The Best SQL Jobs in 2024: Career Paths and Opportunities

If you have studied or worked in any data-driven industry, you’ll definitely have heard of SQL. This article will help you understand what SQL is and will go over the reasons why SQL is a must-have skill for many professions.

At the end of this article, you will have enough pointers to appreciate the best SQL jobs and start your career!  

What is SQL?

SQL, pronounced as “S-Q-L” or “sequel,” stands for Structured Query Language. It is a domain-specific language (DSL), a computer language specialized to a particular application domain, such as HTML for web pages. DSL is in contrast to a general-purpose language (GPL), which is broadly applicable across domains, such as Python, C, C#, etc.

SQL is used in programming and is designed to manage data stored in a Relational Database Management System (RDBMS). It is particularly useful in handling structured data, i.e., data incorporating relations among entities and variables organized as a set of tables with columns and rows. 

The structure can feel very similar to Excel. However, databases, in general, are more powerful than Excel spreadsheets for three reasons: 

1. Databases can interact with many other programming languages, especially GPLs - giving a programmer more power to manage and retrieve information from data.
2. Databases can process more data than spreadsheets in Excel. Excel can handle up to 1 million rows of data, whereas a database can handle over a billion rows. However, along with the data size also comes the question of speed.  Thankfully, mature databases have developed highly sophisticated ways of optimizing the query while keeping the underlying systems fast and almost real-time.
3. Databases can more easily be connected to the internet, allowing hundreds of users and applications to access them simultaneously.

Common SQL Terminology

RDBMS is the foundation for SQL. The data in an RDBMS is stored in a database object called a "table." A database often contains several tables. Each table is identified by a unique name and contains a collection of related data entries structured as rows and columns. The columns in a table are known as fields and hold values for a specific property of a table. Each row in a table is known as a record. 

Table: Customers

The table above is called "Customers" and has four fields: CustomerId, CustomerName, Country, and PostalCode. It holds only two records—one for each customer.

SQL queries are used to work with the data stored in a database. A query is a statement consisting of various SQL commands that perform a specific task together. 

Some of these tasks can be updating data on a database, retrieving data from a database, creating a new table, deleting a table, etc. Some popular RDBMS that use SQL are Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, and SQLite.

Some of the most commonly used and important SQL commands are: 

• SELECT - To extract data from a database. 
• INSERT INTO - To insert new data into a database. 
• UPDATE - To update data in a database. 
• DELETE - To delete data from a database. 
• CREATE TABLE - To create a new table. 
• ALTER TABLE - To modify a table. 
• DROP TABLE - To delete a table (use this one with absolute caution!). 

To see all the data stored within the above-defined "Customers" table, you simply have to execute a SQL query, e.g. SELECT * FROM Customers;

SQL commands use keywords, which are predefined, reserved words with a special meaning. SQL keywords are NOT case-sensitive, so SELECT is the same as select, but it is considered good practice to write them in uppercase to make them stand out from the arguments.

Some database systems require a semicolon at the end of each SQL statement. This semicolon is the standard way to separate SQL statements in database systems. This allows more than one SQL statement to be executed in the same call to the database.

Datacamp’s Introduction to SQL is a great course to help you start with SQL. It is also completely free and interactive! We encourage you to follow up on it with other courses in the SQL Fundamentals track.

Why Develop Your SQL Skills?

SQL has a simple and intuitive syntax, which makes it easy to learn. SQL is also incredibly versatile and is used by everyone, from data scientists and engineers to anyone wanting to be more data-literate.

SQL was initially developed at IBM in the early 1970s, and although it's been around for quite some time now, it is still an essential and even indispensable skill for many professions. Before we dive deeper into some of the best SQL jobs, let's discover what makes SQL a must-have skill and why we encourage you to develop your SQL skills.

1. SQL is used in different industries

SQL is everywhere! All the big names in the tech industry use it: Google, Amazon, Facebook, Netflix, Airbnb, Uber, etc. And it's not just used in tech industries or only in big companies but rather in multiple industries of all sizes - directly or indirectly use it.

Given the large amount of data it produces, SQL is heavily used in the finance and healthcare industry. A quick LinkedIn search can give you an idea of how widespread SQL is. 

2. SQL is in high demand

This is not surprising! Data is the new gold, and SQL is a very powerful tool to have when it comes to handling and working with data. 

If you start a job search, you can find over a million SQL jobs on LinkedIn. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, professionals with advanced SQL skills, such as database administrators and database architects, receive a median annual pay of $117,450 per year, and the job growth outlook is 8% in the coming years.

3. SQL is in the top 3 programming languages

SQL is a great skill to add to your tool kit if you are a programmer. According to the 2024 Stackoverflow survey, JavaScript, Python, and SQL are all highly desired and admired programming languages.

SQL provides multiple benefits for any data-related job regarding ease and speed for data handling and manipulation. So if you are looking for a data-heavy profession, SQL is crucial!

