They use high-traffic websites for banks and IRCTC without realizing that thousands of queries raised simultaneously from different locations are handled efficiently by skilled backend developers, like SQL developers. 

SQL developers are responsible for maintaining databases that use billions of bytes to process a simple query like “Train departure date”.  In an instant, the user has access to the information they are looking for! But, this is common knowledge within the industry.

What, many people within the industry miss out on is the high-dependency of Data Scientists and Data Analysts on well-functioning databases. Skilled SQL developers are required by offer end-to-end development of applications, along with data modeling and migration solutions. 

Let us explore, what is SQL and what is it like to be an SQL developer in India and what salary plus opportunities one can expect.

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What is SQL? 

The need for Structured Query Language or SQL was required to change the way data was stored in files and racks. It is a decisive fourth-generation programming language required to help with the following processes in databases – search, insert, delete, update, upkeep, and streamline data or records.

In other words, SQL communicates with and manipulates the data that organizations collect and store. While the process starts with worksheets to run queries and scripts, the large volume and velocity of the data, push many organizations to shift to data management systems. 

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Though SQL was first created by IBM in the early 1970s, it was Oracle which popularised the language with its commercial version known as Oracle V2 in 1979. The company also introduced MySQL that companies want because they can adapt it to their unique requirements without the need for creating their own databases.

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Well now most people prefer No SQL Databases, and you should know that SQL databases were the founding fathers of No SQL Databases. 

Read: 15 Exciting SQL Project Ideas & Topics For Beginners

Who is an SQL Developer?

It is quite simple, really. An SQL developer is a database developer. The person is responsible for all the activities and processes mentioned above, along with ensuring security at an organizational level. They are responsible for 

• creating, designing, developing and storing data in the databases
• supporting and writing applications for, and to, the database
• raising queries and processing amends as per the requirement of their organizations
• testing as well as resolving issues during data migration 
• writing SQL queries for integrating with other applications. 
• creating database tables
• creating procedures for view and functions
• creating database triggers, a procedural code that runs when a specific action occurs.
• maintaining data quality and data security 

SQL developers integrate and create a strong backend system to support analysis and operations. As you have seen, the rise of applications definitely demands more databases to support them, which thus keeps user, which could be end-users or data analysts, engaged with the application.

Now, that you have become familiar with the roles and responsibilities of an SQL developer, let’s come to the most awaited part of this article — THE SALARY!

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Must Read: SQL Interview Questions. 

Salary of an SQL Developer

Most engineering graduates and professionals are often unsure of the salary they should demand from their prospective employers. Here, we have tried to capture the salary you can expect based on various factors. These are indications, and the actual salary will depend on your ability to perform the job intuitively and intelligently. 

Let us begin with the market demand of SQL developers in the country. 

And a simple search on LinkedIn yields you over 3000+ job opportunities in India. 

Many top financial, as well as technological giants like Paypal, Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan, Walmart Lab,s and several startups like Nearbuy, possess high demand for SQL developers. What you have to remember is that you require the skills to get hired at the best firms in the world. Getting the right education is the first step in that direction. 

Moreover, gaining practical experience through internships or projects can significantly enhance employability as well as entry level SQL jobs salary. Recognizing the specific skills and technologies in demand by these top firms can further guide individuals in tailoring their education and skill development. 

Lastly, staying informed about the evolving landscape of SQL and related technologies is crucial to drive the future of SQL developers towards success. This will help them align their expertise with industry needs and secure rewarding opportunities in this thriving sector.

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SQL Developer Salary in India: Based on Experience

All professionals put a high premium on experience and rightly so. It is with experience that a person learns the importance of planning and listening while developing the ability to anticipate risks and provide quick solutions. 

• Entry-Level (0-2 years): Entry-level SQL developers typically have limited experience and may be recent graduates or individuals new to the workforce. The Junior SQL developer salary in India per month are usually lower as they are still building their skills and gaining practical experience.
• Mid-Level (2-5 years): As SQL developers gain a few years of experience, their understanding of databases, query optimization, and database design deepens. They become more proficient in handling complex tasks. Thereby, they are likely to receive a higher SQL developer salary in India.
• Senior-Level (5+ years): SQL developers with significant experience are considered experts in their field. They have likely worked on various projects, solved complex issues, and possibly taken on leadership roles. Senior-level developers often command higher SQL job salary due to their advanced skills, expertise, and ability to handle more responsibility.

