What Is an Oracle PL SQL Developer and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

An Oracle PL/SQL developer is a specialist in PL, or Procedural Language, which is a proprietary extension of SQL, or Structured Query Language, developed by Oracle. PL/SQL is designed specifically to work in the Oracle database environment. As an Oracle PL/SQL developer, your duties revolve around the design, development, and integration of new software and automation techniques using PL/SQL for Oracle products, such as servers. Your responsibilities include the testing and implementation of new software and consulting with other programmers and developers. You also provide support to end users to solicit their needs and document all database projects and processes.

To become an Oracle PL/SQL developer, you need many qualifications, including a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology systems or computer science. In addition to your education, you should have an expert working knowledge of SQL, PL/SQL, and other database coding languages, gained through several years of experience. Because an Oracle database server compiles PL/SQL program units, you also need to have familiarity with Oracle database products. Oracle provides several certifications and training programs that introduce database coders to Oracle languages and software. Employers also prefer you to have excellent communication and project management skills.

The career path for an Oracle PL/SQL developer typically begins with an entry-level database developer job or another job related to database administration, working for a company that utilizes Oracle solutions. After working as a junior developer, you may move up to a lead developer role, overseeing a team of developers. With supervisory experience, you can apply to more senior positions, such as a senior DBA or Business Intelligence Architect, or move into database consulting. This career path can lead you to work in the medical or banking industries, and there are other opportunities if you gain expertise in an applicable field.