Explore Senior SQL DBA jobs for experienced database professionals ready to lead the design, performance, security, and reliability of critical data platforms. Ladders features vetted professional opportunities paying $100,000 or more, including senior SQL Server and database administration roles across industries.
Senior SQL database administrators oversee database environments that support essential business applications and analytics. Typical responsibilities include managing SQL Server databases, planning and executing upgrades and migrations, monitoring availability, tuning queries and indexes, establishing backup and recovery strategies, and protecting sensitive data. Senior DBAs may also set standards, mentor colleagues, and partner with engineering, infrastructure, security, and business teams.
Employers commonly look for deep experience with relational database administration and SQL, along with expertise in performance troubleshooting, high availability, disaster recovery, capacity planning, and access controls. Familiarity with cloud databases, automation and scripting, database monitoring, and large-scale migrations can also be valuable. Strong communication and the ability to translate business requirements into dependable database solutions are important at the senior level.
Compensation varies by location, industry, company size, platform expertise, and the scope of the role. Senior SQL DBA positions listed on Ladders meet the site’s $100,000-and-above salary focus. Opportunities may include hands-on database leadership, enterprise platform ownership, consulting, or progression into database architecture and data infrastructure management.
Search vetted Senior SQL DBA openings and compare responsibilities, required skills, and compensation. Use your experience with database reliability, performance, security, and modernization to identify roles that match your next career move.
Lead Specialist, Technical Architect
$150K - $160K *
Partner with us to shape the quality strategy for a leading exam development platform. Leverage your expertise to guide multiple Agile teams, enhance automation practices, and ensure high standards ac...
1 week ago
Senior Data Center Commissioning Provider
$100K - $160K *
Empower the future of data center commissioning by leading complex projects, fostering client relationships, and mentoring junior staff while ensuring compliance with energy standards and financial ac...
Reposted 6 days ago
$120K - $150K *
Transform client experiences by leading software implementations and driving strategic roadmaps. Collaborate with teams to ensure project success while fostering trusted relationships with customers a...
Yesterday
Key Accounts Director-NY Metro
$130K - $197K *
Optimize customer engagement by leading sales initiatives for Identity Security Solutions. Collaborate with teams to exceed revenue goals while delivering tailored solutions and exceptional service to...
Today
Senior Datadog Security & Observability Engineer
$125K - $150K *
Elevate security observability by enhancing Datadog's capabilities across cloud and corporate environments, ensuring actionable detection aligned with real-world threats while collaborating with cross...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Lead a team of network engineers to design, implement, and secure cloud and hybrid network infrastructures, ensuring reliability and scalability while mentoring staff and driving process improvements...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead and inspire a skilled agile team focused on the ServiceNow Platform, ensuring efficient delivery of enterprise service management solutions while collaborating with stakeholders to prioritize and...
2 weeks ago
Lead AI Engineer with Databricks, Agentic AI
$135K - $160K *
Champion transformative AI solutions within our data platform, leading the engineering of agentic systems while collaborating with cross-functional teams to elevate the Product Lifecycle Management ex...
3 weeks ago
Information Security Specialist: Senior
$110K - $130K *
Drive enterprise remediation initiatives for cryptographic assets, coordinating with cross-functional teams to enhance security compliance and reduce risks in a complex technology environment. Lead ef...
3 days ago
Staff Front End Software Engineer
$150K - $175K *
Shape the future of investment technology by developing scalable front-end applications using React and TypeScript. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance user experiences and drive innova...
1 week ago
Senior Product Marketing Manager, GTM (Qualified)
$143K - $216K *
Join a team that's redefining B2B marketing in the Salesforce ecosystem. Leverage your product marketing expertise to drive positioning, support launches, and enhance cross-cloud strategies, impacting...
1 week ago
Principal Statistical Programmer FSP
$125K - $150K *
Champion the future of patient treatment as a Principal Statistical Programmer, providing leadership in SAS programming, project management, and regulatory compliance within a global pharmaceutical en...