A quick look at the average salary of a SQL developer by experience: 

Source

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So, the more experience you gain, the higher is the salary you will get. You need to sink your teeth into the job and work with people more experienced than you to learn and rise. The salary range, as seen above, can vary from about Rs. 300,000 to over Rs. 1,100,000. Experience of a developer in database technology is essential both on the product side as well as on the business side. 

Experience is also one of the major factors affecting the salaries for SQL developers at companies. The last recorded Oracle company salary was Rs. 7,73,412.

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SQL Developer Salary in India: Based on Location

You may have the experience to deliver on the requirements at an organizational level, but the location you are at will also determine the salary you draw. Though in some cities the difference, in terms of percentage is minimal, in others there is a high difference which can impact final decisions. Mostly, the locations with high salaries are hubs for the industry, and you would benefit from the interaction with peers and infrastructure available at such locations.  The geographical location indeed plays a crucial role in determining salary levels for professionals, including SQL developers, as it is often tied to the overall economic and industry ecosystem of the region.

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Bangalore has the highest demand much because of its reputation as a technological hub. The ‘Silicon Valley of India’ as it is sometimes called is home to some of  the biggest national and international brand, while being a hub for startups and angel investors. 

Oracle IT professionals are in also high demand, given the city’s reputation as a technological powerhouse. The thriving ecosystem, comprising major national and international brands, startups, and angel investors, contributes to the competitive landscape. Oracle IT salary in Bangalore tend to reflect this demand, aligning with the city’s status as a leading IT center.

The difference would vary largely across countries also, and as mentioned above, your negotiation skills along with your talent will determine the final pay package. It’s essential for professionals to also consider not only the salary offered but also the potential for career growth, networking opportunities, and the overall professional environment in a particular location.

SQL Developer Salary in India: Based on Company

The third most defining impact on SQL is the company or the prospective employer. A bigger brand will have access to more data, and they are more prone to attacks by hackers. Hence, the bigger the brand, the higher is the salary you can expect.

The biggest salaries as obvious are from Information Technology firms, financial companies and e-commerce retailers. 

1. Accenture – Rs. 533K – Rs. 576K
2. HCL Technologies – Rs. 390K – Rs. 418K
3. Hewlett-Packard – Rs. 562K – Rs. 611K
4. Bank of America – Rs. 948K – Rs. 1,029K
5. Flipkart – Rs. 790K – Rs. 857K

Source

For companies, the right set of data is necessary to help their analysts make the right decisions, especially given the shift to Big Data. The high volume and velocity at which companies produce data requires the knowledge of the SQL developers to create the scripts enabling quick and accurate fetching of the data. It helps to save unnecessary investments in technology, and hence, companies are willing to pay higher salaries to keep their data secure, usable and attainable. 

SQL Developer Salary in India: Based on Industry

Source

SQL Developers Salary in Comparison to Other Developers

The world of technology is tough. It is not all about skills; it is also the individual’s ability to remain updated with the latest technological advancements in the field. A new way of storing or accessing data can bring down costs and save time. However, there are different types of developers required across industries, and here we are comparing the difference in salaries by title or job. 

Source

• Software engineer average salary in India: Rs. 510,982
• Web Designer average salary in India: Rs. 281,913
• Java Developer average salary in India: Rs. 443,568
• Technical Consultant average salary in India: Rs. 895,842
• PHP Developer average salary in India: Rs. 279,450
• IT Consultant average salary in India: Rs. 805,000 
• Business Intelligence Analyst: Rs. 607,543
• Data Analyst: Rs. 413,882

As you can see, the average salary of an SQL developer is consistent with what a Java Developer and PHP Developer draws. It is the consultants and intelligent analysts who draw higher salaries, but rise with experience, but to reach that position, you first need to understand data management. The first step is always as a developer. 

