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Senior Database Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Etl/Database Developer Sacramento, CA (Hybrid, Two days a week in office required) Long-term Contract Requirements: * Senior hands-on ETL/Database Developer with strong communication skills.

Experience developing requirements, designing, developing, building, and analyzing database ... Understands complex programming techniques including, but not limited to, programming languages ...

Senior Cloud Engineer - Database

Rancho Cordova, CA · On-site

$113K - $153K/yr

General information Job Posting Title Senior Cloud Engineer - Database Date Monday, June 8, 2026 ... strong DevOps mindset and modern engineering principles. This role is ideally based in Rancho ...

SQL Developer

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$47 - $64.50/hr

Title: Sr. Database Developer (SQL) Length: 6 month contract Remote (PST hours) office is in Santa Ana, CA Looking for a SQL Developer with 4+ Years of design and development experience who applied ...

Senior Database Administrator

San Jose, CA · On-site

$58.25 - $80.25/hr

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science or Engineering fields or equivalent experience * 4 to 6 years of Oracle and SQL server database administration experience. * Excellent verbal and ...

Senior Database Administrator

San Jose, CA · On-site

$58.25 - $80.25/hr

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science or Engineering fields or equivalent experience * 4 to 6 years of Oracle and SQL server database administration experience. * Excellent verbal and ...

Sr. Database Administrator

San Diego, CA · On-site

$120K - $145K/yr

This role combines strong database administration expertise with modern data engineering capabilities, focusing on performance, scalability and reliability. This role will be onsite and available at ...

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Senior Database Developer information

See California salary details

$16

$56

$80

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:
Senior Database Administrator - Remote

Senior Database Administrator - Remote

UnitedHealth Group

San Francisco, CA • On-site, Remote

$58.50 - $80.75/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 7 days ago


UnitedHealth Group rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 141 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

188th of 877 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Optum Tech is a global leader in health care innovation. Our teams develop cutting-edge solutions that help people live healthier lives and help make the health system work better for everyone. From advanced data analytics and AI to cybersecurity, we use innovative approaches to solve some of health care's most complex challenges. Your contributions here have the potential to change lives. Ready to build the next breakthrough? Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.


We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Database Administrator to support and operate Postgres and MySQL platforms in cloud based production environments. In this role, you will provide hands on production support, ensure day to day operational stability, and play a critical role in maintaining the performance, reliability, and scalability of business critical database systems.


This is a customer impacting role that requires deep technical expertise, solid troubleshooting skills, and the ability to operate effectively in a 247 production support environment, including participation in on call rotations.


You'll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely * from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges. For all hires in the Minneapolis or Washington, D.C. area, you will be required to work in the office a minimum of four days per week.


Primary Responsibilities:

  • Administer and maintain Postgres and MySQL databases in Azure across multiple environments
  • Design and implement database solutions based on application requirements
  • Maintain documentation related to database design, architecture, and procedures 
  • Tuning of the database and data models for performance
  • Database upgrades in the Azure environment
  • Working independently with minimal guidance on multiple tasks across multiple scrum teams
  • Ensuring security standards are met and backup strategies are in place
  • Understanding database architecture and design, suggesting improvements and updates to database architecture
  • Design and develop resilient, reliable, scalable and self-healing solutions to meet and exceed customer requirements
  • Relieve the team of "churn" and "waste" by introducing automation of menial tasks
  • Collaborate with engineers on partner-teams to build cohesive and optimal solutions
  • Communicate clearly and effectively in oral and written forms, and be able to present and demonstrate work to technical and non-technical stakeholders
  • Mentor junior members of the engineering team to develop and perform as highly as possible
  • Contribute to development team and help to achieve key business objectives
  • Contribute to large, complex projects to achieve key business objectives
  • Collaborate with the team on application architecture design and decision-making
  • Design and implement database enhancements in collaboration with different teams
  • Solves unique and complex problems with broad impact on the business
  • Translates highly complex concepts in ways that can be understood by a variety of audiences
  • The candidate must be able to work in a fast paced, high pressure environment
  • Present and demonstrate solutions to peers and Sr Management


You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications:

  • 5 years of experience on Postgres database administration.  Must have a good understanding of Postgres database architecture, administration and configuration
  • 5 years of experience using SQL for querying, manipulating and managing data within the database
  • 5 years of experience in optimizing database performance through indexing, query tuning and other techniques
  • 3 years of experience in MySQL database administration.  Must have a good understanding of Postgres database architecture, administration and configuration
  • 3 years of experience in systems analysis 
  • 3 years of experience in presenting and demonstrating solutions to peers and Sr. Management
  • 2 years of experience with Postgres Flexible Server on Azure
  • 2 years of experience working in an Agile environment
  • Good knowledge of Postgres and MySQL security best practices including user management, access controls and data encryption


Preferred Qualifications:

  • 5 years of experience working in a Health Care Environment/ Medical Management experience 
  • 3 years Care Management and Utilization Management experience
  • 2 years working in a cloud-based environment
  • Experience working in a virtual team environment
  • Linux experience
  • Github, Python, Snowflake, Java, Postgres, Azure
  • Proven solid communication and interpersonal skills

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records


*All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter Policy


Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The salary for this role will range from $112,700 to $193,200 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.


Application Deadline: This will be posted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.


At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone-of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income-deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes - an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.


UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.


UnitedHealth Group is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.


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