jr. Web Developer

Wood Dale, IL

$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 ...

AAR

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 ...

AAR Corporation

Jr. Web Developer

Wood Dale, IL

$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 ...

AAR

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 ...

Atria Group LLC

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 ...

Cabrera Capital Markets

Junior Underwriter

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

... purpose The Junior Underwriter supports the Municipal Capital Markets team in the analysis ... Maintain underwriting spreadsheets, databases, and transaction tracking reports. * Monitor ...

New

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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 19, 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 a junior database position 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:

Junior Database jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior Database job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,701 per year, or $33 per hour.

Lead Database Administrator

Sidley

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New

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.

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