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Sql Server Performance Tuning Expert Jobs in Chicago, IL

360 IT Professionals

Senior Data Architect

Rosemont, IL · On-site

$67.75 - $90.75/hr

Subject Matter Expert knowledge on program/product, fuel and maintenance data * SQL Server Logical design skills * Strong dimensional modeling concepts * Performance tuning skills to optimize * SSIS ...

Scadea Solutions Inc

SQL Server DBA

Chicago, IL · On-site

SQL Server DBA Location: Lake Forest, IL(Need Locals) Length: 2 Months (Potential Extension) Visa ... • Monitors database performance and implements changes necessary to maintain acceptable ...

Roadrunner

Data Engineer

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$114K - $137K/yr

Expert in writing advanced T-SQL queries, performance tuning, indexing, and handling large datasets. * Expertise in SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) Tabular models: Building semantic models, DAX ...

Roadrunner

Data Engineer

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$114K - $137K/yr

Expert in writing advanced T-SQL queries, performance tuning, indexing, and handling large datasets. * Expertise in SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) Tabular models: Building semantic models, DAX ...

Roadrunner

Data Engineer

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$114K - $137K/yr

Expert in writing advanced T-SQL queries, performance tuning, indexing, and handling large datasets. * Expertise in SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) Tabular models: Building semantic models, DAX ...

ITBrainiac

SSIS Expert/Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

Very strong experience in SSIS. * Very strong experience in SQL server * Must have worked on 2-3 large implementations for data lake and should have strong experience on data warehouse and DataMart ...

ITBrainiac

SSIS Expert/Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

Very strong experience in SSIS. * Very strong experience in SQL server * Must have worked on 2-3 large implementations for data lake and should have strong experience on data warehouse and DataMart ...

Jobtailor

Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$110 - $160/hr

Strong database development skills, including SQL Server database design, T-SQL Triggers, Query optimization and performance tuning. * Strong understanding of software architecture principles ...

Finoit Inc.

Senior Software Engineer (.NET)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

Design, develop, and optimize SQL Server databases, including performance tuning and query optimization. * Write clean, maintainable, and efficient code following software engineering best practices.

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Sql Server Performance Tuning Expert information

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How much do sql server performance tuning expert jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for sql server performance tuning expert in Chicago, IL is $57.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51.73 and $64.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a SQL Server Performance Tuning Expert?

SQL Server Performance Tuning Experts are professionals who specialize in optimizing the performance of Microsoft SQL Server databases. They analyze, diagnose, and resolve performance bottlenecks by fine-tuning queries, indexes, database design, and server configurations. Their expertise helps organizations ensure fast, reliable, and scalable database operations, which is crucial for business-critical applications. These experts also advise on best practices, conduct performance audits, and implement monitoring solutions to maintain optimal database performance.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a SQL Server Performance Tuning Expert?

To thrive as a SQL Server Performance Tuning Expert, you need a deep understanding of SQL Server architecture, query optimization, indexing strategies, and database administration, typically backed by relevant experience or certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate. Expertise in tools like SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), SQL Profiler, Database Engine Tuning Advisor, and monitoring solutions is vital. Strong problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, and effective communication set top performers apart by enabling them to diagnose issues and collaborate with development teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring optimal database performance, minimizing downtime, and supporting business-critical applications.

What challenges does a SQL Server Performance Tuning Expert face when diagnosing and resolving performance bottlenecks?

A SQL Server Performance Tuning Expert often encounters challenges such as identifying inefficient queries, isolating problematic indexing strategies, and managing resource contention between concurrent workloads. They must also navigate complex environments where historical changes or legacy configurations impact current performance. Collaborating closely with developers, DBAs, and infrastructure teams is crucial to implement solutions without disrupting business operations. Staying up-to-date with the latest SQL Server features and monitoring tools helps ensure proactive, effective tuning.

What is the difference between Sql Server Performance Tuning Expert vs Database Administrator?

