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Sql Database Administrator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

SQL DBA administrator

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

- Database Engineer (SQL Server DBA)Location - Des Moines, IA / Hybrid / OnsiteDatabase Administration & Operations * Manage and support SQL Server databases across Development, Test, UAT, and ...

New

W2 Candidates Only We are seeking an experienced Database Administrator to manage, monitor, secure ... SQL Server or Oracle * Database installation and configuration * Performance tuning * Backup and ...

New

Database Administration skills in MS SQL & mySQL Design, implement and troubleshoot SQL in large, multi server (high-volume and high-availability) environment Experience in Operating Systems (Windows ...

Database Administrator

Sloan, IA · On-site

$50 - $70/hr

The database administrator will assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively under the ordinance adopted by the Winnebago gaming commission and the Winnebago tribal council. Job ...

New

SQL Developer DBA5

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$44.25 - $60.50/hr

THIS IS NOT A DBA POSITION WHERE THE RESOURCE IS DOING MAINTENANCE, UPGRADES, STORAGE ALLOCATION OR BACKUP. IT IS A DEVELOPER ROLE WHERE THE RESOURCE SPECIALIZES IN CODING AGAINST A SQL BACKEND ...

SQL Developer DBA5

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$44.25 - $60.50/hr

THIS IS NOT A DBA POSITION WHERE THE RESOURCE IS DOING MAINTENANCE, UPGRADES, STORAGE ALLOCATION OR BACKUP. IT IS A DEVELOPER ROLE WHERE THE RESOURCE SPECIALIZES IN CODING AGAINST A SQL BACKEND ...

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Sql Database Administrator information

See Iowa salary details

$12

$50

$68

How much do sql database administrator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for sql database administrator in Iowa is $50.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45.14 and $56.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an SQL database administrator?

A SQL database administrator is an IT professional who installs, monitors, maintains, and improves SQL databases; these databases house the data required for various systems within the company and are vital to business’ success. Responsibilities include supporting the organization’s application teams, as well as identifying and troubleshooting any database issues. SQL database administrators work closely with support administrators to keep the business’s infrastructure up, running smoothly, and protected from unapproved access.

What are some of the common challenges SQL database administrators face when managing large-scale databases?

SQL Database Administrators often encounter challenges such as maintaining database performance during high-traffic periods, ensuring data security, and planning for effective backups and disaster recovery. Managing schema changes without impacting application uptime and troubleshooting complex performance issues are also frequent hurdles. Collaboration with development and infrastructure teams is essential to optimize queries, manage deployments, and implement best practices for scalability and reliability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a SQL database administrator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a SQL Database Administrator, you need expertise in database design, SQL querying, performance tuning, and a strong understanding of data security and backup strategies, typically supported by a relevant degree or certifications like Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate. Familiarity with database management systems such as Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, and tools like SSMS (SQL Server Management Studio) is essential. Problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for troubleshooting and collaborating with development and IT teams. These competencies are vital to ensure data integrity, system reliability, and efficient database operations within an organization.

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

AspectSql Database AdministratorDatabase Developer
Primary RoleMaintains, secures, and optimizes SQL databasesDesigns, develops, and implements database solutions
Skills & CertificationsSQL Server certifications, database management skillsSQL, programming languages, database design expertise
Work EnvironmentDatabase management teams, IT departmentsDevelopment teams, software projects
Common TasksBackup, recovery, performance tuningQuery development, schema design, data modeling

While both roles work with SQL databases, the Sql Database Administrator focuses on maintaining and securing existing databases, whereas the Database Developer designs and builds new database solutions. Understanding these differences helps organizations assign the right responsibilities and professionals for their database needs.

Are SQL database administrators still in demand?

SQL database administrators remain in demand due to ongoing reliance on relational databases for data management across industries. They are valued for their skills in database design, performance tuning, and security, often requiring knowledge of SQL, backup strategies, and certifications like Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate.

What are popular job titles related to Sql Database Administrator jobs in Iowa?

For Sql Database Administrator jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Sql Database Administrator jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Sql Database Administrator jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Sql Database Administrator jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Sql Database Administrator job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Sql Database Administrator jobs in IA?

