25 of the Highest Paying SQL Developer Jobs in 2026

The best SQL Developer jobs can pay up to $165,500 per year.

High Paying SQL Developer Jobs

• Azure Architect

  Salary range: $127,000 - $165,500

  As an Azure architect, your job is to develop solutions, implement projects, and set up monitoring systems for companies using Microsoft Azure, a cloud-based computing service that focuses on creating, testing, deploying, and managing application and service software. Azure architects frequently implement automated solutions to monitor software development, provide systems support at all hours, execute cloud migration plans, and participate in client workshops to ensure the technical design of software meets their requirements. You may also help define solutions that meet your customer's needs, create proposals for the use of Azure, present said recommendations to C-Suite executives, and design infrastructure upgrade plans. You may work directly with Microsoft employees for technical support and the development of new features.

• SQL Engineer

  Salary range: $120,000 - $153,000

  The majority of SQL Engineer salaries across the United States currently range between $120,000 (25th percentile) and $153,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the SQL Engineer job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

• MS SQL Developer

  Salary range: $95,000 - $146,500

  The majority of MS SQL Developer salaries across the United States currently range between $95,000 (25th percentile) and $146,500 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the MS SQL Developer job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

• Senior Sql Dba

  Salary range: $118,500 - $140,000

  The majority of Senior Sql Dba salaries across the United States currently range between $118,500 (25th percentile) and $140,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Senior Sql Dba job market in the United States is moderately active, with several companies hiring.

• SQL Programmer Analyst

  Salary range: $83,000 - $139,500

  The majority of SQL Programmer Analyst salaries across the United States currently range between $83,000 (25th percentile) and $139,500 (75th percentile) annually. This large range of salary potential suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay depending on skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the SQL Programmer Analyst job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

• Senior SQL Developer

  Salary range: $100,500 - $137,000

  The majority of Senior SQL Developer salaries across the United States currently range between $100,500 (25th percentile) and $137,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Senior SQL Developer job market in the United States is somewhat active, with a few companies hiring.

• Azure Developer

  Salary range: $110,000 - $136,500

  The job duties of an Azure developer are to consult with clients to determine their goals and needs related to cloud computing, virtual servers, and web hosting using Microsoft Azure applications, and then to design software applications or databases to reach those goals. As a developer, you work as part of a large team of technical experts, including programmers, QA testers, and project managers to design new products, or scale existing solutions and deploy them.

• SSIS Developer

  Salary range: $90,500 - $135,000

  The majority of SSIS Developer salaries across the United States currently range between $90,500 (25th percentile) and $135,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the SSIS Developer job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

• SQL Architect

  Salary range: $125,000 - $135,000

  The majority of SQL Architect salaries across the United States currently range between $125,000 (25th percentile) and $135,000 (75th percentile) annually. Most people working in this role make similar salaries regardless of skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the SQL Architect job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

• SQL Server DBA

  Salary range: $108,500 - $131,500

  An SQL Server DBA is a database administrator who is an expert in Microsoft’s Structured Query Language (SQL) Server. They utilize software designed to track and store large amounts of personal and financial data and organize and analyze that data using the SQL Server platform. An SQL Server DBA maintains existing databases and creates new ones while ensuring security measures are in place. They backup data regularly, monitoring it closely so no information is lost.

• SQL Server Consultant

  Salary range: $104,500 - $130,000

  As an SQL server consultant, your job is to support the installation and configuration of an SQL server system. In this role, you may also help with the migration of projects or data into the database, isolate and resolve programming errors, or provide guidance and support for setting up hardware. An SQL server consultant is often a temporary contractor brought on early in a project, though you may find full-time work with a single company by transitioning into an administrative role. Many of your job duties are similar to those of an SQL database administrator, who often helps with system installation and configuration. The primary difference between the two is that consultants provide advice regarding how to utilize an SQL server for projects, while administrators focus on implementing and managing systems when they are in place.

• SQL Database Developer

  Salary range: $96,000 - $129,000

  As a SQL database developer, you help a company design and maintain its databases. In this role, you may specialize in a specific type of SQL software, such as Microsoft SQL Server, help determine the best way to program each query, and otherwise support database management efforts. You often help create custom database solutions, interpret reporting requirements, research required data, develop data migration procedures, and investigate asset exceptions. Fulfilling the responsibilities and duties of a SQL database developer requires interpersonal, communication, and time-management skills. Most SQL database developers also write in other programming languages as necessary.

