As a Black SQL developer, the only criteria that should affect your pay are proficiency, years of experience, the company you work for, and geographic location. As society shifts towards remedying the systemic issues that have plagued many corporations — especially at the executive level — it’s worth seeking organizations that value your contributions. Companies that are open to salary negotiations and competitive pay.
Here, we’ll take a deep dive into what that looks like currently: peeling back the curtain on what’s available to you if you choose to further your career as an SQL developer.
We’ll also discuss some of the ways you can increase your salary and remain a sought-after candidate in this exciting and lucrative field.
The Role of an SQL Developer
SQL developers utilize both database engineering and software development skills to manipulate data, generate solutions, and create applications.
This is achieved with structured query language (SQL). SQL developers often work closely with data analysts and other IT professionals.
A desirable candidate is someone who excels at:
- Problem solving
- Communication
- Data analysis
- Microsoft SQL Server
- Azure
- Other relevant programming languages and relational database systems
Current SQL Developer Compensation Factors
The main elements affecting salary range are years of experience and education, coupled with geographic location.
The highest-paying cities are places notorious for tech, including New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, and Houston. Company size and position within the market may also play a part in determining compensation.
Due to these variables, it’s difficult to pinpoint the average SQL developer salary. Some resources report $88,505, while others report $95,042.
At the entry level, a junior SQL developer salary typically starts at around $63,658. As experience is gained, the average annual income is somewhere in the $79,010 range. A senior SQL developer can expect an average salary of $142,000 annually.
When looking to land an SQL developer job, a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field is a perk, but it’s not always necessary.
Over 25% of IT professionals do not have a higher education, yet are still able to impress hiring managers and excel at their role due to:
- Hands-on experience
- Certifications
Web development prowess - Programmer and software engineer know-how
- Overall soft skills that translate well to the career path
Tips to Increase SQL Developer Salary
No matter where you are in your profession, increasing your salary is likely a sizable objective.
These tips will help you stand out in the job market and may lead to higher compensation. Use them to position yourself as a desirable prospect for those exciting job openings.
Expand Your Knowledge in Other Types of Programming
The more programming skills, data engineering, and application development knowledge you have, the better.
Literacy across the programming spectrum is a significant asset, especially when it comes to integrating SQL database systems with other data processing applications.
Here are some other programs worth exploring:
- Python
- JavaScript
- Java
- Go
- Ruby
- MongoDB
- SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS)
Take Courses, Earn Certificates, and Participate in Workshops
In the fast-paced world of tech, new material is integrated into online courses much faster than it is into college curriculums.
And the best part is, courses are considerably less expensive and time-consuming than a formal degree.
The sheer number of training and certificate programs can be overwhelming. Make sure that the ones you choose are relevant to your field and career goals and come from reputable institutions.
Network
Introduce yourself to other people in your industry. You can do this online, in person, or both.
Showcase your strengths, and don’t be shy about sharing some of the projects you’re involved in.
Do your best to begin building rapport with people and strive to establish a reputation as someone who’s creative, knowledgeable, reliable, and helpful.
After all, you never know which one of your interactions may lead to your name being mentioned as a possible candidate for an exciting new role.
There are quite a few places to network. Begin where you feel comfortable and branch out from there. Consider avenues that provide multiple benefits.
Obsidi® is a platform designed for Black professionals and tech allies. If you’re looking to enrich your network, stay informed on the latest tech innovations, and capture untapped career opportunities, it’s the best tool to help you level up. So, sign up, as we’d love to have you in our network.
Also, we partner with heavy hitters in the tech industry who use our platform to post job openings.
Plus, we host both virtual and in-person events (Get Your BFUTR Pass Now!) and have an incredible library of webinars and other training resources available.
Tips to Ensure Fair Compensation
Fair pay is critical — and non-negotiable.
Here are some tools you can use to help research what an SQL developer makes as you start looking for potential places to apply (before accepting a position).
(Remember to be as specific as possible when doing your research. List the position title and years of experience, plus the geographic location, to yield the most accurate results.)
Check Glassdoor and LinkedIn
Sites like Indeed and Glassdoor show salary comparison based on what the average pay looks like throughout different regions. Perusing those sites also gives you a glimpse into company culture based on reviews left by previous and current employees.
LinkedIn is also a helpful resource. Their platform lets you narrow your search and filter by job title within a specific company. If you see someone previously affiliated who held the role you’re interested in, it’s okay to send them a message asking them what their experience was like and how they were compensated for their work.