3 weeks ago
$97K - $133K *
Join a dynamic team as a strategic analytics partner, leveraging AI tools to drive business performance insights. Collaborate across functions to tackle complex challenges, influence decision-making...
1 week ago
$110K - $145K *
Strategize initiatives to enhance workforce alignment and Agile practices, driving high performance in IT services for federal clients while fostering a collaborative culture and supporting strategic...
Today
Principal CNE Analyst / Analytic Developer (Up to 60% telework - TS/SCI with Polygraph required)
$190K - $235K *
Analyze and enhance cyber sensor operations by leveraging extensive network exploitation expertise. Develop, code, and implement advanced protocol analysis solutions using Python, contributing to mode...
3 weeks ago
Senior Technical Program Manager
$130K - $150K *
Lead the charge in driving program delivery and portfolio management for a dynamic Security team, ensuring effective execution of enterprise initiatives while fostering cross-functional collaboration...
1 week ago
Sr. ServiceNow Business Analyst
$92K - $153K *
Transform client experiences by leading ServiceNow implementations, translating business needs into technical solutions, and collaborating with teams to optimize application performance and drive inno...
3 weeks ago
$86K - $97K *
Empower learners by designing innovative educational experiences that enhance cybersecurity training. Collaborate with experts to create engaging content and lead projects that meet diverse learning n...
Today
$110K - $130K *
Transform numerical capabilities by developing innovative algorithms and solutions, engaging in model building, and collaborating with software teams to enhance product performance and deliver impactf...
3 weeks ago
Mainframe Systems Programmer - CICS & WAS
$65K - $123K *
Champion premium software support for mainframe clients, focusing on CICS and WAS. Drive installations, testing, and maintenance of systems software while ensuring timely customer service and effectiv...
1 week ago
Application & Cloud Security Specialist (DAST Specialist)
$69K - $105K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing application and cloud security through automated testing and manual assessments. Collaborate with development and DevOps teams to integrate security practices...
3 days ago
Senior Business Strategy Manager
$140K - $220K *
Transform strategic initiatives into actionable plans, driving growth and efficiency through data-driven insights and cross-functional collaboration. Lead M&A strategies and enhance customer experienc...
1 week ago
Senior Manager, Commercial Advanced Analytics
$148K - $222K *
Pioneer advanced analytics strategies to optimize omnichannel investments, translating global performance data into actionable insights. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive measurable com...
1 week ago
Senior JDE Developer Analyst (Remote - US Based)
$110K - $130K *
Develop and enhance JD Edwards applications to drive business efficiency across departments. Collaborate with analysts to create solutions that meet specifications and improve processes in a manufactu...
1 week ago
$130K - $160K *
Lead and empower a team of engineers to build and maintain a scalable Postgres product, driving execution and collaboration across teams while ensuring high standards of quality and reliability for de...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
What does a Senior SQL DBA do?
A Senior SQL DBA manages and improves database systems, commonly including SQL Server environments. The role often covers performance tuning, backups and recovery, security, upgrades, availability, migrations, and technical guidance for teams.
What qualifications are common for Senior SQL DBA jobs?
Employers typically seek substantial database administration experience, advanced SQL skills, and knowledge of performance optimization, high availability, disaster recovery, and database security. Cloud platforms, automation, and mentoring experience may also be preferred.
How much do Senior SQL DBA jobs pay?
Pay depends on location, industry, employer, and the role’s technical scope. Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more, including qualifying Senior SQL DBA opportunities.
Are Senior SQL DBA roles limited to SQL Server?
Many roles focus on Microsoft SQL Server, but some employers value experience with other relational database platforms, cloud-managed databases, or hybrid environments. Review each job description for its specific technology requirements.
What career paths can follow a Senior SQL DBA role?
Experienced Senior SQL DBAs may advance into database architecture, data platform engineering, database management, cloud infrastructure, or broader data infrastructure leadership.