AspectSql Server Performance Tuning ExpertDatabase Administrator
Primary FocusOptimizing SQL Server performance and query tuningManaging and maintaining overall database systems
CertificationsSQL Server certifications, performance tuning coursesDBA certifications like Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator
Work EnvironmentSpecialized in performance analysis, query optimizationBroader database management, backups, security
Industry UsageUsed in organizations needing high-performance SQL Server databasesUsed across industries for overall database health and security

While both roles work with SQL Server, the Sql Server Performance Tuning Expert specializes in enhancing database performance through query optimization and tuning. The Database Administrator manages the entire database environment, including security, backups, and maintenance. Understanding these differences helps organizations assign the right expertise for their needs.

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Sql Server Performance Tuning Expert jobs near you

Manager, Data Operations

Strata Decision Technology

Chicago, IL

$150K - $168K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

How you'll make an impact: 

As the Manager of Data Operations, you will lead a team responsible for the reliability, performance, and security of a mission-critical data platform spanning SQL Server, Azure SQL Database, Snowflake, and Microsoft Fabric. 

This is a hands-on leadership role. You will balance people management with deep technical engagement-guiding the team while also stepping in to solve complex performance issues, drive platform improvements, and ensure operational excellence across the environment. 

You'll partner closely with engineering, analytics, and platform teams to ensure our data systems are scalable, cost-efficient, and ready to support advanced analytics and AI-driven workloads. 

Lead and Grow the Team 

  • Manage, mentor, and develop a team of data engineers and DBAs  
  • Set clear priorities and uphold high operational standards  
  • Coach on performance tuning, troubleshooting, and best practices  
  • Partner on hiring, workforce planning, and team development  

Own Platform Reliability and Security 

  • Ensure availability, performance, and security across all platforms  
  • Lead incident response and improve operational readiness  
  • Strengthen monitoring, alerting, and runbooks to reduce noise and speed response  
  • Support backup, recovery, and disaster recovery strategies  

Stay Hands-On 

  • Troubleshoot complex performance issues across CPU, memory, IO, and concurrency  
  • Optimize queries, indexing, and execution plans at scale  
  • Guide database design and performance with engineering teams  
  • Serve as an escalation point for critical production issues  

Drive Improvement and Modernization 

  • Identify opportunities to improve scalability, efficiency, and cost  
  • Support adoption of Snowflake, Microsoft Fabric, and modern data tools  
  • Partner to enable analytics, ML, and AI workloads  
  • Promote automation and standardization 

What we're looking for: 

  • Strong SQL Server performance tuning experience in production environments, including execution plans, indexing, locking/blocking, and wait analysis  
  • Experience with Azure SQL and hybrid data platforms; familiarity with Snowflake and/or Microsoft Fabric is a plus  
  • Proficiency in SQL and scripting languages such as PowerShell or Python  
  • Experience with monitoring and observability tools like Query Store, Azure Monitor, or Datadog  
  • A solid understanding of how infrastructure decisions impact database performance, scalability, and cost  
  • Experience supporting analytics, reporting, or AI-driven data platforms  
  • Proven ability to lead technical teams while remaining hands-on when needed  
  • Strong decision-making skills, accountability, and a track record of improving operational practices  
  • Excellent collaboration and communication skills, especially during incidents, cross-functional initiatives, and technical decision-making discussions 

What Success Looks Like: 

  • A secure, high-performing, well-monitored data platform  
  • A team with clear ownership and reduced operational noise  
  • Effective incident response with continuous improvement  
  • Ongoing platform enhancements-not just maintenance  
  • A data environment ready to scale with analytics and AI needs 

Estimated Salary Range: $150,000-168,000
Actual salary will be determined based on factors including, but not limited to, skill set and level of experience. This salary range is a good faith estimate of base pay. Strata also provides discretionary variable pay programs based on role. In addition, Strata provides a comprehensive benefits package including retirement benefits, health and welfare benefits, paid time off, parental leave, life and accident insurance, and other voluntary and well-being benefits.

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