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.
$120K - $145K *
Drive product strategy and modernization for merchant onboarding solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance risk management capabilities and ensure market-leading standards in a d...
6 days ago
Senior Director Analyst - Network Security
$172K - $202K *
Lead innovative insights and strategies as a Senior Director, driving impactful research and analysis to empower clients in navigating complex market challenges and achieving their business objectives...
1 week ago
$113K - $188K *
Transform data into insights by developing cutting-edge machine learning models. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to address complex business needs using advanced analytics, ensuring data-driv...
Reposted 4 days ago
Senior Interoperability Architect
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in developing interoperability specifications for Veteran health information exchange, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance standards and ensure compliance with federal...
2 weeks ago
Principal AI Solution Architect - Finance - Remote
$164K - $282K *
Champion innovative solutions by leading cross-functional teams in AI, analytics, and product development. Drive impactful projects from concept to implementation while ensuring responsible AI practic...
2 weeks ago
Senior Director - Cybersecurity Identity & Access Management
$174K - $291K *
Lead the charge in shaping enterprise identity and access management strategies. Drive operational excellence, oversee IAM governance, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance security a...
5 days ago
Senior Technical Software Architect
$102K - $163K *
Join a team that's committed to advancing technology solutions and driving architectural innovations. Your expertise will shape critical systems while fostering collaboration and inspiring junior arch...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$135K - $160K *
Unlock your potential as a Lead Data Software Engineer, driving innovative data solutions and leading cross-functional teams to enhance our data infrastructure and ensure scalability and performance a...
1 week ago
Transformation Consultant, Professional Services
$74K - $137K *
Lead the charge in transforming workflows with AI, driving adoption and measurable impact in legal, tax, and trade sectors. Collaborate with clients and teams to design, implement, and evaluate innova...
1 week ago
$131K - $237K *
Optimize multi-cloud architectures and lead technical initiatives to enhance application performance, security, and cost-efficiency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to modernize systems and en...
2 days ago
Senior Business Technical Analyst
$87K - $157K *
Unlock potential by providing advanced technical expertise to design, implement, and support complex data solutions. Collaborate across teams to ensure data accuracy and resolve issues while leading i...
Reposted 2 days ago
Senior Salesforce Business Systems Administrator
$95K - $110K *
Pioneer innovative solutions as a Senior Business Systems Administrator, driving strategy and optimization across G&A and Finance systems. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance system performance...
4 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in designing and optimizing enterprise network solutions, mentoring engineers, and managing key projects. Collaborate with clients to enhance their network infrastructure while ensurin...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Lead ServiceNow Security and Data Protection Engineer
$130K - $260K *
Lead the charge in establishing security governance and standards for the ServiceNow platform. Collaborate across teams to define security strategy, evaluate risks, and enhance security capabilities...
5 days ago
Data Center Sr. Project Manager
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in managing global data center upgrade projects, ensuring seamless execution across multiple locations while collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive program success and enha...
Today
Principal AI Security Engineer
$172K - $240K *
Join a team that's redefining AI security! As a Principal AI Security Engineer, you'll lead assessments, design controls, and partner with teams to ensure safe AI adoption across the enterprise, drivi...
1 week ago
Senior Relationship Manager - Phoenix
$131K - $219K *
Transform client relationships by leading new business development, managing high-value portfolios, and ensuring top-notch credit quality in the corporate banking sector. Collaborate with specialists...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$135K - $160K *
Drive the integration of AI features into measurement products, owning architecture and delivery. Collaborate with a small team to implement natural-language processing, validation, and workflow assis...
1 week ago
Senior Data Governance Analyst
$109K - $156K *
Lead the effort to enhance data governance within an enterprise data platform. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement best practices, ensure data quality, and develop effective policies...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive operational excellence by enhancing reliability and performance of a SaaS platform. Collaborate with development teams to implement automation, incident management, and observability practices...
1 week ago
Enterprise Customer Success Manager (ECSM)
$90K - $110K *
Drive adoption and maximize ROI by managing enterprise customer accounts, leading deployments and training. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure seamless integration, provide exceptional service...
3 weeks ago
Senior MS Dynamics 365 BC Consultant, US
$110K - $130K *
Champion the functional implementation of our rental management solution, guiding clients through discovery, configuration, and go-live phases to ensure successful deployments that enhance operational...
3 weeks ago
Senior Power Engineer - Physical Electrical
$165K - $185K *
Innovate your career by driving the physical electrical design of high-voltage substations and utility-scale facilities while collaborating with diverse teams to deliver quality engineering solutions...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Disaster Recovery Administrator (Remote Available)
$95K - $115K *
Lead the development and coordination of disaster recovery plans, ensuring organizational resilience. Collaborate with teams to conduct risk analyses and testing, while coaching staff to enhance their...
3 days ago
Technical SME - Data Architecture / Data Ware
$110K - $130K *
Empower your career with senior-level expertise in data architecture and warehousing. Drive data integration and management, ensuring effective solutions for Occupational Environmental Health practice...
3 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.