Benefits of SQL 

Before delving into the different SQL developer salary, across various states of India, let’s take a quick look at some of the benefits that you can derive from implementing SQL-

• Faster Query Processing- The first and foremost advantage of using SQL is that you can easily retrieve large amounts of data. Furthermore, tasks like insertion, deletion or even manipulation of data can now be performed very quickly, with the help of SQL.  Faster query processing enables SQL developers to perform tasks more quickly and efficiently. This results in increased productivity as developers can retrieve, manipulate, and manage large datasets in a shorter time frame. Companies value efficiency, and developers who can achieve tasks swiftly are often rewarded with higher SQL developer salary.
• Zero Coding Skills- SQL is a very user-friendly language since the syntactical rules are not at all complicated, and basic keywords such as Select, and Update are used. Thus, you no longer need a large number of lines of code for data retrieval.  The fact that SQL is user-friendly and requires less complex coding means developers can accomplish tasks with fewer lines of code. This not only streamlines development processes but also optimizes resources. Developers who can achieve more with concise and effective code are often recognized for their efficiency and may receive higher SQL job salary.
• Portable – Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of using SQL is that you can access it through programs on any laptop, or computer of any platform. What’s more, you also get the flexibility of embedding this language into other applications as per your requirements. The ability to access SQL on any platform and embed it into various applications adds to an SQL developer’s versatility. Developers who can work seamlessly across different systems and integrate SQL into diverse environments provide added value to their employers. This adaptability can be reflected in the salary of a future of SQL developer.
• Interactive and Standardized Language – The simplicity and easy-to-use nature of this language are what makes it so popular among the users. It not only provides you with a uniform platform but can also deal with complex queries within seconds.  
• SQL developers who can easily collaborate with team members and stakeholders, particularly in dealing with complex queries, often receive higher salaries due to their effective communication skills. Additionally, the standardized nature of SQL leads to reduced errors in code, saving time and resources. Companies highly value developers who can write error-resistant code, providing further justification for higher salaries for those with these collaborative and error-reducing capabilities. This is also one of the main reasons why SQL developer salary in India is higher than that of other similar professions.

With that said, let’s now take a look at the roles and responsibilities and the SQL developer salary, that is highlighted in the below article. 

Skills Needed to Become SQL Developer

Now that you are aware of the various roles a SQL developer plays and the salary you can expect, it is now time to look at the basic qualifications and skills required. A degree in computer science is always advantageous, but if you can develop the following skills, you can carve a path as an SQL developer. 

• Excellent knowledge of the following frameworks – Transact SQL and .NET SQL: An SQL developer should have excellent knowledge of Transact SQL, a proprietary extension of SQL used by Microsoft SQL Server. Familiarity with .NET SQL indicates proficiency in working with databases in the context of the .NET framework.
• Familiarity with SQL 2000 and 2005: Knowledge of older versions of SQL (SQL 2000 and 2005) suggests a well-rounded understanding of SQL’s historical development. This can be crucial when dealing with legacy systems or during migration processes.
• Intuitiveness and ability to anticipate migration needs: The ability to anticipate migration needs showcases the developer’s intuition and forward-thinking approach. This skill is valuable when transitioning data from one system to another, ensuring a smooth process with minimal disruptions. 
• Good communication skills to understand the requirements of other developers, managers and analysts: Good communication skills are essential for an SQL developer to understand the requirements of other team members, managers, and analysts. Clear communication aids in effective collaboration and ensures that the database solutions align with the overall goals of the organization.
• Good knowledge of data structures and algorithms: A solid understanding of data structures and algorithms is fundamental for optimizing database performance and designing efficient queries. This knowledge contributes to writing code that is not only functional but also performs well.
• Knowledge of SQL databases, like MySQL, and NoSQL databases like Postgre Database, MongoDB etc.: Knowledge of both SQL databases (e.g., MySQL) and NoSQL databases (e.g., Postgre Database, MongoDB) indicates versatility. SQL developers should be comfortable working with different types of databases based on the specific needs of a project.
• Understanding of Linux/Unix environment or environments preferred by the organization you are working for: Understanding the Linux/Unix environment or the preferred environments of the organization is valuable for SQL developers. This knowledge ensures compatibility and seamless integration within the organization’s infrastructure.
• Good analytic and problem-solving skills: Good analytic and problem-solving skills are crucial for SQL developers to troubleshoot issues, optimize queries, and design effective database solutions. These skills contribute to creating robust and efficient database systems.
• Ability to work in teams and as well as independently: The ability to work both in teams and independently is essential. SQL developers often collaborate with other developers, analysts, and managers, but they should also be capable of taking ownership of their tasks and working autonomously when necessary. 

