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Senior Database Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SpaceX

Sr. Database Reliability Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$155K - $205K/yr

... on Mars. SR. DATABASE RELIABILITY ENGINEER SpaceX is looking for an experienced Database ... Research and troubleshoot data questions and provide support to our software developer teams

SpaceX

Sr. Database Reliability Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$155K - $205K/yr

... on Mars. SR. DATABASE RELIABILITY ENGINEER SpaceX is looking for an experienced Database ... Research and troubleshoot data questions and provide support to our software developer teams

CONFIRE JPA

Senior Database Administrator

Rialto, CA · On-site

$105K - $152K/yr

The Senior Database Administrator ensures the reliability, integrity, and accessibility of mission ... Coordinate with vendors, developers, and internal staff on database-related problems, enhancements ...

Mercury General

Microsoft SQL Sr DBA

Brea, CA · On-site

$51.75 - $64.75/hr

Sr. Database Administrator The Sr. Database Administrator is a senior IT engineering position that ... Closely collaborates with application developers, systems engineers and other database ...

SmartFinancial

Senior DBA

Newport Beach, CA

$160K - $175K/yr

We are seeking a seasoned Senior DBA to take end-to-end ownership of database systems on AWS. This ... Cross-Functional Partnership Work closely with engineering, product, analytics, and infrastructure ...

SmartFinancial

Senior DBA

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$160K - $175K/yr

We are seeking a seasoned Senior DBA to take end-to-end ownership of database systems on AWS. This ... Cross-Functional Partnership Work closely with engineering, product, analytics, and infrastructure ...

SmartFinancial

Senior DBA

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$160K - $175K/yr

We are seeking a seasoned Senior DBA to take end-to-end ownership of database systems on AWS. This ... Cross-Functional Partnership Work closely with engineering, product, analytics, and infrastructure ...

SpaceX

Sr. Database Reliability Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$155K - $205K/yr

SR. DATABASE RELIABILITY ENGINEER SpaceX is looking for an experienced Database Reliability ... Research and troubleshoot data questions and provide support to our software developer teams

AllSTEM Connections

Oracle DBA - Sr.

Oakland, CA · On-site

$187K/yr

Provide technical guidance to junior DBAs and partner with DevOps teams to design scalable, cloud-ready data solutions. Qualifications & Requirements • Experience: Minimum 8+ years of Senior DBA ...

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Senior Database Developer information

See California salary details

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How much do senior database developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior database developer in California is $56.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46.01 and $66.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are database developers still in demand?

Database developers remain in demand due to the ongoing need for data management, system optimization, and integration across industries. Skills in SQL, database design, and familiarity with tools like Oracle or MySQL are highly valued, and demand is expected to grow as data-driven decision-making becomes more central to business operations.

What is the difference between Senior Database Developer vs Database Administrator?

AspectSenior Database DeveloperDatabase Administrator
Primary FocusDesigning, developing, and optimizing database systems and queriesMaintaining, securing, and backing up databases
Required SkillsSQL, database design, performance tuning, codingDatabase management, security protocols, troubleshooting
Work EnvironmentDevelopment teams, project-based tasksOperational environment, system monitoring
CertificationsOracle, Microsoft SQL Server certificationsOracle Certified Professional, Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator

While both roles require strong SQL and database knowledge, Senior Database Developers focus on creating and optimizing database solutions, whereas Database Administrators handle the ongoing maintenance, security, and performance of databases. Understanding these differences helps employers and professionals align skills with job responsibilities.

What does a senior database developer do?

A senior database developer designs, develops, and maintains complex databases to ensure data integrity, security, and performance. They often work with SQL, optimize queries, and may lead database-related projects or mentor junior staff. Strong problem-solving skills and experience with database management systems like Oracle or SQL Server are essential.

What is the highest salary for a database developer?

