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Sql Server Performance Tuning Optimization Jobs

Visa

Database Engineer- SQL Server

Austin, TX · Hybrid

$110K/yr

... performance optimization. You will play a key role in ensuring databases are highly available ... Optimize performance through advanced T-SQL tuning, indexing strategies, and execution plan ...

Programmers.io

SQL Server DBA

Atlanta, GA · On-site

... strong performance tuning skills, and productiongrade experience with HA/DR. Knowledge of ... Performance & Optimization Diagnose and resolve performance issues (wait stats, query plans, I/O ...

Sonsoft Inc

SQL DBA

Irving, TX · On-site

$48 - $60/hr

Hands on experience in Server Performance tuning and Recommendations * High availability solutions ... SQL Server versions 2008, 2012, 2014 * Transact-SQL * SQL Server High availability solutions ...

Atria Group LLC

Sr. SQL Server Developer

Houston, TX · On-site

Performance tuning * Knowledge of developing data-driven .NET applications using C#, ORMs, ADO.NET * SQL Server Administration * Source Control: TFS or VSS * Methodologies: UML, Rational Rose, Agile

Mindlance

MS SQL Server Administrator

Washington, DC

SQL Server DBA Duration: 5 Month - Long term Location: Washington, DC 20433 Hybrid Onsite: 4 days ... Perform database performance tuning, query optimization, and indexing. Implement backup, restore ...

Infosys Technologies Ltd

SQL DBA

Richardson, TX

$45.50 - $56.75/hr

This role involves managing and optimizing SQL Server infrastructure, ensuring high availability, performance tuning, and supporting modernization initiatives including cloud and database migrations.

Trinity Technology Solutions

SQL DBA

Alpharetta, GA · On-site

$48.75 - $61/hr

... Server database environments. The SQL DBA will be responsible for performance tuning, backup and ... Performance & Optimization * Monitor database performance and troubleshoot slow-running queries.

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

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for sql server performance tuning optimization in the United States is $48.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.87 and $54.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by SQL Server Performance Tuning and Optimization specialists, and how are they typically addressed?

SQL Server Performance Tuning and Optimization specialists often encounter challenges such as identifying poorly performing queries, resolving resource bottlenecks, and managing inefficient indexing strategies. These issues are typically addressed by conducting detailed analysis using tools like SQL Server Profiler, Execution Plans, and Dynamic Management Views to pinpoint sources of slowdowns. Collaboration with developers and DBAs is crucial to implement query rewrites, optimize schema design, and adjust server configurations. Staying updated with the latest SQL Server features and best practices is also essential for effectively addressing performance challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a SQL Server Performance Tuning Optimization Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a SQL Server Performance Tuning Optimization Specialist, you need advanced knowledge of SQL Server architecture, query optimization, indexing strategies, and a background in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), SQL Profiler, Database Tuning Advisor, and relevant certifications like Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate are highly valuable. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help in diagnosing issues and collaborating with development teams. These abilities are crucial for ensuring database efficiency, minimizing downtime, and supporting business-critical applications.

What is SQL Server performance tuning and optimization?

SQL Server performance tuning and optimization refers to the process of improving the speed, efficiency, and reliability of a SQL Server database. This involves analyzing and resolving issues related to slow queries, inefficient indexing, hardware bottlenecks, and improper configuration settings. The goal is to ensure that the database runs smoothly, handles workloads effectively, and provides fast response times for users and applications. Performance tuning may include reviewing execution plans, optimizing SQL queries, adjusting server resources, and implementing best practices for database design.

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

AspectSql Server Performance Tuning OptimizationDatabase Administrator
Primary FocusOptimizing SQL Server performance through query tuning, indexing, and configuration adjustmentsManaging overall database health, security, backups, and user access
Skills & CertificationsSQL Server certifications, performance tuning, query optimizationDBA certifications, system administration, security, backup & recovery
Work EnvironmentOften specialized in performance aspects within IT teamsBroader database management within IT or enterprise teams

While both roles require SQL Server knowledge, Performance Tuning Optimization focuses specifically on enhancing database speed and efficiency, whereas a Database Administrator manages the entire database environment, including security, backups, and maintenance.

Infographic showing various Sql Server Performance Tuning Optimization job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 42% Full Time, and 58% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $100,745 per year, or $48.4 per hour.
Database Engineer- SQL Server

Database Engineer- SQL Server

Visa

Austin, TX • Hybrid

$110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Visa rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 17 rated payment service providers

Job description

About Us
Visa is a world leader in payments technology, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories, dedicated to uplifting everyone, everywhere by being the best way to pay and be paid.

At Visa, you'll have the opportunity to create impact at scale - tackling meaningful challenges, growing your skills and seeing your contributions impact lives around the world.

