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.
Senior Infrastructure Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Transform infrastructure support by leveraging cloud and on-premises technologies. Collaborate with a global IT team to ensure seamless operations across the US, delivering hands-on solutions in a fas...
1 week ago
Senior/Staff Software Engineer (Platform and Execution Model)
$180K - $240K *
Transform the future of distributed systems by designing and building robust platform components. Collaborate with teams to ensure reliability and scalability in mission-critical environments, driving...
1 week ago
Staff Engineer, Security Operations
$225K - $281K *
Lead detection and response strategy, building systems and automations to enhance security. Collaborate with teams to set standards, mentor engineers, and manage complex incidents, ensuring effective...
Today
Data and AI Solution Architect
$150K - $180K *
Lead the charge in designing and delivering advanced data and AI solutions, focusing on scalable architectures and integration of cutting-edge technologies to enhance enterprise client operations and...
3 weeks ago
ServiceNow Technical Consultant
$100K - $170K *
Optimize customer onboarding and system integrations as a ServiceNow Technical Consultant. Drive end-to-end implementations, ensuring smooth configurations, effective UAT, and high-quality service del...
2 weeks ago
$99K - $167K *
Develop and maintain robust data pipelines using SparkSQL and Pyspark, ensuring high-quality data for analytics. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance data analysis efficiency and support...
2 weeks ago
$74K - $137K *
Engage stakeholders to deliver innovative training programs on Direct Tax Compliance solutions. Collaborate with teams to enhance learning experiences through various formats, ensuring alignment with...
3 weeks ago
$74K - $137K *
Elevate your career by delivering expert training in Direct Tax Compliance solutions, enhancing customer success through engaging learning experiences. Collaborate with teams to create impactful conte...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Shape the future of risk management by leading assessments, mentoring teams, and enhancing practices across various risk areas. Collaborate with stakeholders to strengthen internal controls and provid...
1 week ago
$90K - $115K *
Empower teams by delivering comprehensive training on Microsoft Dynamics CRM and Field Service applications, ensuring effective use through tailored materials and ongoing support across multiple busin...
3 weeks ago
$113K - $188K *
Join a dynamic team to design and develop high-performance ETL solutions, integrating data from diverse sources. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize data workflows and ensure complianc...
1 week ago
$86K - $144K *
Unlock potential by leading the design and development of scalable generative AI services, ensuring architectural integrity and mentoring teams. Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to drive...
Reposted yesterday
Senior Business Systems Analyst
$107K - $180K *
Lead the resolution of complex integration issues, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance reliability and support. Develop documentation and tools that empower partners and improve opera...
2 days ago
Epic Analyst Senior, FT, Days, - Remote
$95K - $115K *
Drive impactful solutions by analyzing complex clinical and technical processes. Collaborate with departments to enhance systems, manage upgrades, and mentor team members while ensuring user needs are...
Reposted 3 days ago
Salesforce Developer / Architect - Remote
$112K - $193K *
Optimize Salesforce solutions by leading hands-on development and architecture, integrating with enterprise applications, and driving AI adoption to enhance performance and security across platforms...
1 week ago
$110K - $143K *
Join a dynamic team as a Data Engineer, where you'll design and maintain data pipelines using SparkSQL and Pyspark. Your work will enhance data analysis efficiency, impacting industries and driving cu...
2 weeks ago
$109K - $140K *
Elevate your career by leading project estimation efforts, coordinating with teams, and analyzing complex solutions. Drive project success through meticulous planning and risk analysis while maintaini...
2 weeks ago
System Engineer II (OpenShift Containers Platform)
$87K - $125K *
Join a dynamic team to design and support enterprise infrastructure platforms focusing on automation, reliability, and security, while optimizing system performance and driving continuous improvement...
3 weeks ago
$108K - $145K *
Drive your career forward by leading thorough project cost estimates. Collaborate with diverse teams to develop impactful strategies in a supportive environment, while honing your skills to tackle com...
3 weeks ago
Senior Assurance Manager - Hybrid
$110K - $130K *
Advance progress at construction firms by leading assurance engagements, overseeing teams, and ensuring compliance. Leverage 8+ years of public accounting expertise to deliver high-quality financial r...
1 week ago
Senior RPG Programmer/Analyst (JDA/MMS) - Remote - FS435
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's transforming legacy systems into modern solutions. As a Senior RPG Programmer/Analyst, you'll lead the design, development, and maintenance of critical IBM i applications, ensuring...
2 weeks ago
Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction
$135K - $165K *
Join a team that's dedicated to delivering exceptional cost management services for large-scale construction projects. Leverage your expertise in a client-facing role, ensuring project objectives are...
1 week ago
Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction
$135K - $165K *
Empower project success by managing cost control and planning for critical infrastructure projects. Utilize expertise to lead negotiations, provide estimates, and enhance value management across large...
4 weeks ago
Lead Data Migration Consultant
$143K - $190K *
Engage in transformative data migration projects for investment management, ensuring seamless software implementations by collaborating with diverse teams and delivering exceptional client solutions...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Solution Specialist / Associate Director / Director (Access Center)
$125K - $150K *
Drive impactful solutions in healthcare access operations. Partner cross-functionally to design workflows, run demos, and shape strategies that enhance patient engagement and streamline service delive...
4 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.