Ask Your Network
Most of us tend to be a little squeamish when discussing finances, as money is still somewhat of a taboo topic. However, to be an advocate for yourself, you need to be comfortable discussing finances and compensation.
This is your future; your salary determines your lifestyle.
So, even though you may feel uncomfortable, it’s okay to reach out to others in your industry and ask about their company’s compensation package.
Networking can also provide valuable insight into other aspects of a company, such as its culture, work environment, etc. Join us at Obsidi® to start building your network now and gain access to all our incredible tools, resources, and opportunities. (Or start getting connected at one of the many upcoming Black tech conferences in 2024 and 2025.)
If you have a higher education, reach out to the alum from your school. Connecting with people in your industry and asking questions is how you build your network and get your name out there.
Tips to Help Negotiate Your Salary
The discomfort most people feel when discussing finances is further complicated during the recruitment and interview processes when people tend to be in full-blown people-pleasing mode. Their instincts tell them to say “yes” to whatever is being offered or asked of them.
This is a shame because recruiters expect you to negotiate your salary.
So, here’s everything you need to know to prepare you for that process, advocate for yourself, and ensure you’re getting paid fairly.
Do Your Research Before Negotiating
Make sure you’ve done your research beforehand. You need to be as clear as possible about the pay range for your title and role based on your level of experience and your region.
Be Direct
It’s important to be direct. Don’t say, “I’m looking to make between 85k and 95k.” Instead, say, “Based on my research and prior experience, I want to make $95,000 a year. “
If you’ve received a job offer somewhere else and they’re willing to pay you what you asked, let these hiring managers know. Tell them you’d really like to work for them instead, but could they match the other company’s offer or come close?
In addition to pay negotiation, make sure you know when and how your salary is increased. Is it percentage-based and annual? Is it based on specific performance metrics, and if so, what are they?
If you’re offered the position at a lower amount that’s listed on the title and job description or at a rate that’s lower than the usual and customary for that position, you need to understand why.
It’s imperative they are able to explain that amount, and if the answer is unsatisfactory, it’s okay to walk away.
Be Clear and Firm With Your Non-Negotiables
Be clear on what your non-negotiables are.
Perhaps you only want to work a hybrid or remote position. Or maybe you want to work for a company that has boundaries and doesn’t expect you to rush to respond to work-related emails after hours.
Your salary is another non-negotiable; have a set amount that you won’t accept any less than.
Discuss any concerns you have related to anything on your non-negotiable list before accepting a position.
Practice
If you’ve never negotiated a salary before, practice. Yes, it’s awkward. You may feel foolish, but practicing beforehand really does pay off. Create a script you can use, or find one online.
Practice asking for the salary you’re hoping to land:
“I’m really excited about the offer and would love to be part of the team. According to my research and experience, a typical salary for that position is $85,000. Is that something you’d be able to match?”
Keep at it until you are comfortable asserting yourself confidently during the negotiation, or at least sound like you are.
If you have a willing participant in the form of a friend or loved one, see if they’ll role-play with you. Practice when you’re stuck in traffic, and run through your script in your head while waiting in the checkout line to pay for your groceries.
Other Important Considerations
There’s more to a job than just getting paid.
It’s critical you feel comfortable and appreciated within the work environment — free to be yourself. Here are some other worthy considerations that go beyond the amount that shows up in your bank account each month.
Health Insurance, Bonuses, and More
Don’t discount other factors and perks that the company may include that also directly or indirectly relate to compensation:
- 401k
- Healthcare insurance
- Bonuses
- Stocks or shares in the company
- Any other perks
Workplace Culture
It’s important to feel comfortable in your work setting. Workplace culture is a big determining factor in your overall happiness and well-being.
When exploring job opportunities, how does the environment make you feel?
Are you comfortable around those you’ve interacted with so far?
Does the company have an active DEI program in place and a diverse group of employees?
Are you comfortable being yourself? Or, if you’re someone who likes to get a feel for a place over time, is this somewhere you can at least see yourself being comfortable in?
Knowing Your Rights
The law protects you from any type of discrimination based on race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.
You don’t have to be employed with the organization yet, either; this includes any pre-employment discrimination during the recruitment or hiring process itself.
If you experience discrimination based on any of the criteria listed, it’s important you file a workplace discrimination complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Conclusion
No matter where you are in your vocational journey, we hope you find this information helpful. And above all else, we wish you a long, exciting, and rewarding career in tech, made possible by the competitive salary you have earned.
Obsidi® is here to help you in your job search!