Major Roles and Responsibilities

Every SQL developer has a very important job of designing and developing services and applications by making the most of the tools and development models available at their disposal.

SQL developers must analyze, maintain, develop, test, design, and optimize database components like schema, views, scripts, stored procedures, triggers, etc. They are required to take complete ownership of relevant modules and conduct analysis and design activities with development teams. Their involvement in all phases of development is integral and critical during performance tuning and troubleshooting. 

We have elaborated their responsibilities in various aspects of database management and development below:

• Analysis and optimization: SQL developers analyze, maintain, develop, test, design, and optimize different database components, including schema, views, scripts, stored procedures, and triggers, ensuring the efficiency and functionality of the database structures.
• Ownership of relevant modules: SQL developers take complete ownership of specific modules within the database. This includes not only the initial development but ongoing responsibilities for maintenance, updates, and optimization of these modules.
• Collaboration with development teams: SQL developers actively engage in analysis and design activities in collaboration with development teams. This collaborative approach ensures that the database components align with project goals and meet the requirements set by the broader development team.
• Involvement in all development phases: SQL developers are integral to all phases of the development lifecycle. From the initial design stages through testing and optimization, their involvement is critical to the success of the overall project.
• Performance tuning and troubleshooting: During performance tuning, SQL developers play a crucial role in optimizing the database’s performance for enhanced efficiency and responsiveness. Additionally, their expertise is pivotal in troubleshooting, identifying and resolving issues promptly to maintain smooth database functionality.

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How To Become An SQL Developer?

So now that you have a basic understanding of the different SQL salary, across various Indian states and companies, let’s take a look at what are some of the basic requirements for becoming a SQL developer. 

In order to become a SQL developer and get that lucrative database developer salary, you need to have a Bachelor’s degree in a related field. These degrees will help you to have a detailed knowledge of programming and adat base management skills. 

Following this, you need to have some sort of experience in the practical field to obtain a compelling SQL salary. This mainly includes internships in computer information systems. Internships will show you the real-life scenario of how everything operates in the practical world. Therefore, candidates who have done internships in computer science or any other related fields are usually given more preference. 

You can also go for online courses to stay up to date with the latest innovations or changes. Upskilling is actually very crucial as technology keeps changing. With the help of courses and online classes, you can stay on top of the latest developments and technologies in your field. 

Once you have checked all these boxes, you can then start to look out for entry-level positions such as programmer, developer, and database administrator. 

Finally, we move on to the last step, which is getting certified. Although not a prerequisite in many companies, a few organizations might require you to have application-specific certifications. These might include, Microsoft Certified Professional Developer and Oracle SQL Developer Certified Associate. 

These are some of the basic requirements for being an SQL developer. In this today’s technology-driven world, there has been a growing demand for SQL developers not just in India but across the globe. Various companies are trying to provide a better database developer salary package. 

The Final Question – Should You Become an SQL Developer?

Well, given that 2.5 quintillion bytes of data is produced across the world every single day, Developers are going to remain in high demand. Many people expected the rise of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to have an impact. On the contrary, these have added to the need for individuals and teams with the knowledge to create and manage databases aiding automotive processes.

Even Data Science involves heavy use of SQL to filter out the right set of data for their analysis. Hence the opportunities of SQL developers are ever-increasing! If you are in doubt about the role, let us end with another stat for you – a quick search for Data Analysts jobs clearly shows that about 60% of the jobs require SQL knowledge even at entry levels. 

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Conclusion

The scope of SQL developers in India for 2024 presents a dynamic and promising scenario for both freshers and experienced professionals. With the increasing demand for skilled SQL developers, particularly in tech companies like Oracle, the market offers rewarding opportunities. SQL Developer salary for fresher positions in companies like Oracle can provide a competitive edge over other companies for those who possess the necessary skills and expertise. SQL developer salary in India for freshers emphasizes the importance of acquiring relevant skills through education and hands-on experience, setting the foundation for a successful career.

Experienced SQL developers, equipped with a robust skill set, can leverage their expertise to negotiate competitive salaries. As the technology landscape evolves, staying updated on the latest trends and tools in SQL development becomes crucial for professionals aiming to excel in their roles. In this evolving environment, the compensation for SQL developers reflects the value placed on their integral contributions to designing, optimizing, and maintaining the databases that underpin diverse applications and services.

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