• Oracle SQL Developer

  Salary range: $99,000 - $129,000

  An Oracle SQL developer used structured query language (SQL) to create databases and related applications. As an Oracle SQL developer, you have a specific focus on the Oracle database management system. As many companies need databases for their work, you can find jobs in a variety of industries. Your duties often include troubleshooting and problem-solving as part of the companies IT team. Other crucial responsibilities involve improving and maintaining cybersecurity and elevating the runtime efficiency of the system. The basic qualifications needed for a career as an Oracle SQL developer are an associate's degree in computer and a fair amount of IT experience. Many employers prefer certification in Oracle. Even if the certification is optional, it is a great way to make yourself more marketable.

• Senior SQL Server Developer

  Salary range: $107,500 - $129,000

  The majority of Senior SQL Server Developer salaries across the United States currently range between $107,500 (25th percentile) and $129,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Senior SQL Server Developer job market in the United States is somewhat active, with a few companies hiring.

• Oracle PL SQL Developer

  Salary range: $101,500 - $128,000

  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.

• SQL Database Administrator

  Salary range: $100,000 - $125,000

  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.

• SQL BI Developer

  Salary range: $95,500 - $125,000

  The majority of SQL BI Developer salaries across the United States currently range between $95,500 (25th percentile) and $125,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the SQL BI Developer job market in the United States is somewhat active, with a few companies hiring.

• Senior Sql Server Dba

  Salary range: $100,000 - $124,000

  As a senior SQL Server DBA, your responsibilities are to manage a SQL server so that all company or client data is compiled, stored, and made accessible. Your duties also include overseeing a group of developers who design and program applications and systems that meet the information storage requirements of the institution or company. To excel in this career, you must have a strong understanding of Microsoft SQL servers and other related hardware and software.

• SQL Server BI Developer

  Salary range: $101,500 - $121,000

  The majority of SQL Server BI Developer salaries across the United States currently range between $101,500 (25th percentile) and $121,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the SQL Server BI Developer job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

• Senior Oracle PL SQL Developer

  Salary range: $103,500 - $120,000

  The majority of Senior Oracle PL SQL Developer salaries across the United States currently range between $103,500 (25th percentile) and $120,000 (75th percentile) annually. Most people working in this role make similar salaries regardless of skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Senior Oracle PL SQL Developer job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

• SQL Consultant

  Salary range: $105,000 - $118,000

  The majority of SQL Consultant salaries across the United States currently range between $105,000 (25th percentile) and $118,000 (75th percentile) annually. Most people working in this role make similar salaries regardless of skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the SQL Consultant job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

• MYSQL Database Administrator

  Salary range: $83,500 - $117,000

  A MySQL database administrator, sometimes shortened to DBA, manages databases for a website or company using the MySQL software. Your responsibilities are developing and maintaining the organization’s information databases, setting up the database host, and ensuring secure storage of company information. Additionally, your duties may include coding add-ons and dashboards which help users to access information more readily, building and maintaining server technology, and testing the security and functionality of all databases to ensure they are properly built.

• SQL Server Architect

  Salary range: $111,500 - $114,500

  The majority of SQL Server Architect salaries across the United States currently range between $111,500 (25th percentile) and $114,500 (75th percentile) annually. Most people working in this role make similar salaries regardless of skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the SQL Server Architect job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

• SQL Data Analyst

  Salary range: $72,500 - $100,000

  A SQL data analyst is a data scientist that uses the SQL language to interpret data. This analysis is used to improve business information and provide new insights to managers. Your primary responsibilities revolve around creating these analysis reports, but SQL analytical skills are in demand in many different industries, so specific duties can vary. In many positions, you may be tasked with database upkeep as well, developing infrastructure that increases system efficiency. Regarding academic qualifications, this career requires a bachelor’s degree in either computer science, electrical engineering, information technology, or statistics. Most aspiring SQL analysts gain experience through internships while pursuing their degree.

• SQL Report Writer

  Salary range: $53,500 - $72,500

  A SQL report writer is a computer programmer that works with data in a Structured Query Language or SQL database to produce customized reports. Your job duties as an SQL report writer include developing reports based on customer requirements, programming SQL queries to pull data, and working with customers to define reporting needs. The qualifications needed for a career as a SQL report writer include a bachelor’s degree in computer science, database administration, or a related field. A good SQL report writer also needs to possess excellent analytical and critical thinking skills. You also need experience working with a variety of SQL database platforms.