Hire SQL developers pre-screened for technical and cultural fit

An SQL developer is a programmer and database professional who uses t-SQL and PL/SQL to manipulate and manage data in relational database management systems. SQL is a popular query language for managing data-driven applications and systems that allow users to fetch, add, delete, and modify data from databases.

Hiring experienced SQL developers offers many benefits, including managing large amounts of data and deriving actionable insights from datasets, which is crucial for effective ETL (Exact, Transform, Load) processes. However, hiring the ideal SQL developer is challenging, especially in a competitive hiring market. Because SQL developers work with high-level data analysis, it’s critical that organizations hire SQL developers with the technical skillset to get the job done right as well as the requisite soft skills to be entrusted with business intelligence.

What Is SQL Development?

SQL development involves using SQL to design, create, and manage relational databases, which store data in a tabular form. It also involves designing tables, defining relationships between rows and columns, inserting and manipulating data, fetching data through queries, and creating data-driven systems, dashboards, architecture, and applications.

SQL development helps organizations manage large amounts of data, create reports, and give actionable insights, especially when working with ETL processes. These features boost data management capabilities and help management make decisions that improve business operations. SQL development is used in many industries, including finance, marketing, retail, healthcare, software development, and telecommunication.

Companies use SQL development for various projects that require storing, retrieving, and manipulating data. Examples include:

• E-commerce and face-to-face retail systems
• Accounting software
• Database design and management
• Social media and content management systems
• Business intelligence and analytics
• Healthcare management systems
• ASP.net applications

Why SQL Development?

SQL (Structured Query Language) is a query language largely used for database management and is essential for DBA (database administrator) roles. SQL offers an easy way for programmers to manage data input and output and is also used in cloud services like AWS.

SQL developers create relational databases instead of storing information in a Word document. Developers then use SQL to manage these databases by manipulating data, searching for specific information, and performing SQL queries for data modeling.

Although SQL is not a database, this query language is often considered when companies restructure database design. MySQ, developed and maintained by Oracle, is one of the most commonly used SQL database management systems. The Microsoft SQL Server database framework provides similar capabilities, though using either of these databases first requires a background in SQL.

Benefits of SQL Development

Both the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Organization for Standardization have determined that SQL is the standardized language for regional database communication. Because of this, the majority of database management systems are developed with the SQL query language in mind. After hiring SQL developers, companies are in a stronger position to manage and manipulate large data sets.

Some of the top benefits of SQL include the following:

• Standardization: SQL is a standardized query language and often used in a number of IT systems, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the existing workflows of most businesses.
• Integration: SQL integrates with other programming languages, such as Python and R, to simplify front-end and back-end application development.
• Simple syntax: Many SQL commands use common English phrases and words. While organizations should still hire SQL developers for technical expertise, the simple syntax means that programmers are able to train non-developers to run simple queries.
• Security standards: SQL is designed to keep data secure. When using SQL, organizations set permissions and restrict access to specific users or roles, ensuring data confidentiality and integrity.
• Scalability: SQL is known to be able to handle large amounts of data at high speeds, meaning companies that use SQL have no issues handling increasing amounts of data as their businesses scale.

What Does an SQL Developer Do?

SQL developers are in the business of big data. Whether they work for e-commerce companies or major tech industries, the main role of SQL developers is to build databases and run queries so that company decision-makers understand the vast quantities of data at their disposal.

Some of the main things SQL developers do on a regular basis include:

• Design and build databases and validate their efficiency and stability
• Create procedures, scripts, and triggers for SQL database development
• Design and implement database dictionaries, schemas, indexes, and tables
• Write SQL queries for integration with other apps
• Write SQL queries to retrieve data
• Develop database security protocols, architecture, dashboards, and applications
• Create dashboards for data analysis and business intelligence reporting
• Troubleshoot and debug database issues
• Collaborate with database administrators, software developers, and data scientists to ensure efficient data flow and processing

SQL is also crucial for managing data storage and retrieval in mobile app development, and it seamlessly integrates with platforms like Android.

Figure 2: A query in which customer ID must be equal to the sales table ID, the product ID must match the sales table, and the sale value must be greater than or equal to 1000.

Required Skills and Qualifications

SQL is a relatively straightforward declarative query language. But that doesn’t mean that SQL developers need fewer technical skills than other programmers and developers. SQL development and database management rely heavily on optimization within other programs. SQL developers need to be well-versed in these other programs and their languages.

At a minimum, SQL developers should have experience working in specific development environments like Oracle SQL Developer, as well as a working knowledge of at least one application language, such as Java, JavaScript, Python, or R. Stand-out applicants may also have a background using Unix, Batch, or Windows Batch Scripts.

SQL developers may also need to collaborate within the IT department and with experts from other teams, including marketing or operations. Because of this, SQL developers should have excellent communication skills, including an ability to explain technical processes in a non-technical way. And because SQL developers work with critical business data, prioritize applicants with a proven track record of trustworthiness and a strong data security background.

Popular SQL Development Related Languages and Libraries

Although SQL is, in and of itself, a query language, SQL developers can’t get by if it’s the only programming language they know. SQL interacts with a number of different languages and libraries, allowing SQL-based databases to integrate with many different programs.  