Join Visa and do work that matters - to you, to your community, and to the world. Progress starts with you.

Job Description

The Opportunity:


We are seeking a SQL Server Database Engineer with a strong focus on production operations and reliability engineering (SRE).

As part of this team, you will contribute to the plan, build, and run of Microsoft SQL Server database infrastructure, with a primary focus on system reliability, performance, and operational excellence.

This is a hands-on Microsoft SQL Server role requiring strong T-SQL and PowerShell skills, with an emphasis on production support, automation, and performance tuning.

This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys owning production database environments, solving real-time issues, and improving system stability through automation, observability, and proactive performance optimization. You will play a key role in ensuring databases are highly available, resilient, and operating at scale-rather than building analytics platforms or data pipelines.

You'll work both independently and collaboratively to deliver database improvements, troubleshoot complex issues, and support critical production systems, while applying best practices in SQL Server administration, automation, and reliability engineering.

The Work Itself:

Production Database Ownership (SRE Focus)

Own the health, stability, and reliability of SQL Server production environments.
Continuously improve availability, monitoring, alerting, and incident response practices.

Performance Tuning and Reliability

Diagnose and resolve real-world production issues including slow queries, blocking, deadlocks, and resource contention.
Optimize performance through advanced T-SQL tuning, indexing strategies, and execution plan analysis.


Monitoring, Alerting, and Incident Response

Build and maintain monitoring and alerting systems for database health and performance.
Participate in on-call rotations, triaging and resolving incidents to minimize downtime and business impact.


Backup, Recovery, and High Availability

Own backup/restore processes, disaster recovery planning, and HA solutions (Always On, replication).
Ensure systems are resilient and meet uptime expectations.


Automation and Operational Efficiency

Develop and maintain automation using PowerShell and SQL Server tooling (SQL Agent jobs, scripting, etc.) to streamline operations and reduce manual intervention.


Security and Compliance

Manage database access, permissions, and security configurations.
Ensure adherence to data protection and operational security best practices.

Collaboration with Engineering Teams

Work closely with application engineers to support production database usage, improve query efficiency, and troubleshoot issues in real time.

This is a hybrid position.Expectationofdays intheoffice will be confirmed by your Hiring Manager.
This role requires 24/7oncallproduction support.
This role is not eligible for employment-based visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship.

Visa requires at least 3 days in office, expectations of these days will be confirmed by your Hiring Manager.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications
2+ years of relevant work experience and a Bachelors degree, OR 5+ years of relevant work experience

Preferred Qualifications

  • 2-5 years of hands-on experience with Microsoft SQL Server in production environments

  • Strong experience with:

    • T-SQL (query tuning, stored procedures, performance troubleshooting)

    • PowerShell scripting for automation and operational tasks

    • SQL Server performance tuning (indexing, execution plans)

  • Experience supporting production systems or on-call environments

  • Experience with backup/recovery and database maintenance

  • Strong problem-solving skills in live operational scenarios

Nice to Have

  • Experience with automation platforms (e.g., Ansible)

  • Observability experience (Clickhouse, Grafana, Prometheus, Datadog, etc.)

  • Exposure to SQL Server HA/DR (Always On, replication, clustering)

  • Experience in SRE, DevOps, or operations-focused roles

  • Cloud exposure (AWS or GCP)

  • Familiarity with Git/GitHub

  • Experience leveraging AI/code assistant tools for troubleshooting or automation

U.S. Applicants Only

The estimated salary range for this positionis $110,700.00 to $ 171,800.00 USD per year, which may include potential sales incentive payments (if applicable). Salary may vary depending on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location. In addition, this position may be eligible for bonus and equity.Visa has a comprehensive benefits package for which this position may be eligible that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), FSA/HSA, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, and Wellness Program.

Work Hours

Varies upon the needs of the department.

Travel Requirements

This position requires travel 5-10% of the time.

Mental/Physical Requirements

This position will be performed in an office setting. The position will require the incumbent to sit and stand at a desk, communicate in person and by telephone, frequently operate standard office equipment, such as telephones and computers.

Visa is an EEO Employer

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protect veteran status. Visa will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the EEOC guidelines and applicable local law.
Visa logo

About Visa

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Visa is a global leader in digital payments, facilitating over 215 billion transactions annually across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through an innovative, reliable, and secure payments network, empowering individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive. When you become a part of Visa, you join a purpose-driven culture that values growth, embraces diversity, and recognizes the significance of your contributions. We believe in creating inclusive economies that uplift everyone, everywhere. Your work at Visa will directly impact billions of people worldwide, enabling access to financial services and shaping the future of money movement.

Industry

Finance and insurance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Francisco, CA, US

Year founded

1958

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