For Sql Database Administrator jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Sql Database Administrator job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,945 per year, or $50.5 per hour.

SQL DBA administrator

Cognizant

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Other

Posted yesterday

New


Cognizant rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 87 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

59th of 72 rated business consultants


Job description

Job Description – Database Engineer (SQL Server DBA)Location – Des Moines, IA / Hybrid / OnsiteDatabase Administration & Operations
  • Manage and support SQL Server databases across Development, Test, UAT, and Production environments.
  • Perform database code, schema, and object migrations in compliance with established change management procedures.
  • Execute daily operational health checks, backup verification, job monitoring, database consistency checks, and capacity reviews.
  • Install, configure, upgrade, patch, and maintain SQL Server instances while minimizing business disruption.
  • Manage database storage, growth, capacity planning, and lifecycle management activities.
Performance Management & Optimization
  • Monitor database and server performance, proactively identifying and resolving CPU, memory, I/O, storage, locking, blocking, and resource contention issues.
  • Perform advanced performance tuning using:
    • SQL Profiler
    • Query Store
    • Execution Plans
    • Dynamic Management Views (DMVs)
    • Extended Events
    • Performance Monitor (PerfMon)
  • Optimize SQL queries, stored procedures, indexes, database objects, and execution plans to improve application performance and reduce response times.
  • Establish performance baselines and implement proactive monitoring strategies.
Database Architecture & Engineering
  • Design, architect, and implement scalable, secure, and highly available SQL Server environments.
  • Collaborate with Infrastructure, Server, Storage, Network, and Application teams to develop robust database platforms.
  • Review database deployments and migration requests to ensure compliance with security, performance, scalability, and infrastructure standards.
  • Participate in enterprise database modernization and cloud transformation initiatives.
High Availability & Disaster Recovery
  • Implement and manage SQL Server HA/DR solutions, including:
    • Always On Availability Groups
    • Failover Clustering
    • Log Shipping
    • Replication
    • Disaster Recovery Planning
  • Develop, maintain, and test database backup, recovery, and business continuity procedures.
  • Conduct periodic restore testing and disaster recovery exercises.
Security & Compliance
  • Manage database security through user provisioning, role management, permissions, and access controls.
  • Ensure compliance with organizational security policies, audit requirements, and regulatory standards.
  • Conduct database security reviews and remediate vulnerabilities and risks.
Migration, Upgrades & Automation
  • Lead database migrations, refreshes, cloning activities, platform upgrades, cloud migrations, and consolidation initiatives.
  • Automate routine DBA tasks using:
    • PowerShell
    • T-SQL
    • SQL Server Agent Jobs
    • Automation Frameworks
  • Develop scripts, utilities, and monitoring solutions to improve operational efficiency and reliability.
Incident & Production Support
  • Provide 24x7 support for critical production databases and applications.
  • Troubleshoot database-related incidents and service disruptions.
  • Perform Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and implement preventive measures.
  • Work closely with application, infrastructure, and vendor teams to ensure SLA compliance and service availability.
Required Skills & QualificationsTechnical Skills
  • Strong administration experience with:
    • Microsoft SQL Server 2016/2019/2022
    • SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)
  • Expertise in:
    • T-SQL Development
    • Performance Tuning
    • Index Optimization
    • Query Optimization
    • Database Design
  • Hands-on experience with:
    • Always On Availability Groups
    • Clustering
    • Replication
    • Log Shipping
  • Experience with backup and recovery strategies and tools.
  • Strong understanding of database security, compliance, and auditing.
  • Experience with PowerShell scripting and automation.
  • Knowledge of Windows Server administration and infrastructure concepts.
Cloud & Modern Platform Exposure (Preferred)
  • Azure SQL Database
  • Azure Managed Instance
  • AWS RDS SQL Server
  • Cloud migration tools and methodologies
Soft Skills
  • Strong analytical and troubleshooting abilities.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced production environment.
  • Strong documentation and process discipline.

Experience Range: 7-12+ Years
Role Type: Infrastructure Managed Services / Database Operations / Production Support / Database Engineering.

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