Related Languages

Choosing the right programming language to combine with SQL depends very much on the programming stack your team uses. Some of the top choices in compatible programming languages include:

• Java: Java is a popular choice for SQL developers due to its platform independence, strong community support, and extensive libraries. With SQL database integration, it’s often used for building robust and scalable enterprise applications.
• JavaScript: JavaScript is commonly used for web development as it helps alter and interpret HTML, making it a popular choice for SQL developers working on the front end or trying to build full-stack applications.
• Python: Python is one of the most simple and readable programming languages. SQL developers may choose Python if they're prioritizing easy application development.
• R: R is generally reserved for data analysts and statisticians. SQL developers may use R if they're trying to perform high-level data analysis.
• Go: SQL developers who are trying to build a lot of high-performing applications simultaneously may choose Go, which is designed to improve programming speed and resource efficiency.
• PHP: PHP is commonly used by SQL web developers, especially because it integrates so readily with databases like MySQL.
• C#: C# is the preferred language for SQL developers working within Windows platforms. It integrates easily with .NET and Visual Studio.

Related Libraries

Many programs have libraries that interact with SQL and write SQL scripts, despite the fact that the two programs operate using different languages. SQL developers may use these programming libraries to enhance their capabilities, streamline tasks, or integrate SQL with other programming languages. Some of the top libraries used in conjunction with SQL include:

• Java Database Connectivity (JDBC): This programming library is used to establish a relationship between a specific programming language (Java) and database servers like MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Oracle.
• psycopg2: Like JDBC, this library helps establish a relationship between a programming language and a database server. The difference is that SQL developers use psycopg2 for developing with Python.
• ADO.NET: This database connectivity library is used to help SQL developers who prefer to use C#.
• SQLAlchemy: This library is used for object-relational mapping, query-building, and testing using Python.

How Does SQL Development Fit Into Modern Front-End and Back-End Development?

SQL development is used to improve the overall functionality and performance of modern web applications. It plays a crucial role in both front-end and back-end web development. As a result, DevOps teams hiring qualified SQL developers rely heavily on these programming professionals at every stage of web and mobile app development.

SQL Development as Part of Front-End Development

SQL manages a lot of the data that, in turn, facilitates front-end user experiences. For example, SQL may be used to store user credentials and manage permissions. On the front end, users benefit from SQL when they log into a mobile app or web application, and their information is seamlessly recalled, allowing them to enter the application as expected.

Front-end developers may also use SQL queries to fetch data from back-end APIs, which they then process and present to users through the user interface. Without SQL, it becomes much more difficult for front-end developers to access the information they need and present it to users in a meaningful way.

SQL Development as Part of Back-End Development

SQL is primarily used for data storage and retrieval. Back-end developers use SQL to create, modify, and query databases that store critical application data. This allows applications to handle dynamic content and facilitate complex data interactions, ultimately providing users with a reliable and responsive experience while ensuring the security and scalability of the underlying data infrastructure.

SQL also supports transactions. Transactions, in turn, enable developers to maintain the consistency of data changes, especially in complex operations involving multiple database interactions.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire an SQL Developer?

The average yearly U.S. salary for a mid-level SQL developer with four to six years of experience ranges from $80,000 to $118,000. SQL developer salaries also depend on the applicant experience level, industry of employment, and location. Additional compensation, such as yearly bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing programs, may affect final salary figures.

Although developers in Latin American countries are equally skilled, their lower cost of living means they usually earn 30% to 50% less than their U.S. counterparts. Revelo offers a cost-effective solution by connecting companies with highly qualified, pre-vetted Latin American developers.

Featured Tool: Tech Team Budget Calculator

Finding SQL Developers for Your Project

At the forefront of finding SQL developers to support your project, you should focus on creating an excellent job description that lays out the specific experiences and technical skills needed in the role. Work with your front-end and back-end developers to create this job description. You should include the programming languages your team already works in as technical requirements for this job; you want to hire SQL developers who successfully integrate into your existing development team as quickly and effectively as possible.

Develop interview questions that explore both the technical skills and the soft skills needed from applicants. Consider having a member of your IT team on the hiring committee. Your IT team member would be responsible for asking technical questions and evaluating applicants’ responses. However, a non-technical committee member should attend interviews to evaluate each applicant’s ability to explain technical details to someone without a technical background. Note that this soft skill is crucial when it comes to finding an effective SQL developer for your team.

The right fit for your company should understand your company culture and what you’re doing with company data. Look for applicants who have ideas about how big data could propel your company further. Ask what types of queries they’d run in different scenarios to help you evaluate whether candidates have the requisite problem-solving and creative thinking skills to thrive in the role.

Why Hire SQL Developers With Revelo?

Finding, vetting, and hiring SQL developers is often time-consuming and daunting, especially if organizations have limited resources and time. Hiring the best candidates with the right experience and qualifications is especially difficult due to the competitive job market.

That's where Revelo can help. As Latin America's leading tech talent marketplace, we provide a cost-efficient way to hire SQL developers. Our developers have been thoroughly vetted for English proficiency and soft and hard skills. Once you find your ideal hire, we’ll handle onboarding, payroll and benefits administration, taxes, and local compliance so you can focus on growing your business.

Contact us today to hire SQL developers for your project.