The highest salaries for senior database developers can exceed $130,000 to $150,000 annually, especially for those with extensive experience, advanced skills in SQL, NoSQL, and cloud platforms, and certifications. Salaries vary based on industry, location, and company size, with some senior roles in high-demand markets reaching higher compensation levels.

Is DBA better than developer?

A Senior Database Developer focuses on designing, developing, and optimizing database systems, while a Database Administrator (DBA) manages database performance, security, and maintenance. Both roles are essential, but they have different responsibilities; a developer typically works on creating database solutions, whereas a DBA ensures their stability and security. The better role depends on individual skills and career goals, with some professionals combining both functions.
What are the most commonly searched types of Database Developer jobs in California? The most popular types of Database Developer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Senior Database Developer jobs? Cities in California with the most Senior Database Developer job openings:
Sr. Database Reliability Engineer

Sr. Database Reliability Engineer

SpaceX

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$155K - $205K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 144 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 60 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
SR. DATABASE RELIABILITY ENGINEER
SpaceX is looking for an experienced Database Reliability Engineer with expert-level technical knowledge and broad hands-on experience in OLTP as well as OLAP database technologies. This employee will be in the IT Engineering organization and join a team of database administrators and engineers responsible for all database technologies used throughout SpaceX. The ideal candidate will be flexible, flourish in a fast paced and challenging environment and have an insatiable desire to learn. They should be a self-starter, self-motivator, and possess ingenuity to excel at this position. This individual will need to demonstrate strong knowledge in Linux, server/storage infrastructure, and troubleshooting skills.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Ownership of the health, uptime and performance of all PostgreSQL/Oracle/MySQL & Clickhouse databases
  • Partner with internal customers to understand current challenges, plan/communicate improvements and anticipate future needs
  • Develop code for automation of routine tasks by leveraging Python, bash, Ansible or a similar scripting language
  • Engineer, deploy, maintain, and own all aspects of database monitoring
  • Provide comprehensive and fully vetted backup restore solutions
  • Engineer, implement, and routinely test disaster recovery (DR) strategies
  • Identify and optimize abusive queries to increase system efficiency
  • Design and standardize detailed test conditions and test cases to ensure quality of queries and reports
  • Research and troubleshoot data questions and provide support to our software developer teams
  • Collaborate on problem resolution, team decisions, and project planning
  • Develop strong documentation and support runbooks
  • Document actions taken on and all configurations applied to database systems
  • Support and foster the professional growth of other database engineering and administration staff via cross-training, coaching, and responsibility sharing
  • Participate in an on-call rotation
  • Act as a database design, optimization, and maintenance subject matter expert for various teams as they build out and troubleshoot their applications
  • Automate database administration and implementation tasks and provide self-service solutions for customers

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, or engineering discipline and 8+ years of experience in IT; OR 10+ years of professional experience with database reliability or DevOps in lieu of a degree
  • 8+ years experience in optimizing SQL queries and data replication
  • 8+ years experience in developing monitoring tools and tuning databases

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Expertise in at least two database technologies (i.e. MSSQL , MySQL, Postgres, Oracle, Clickhouse, Apache Iceberg etc.)
  • Strong attention to detail, high degree of accuracy, excellent oral and written communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to meet deadlines
  • Experience with highly available solutions and clustered environments
  • Ability to participate in and contribute to conversations regarding planning, status updates, root cause analysis, and other collaborations
  • Knowledge of configuration management automation and limiting the amount of manual toil
  • Knowledge of data structure design and modeling
  • Understanding of infrastructure such that you can assist in determining where in the infrastructure a problem originates (whether from a database issue or other)
  • Good knowledge of development cycle to interface well with developers
  • Experience with Oracle RAC, RMAN, Barman and similar backup/troubleshooting technologies
  • Experience working with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems
  • Have a working knowledge and provide basic support for MS SQL and Windows Server
  • Experience with GIT and Python
  • Machine learning experience
  • Big Data experience

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must be able to work extended hours and weekends as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Level 1: $155,000 - $205,000
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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