Stackoverflow 2024 survey - Most admired and desired programming languages

Top SQL Career Paths in 2024

If you’re hoping to work with SQL, many opportunities are available. Below, we’ve picked out some of the best SQL jobs out there to give you some inspiration.  If you’re looking for jobs in the data industry, check out DataCamp Jobs, which can help you find roles tailored to your skills. 

1. Data scientist or data analyst

Data scientists and data analysts are very flexible in terms of the industries they cover. For example, you could be a data scientist in the oil or gas industry or a data analyst working for marine life conservation. Similarly, SQL has roles as a data scientist in the pharmaceuticals industry and even a data journalist focused on fact-based reporting.

However, no matter the industry, gathering your data is the first step in any data science or data analysis task. This could mean getting data from various database tables, sorting through this large amount of data, producing insights, and generating results to support or reject your hypothesis. SQL is a crucial skill for data manipulation.

You need to be able to write complex SQL queries to get exactly the data you need for your study. This could mean using joins, writing subqueries, using SQL window functions, and similar techniques while observing query performance tuning. 

According to Indeed, the average salary for a data scientist in 2024 in the United States is $123,039. 

2. Business analysts or business intelligence developer

Whether you’re in marketing, finance, or product, knowing how to make data-driven decisions is the key to success. The more fluently you can retrieve and analyze your data, the quicker you’ll uncover actionable insights and grow your business.

As a business analyst with SQL skills, you could easily link tables together to get the needed data. For example, the table "Customers" described earlier can be linked to another table in the database, such as "Orders" described below. This link is based on the common field in both tables: "CustomerID." 

This link could give you better insights into customer segmentation. Equipped with this knowledge, you can target the two customer segments differently.

Table: Orders

According to Indeed, the average annual salary for a business analyst in the United States in 2024 is $84,639.

Check out DataCamp’s dedicated SQL training for Business Analysts track, where you’ll learn everything you need to master and overcome real-world business challenges through hands-on practice.

3. Software developer

Software developers create computer software and applications. They are the ones who program software, including new programs and features.

SQL might not always appear in the job listing as an absolute requirement for a software developer. However, this is often because SQL is assumed to be one of the basic skills every developer has. So, knowing SQL is a fundamental skill required to be a good software engineer! 

Furthermore, developers with SQL knowledge are more likely to get higher pay than their peers who have not mastered SQL. Indeed lists the average annual salary for a software engineer as $105,331.

DataCamp’s SQL Server Developer is an excellent track to take your SQL skills from a beginner to an intermediate level. 

4. Database architect

A database architect is responsible for designing the database to meet an employer’s needs and developing modeling strategies to ensure that the database is secure, scalable, and performs reliably. 

After the design is ready, a database architect implements the database with other IT professionals, such as software engineers, system administrators, analysts, and database administrators.

Databases can take different forms: relational, NoSQL, graph-based, distributed, etc. A database architect must be fluent in all these kinds of databases and have the expertise to identify what kind of situation needs what kind of database. 

Additionally, SQL is the basis for many popular modern database systems, such as MS SQL Server, IBM DB2, Oracle, MySQL, and Microsoft Access. Hence, a strong knowledge of SQL is a must for any database architect. 

Indeed highlights the average annual salary for a database architect as $130,459, making it one of the best SQL jobs in 2024.

5. Database administrator

A database administrator’s primary job is ensuring a database runs efficiently and securely. They are responsible for maintaining users' information, assigning them the proper access rights, and monitoring usage. 

Database administrators use scripting languages to program databases to meet their users' needs, a process referred to as performance tuning. They also fix issues if the database isn’t working properly and routinely back up stored data.

The average annual salary for this profession, according to Indeed, is $75,485.

DataCamp has two database administrator specialized tracks: one focusing on SQL Server for Database Administrators and the other, a more focused track on PostgreSQL called SQL for Database Administrators.

If you want to learn more about salaries, check out our in-depth review of SQL Developer Salaries. 

How Long Does It Take to Learn SQL for a Job?

One of the most common questions for beginners is how long it will take to learn SQL well enough to be job-ready. The answer depends on various factors, including your prior experience, the amount of time you can dedicate to learning, and the complexity of the tasks you'll perform on the job. Here’s a general guideline to help you gauge the timeline:

Beginner level (2-4 weeks)

• Overview: If you’re completely new to SQL, you can expect to grasp the basics within a few weeks.
• Focus areas: understanding SQL, basic SQL syntax, and simple queries (SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE).
• Resources: Introductory courses, beginner tutorials, and hands-on practice with small datasets.
• Outcome: Ability to perform basic data retrieval and manipulation tasks.

Intermediate level (1-3 months)

• Overview: With consistent practice, you can move to an intermediate level within a few months.
• Focus areas: Complex queries involving joins, subqueries, and aggregations, understanding relational database concepts, and basic performance tuning.
• Resources: Intermediate courses, project-based learning, and practice with larger datasets.
• Outcome: Competence in handling more complex data retrieval and transformation tasks, suitable for entry-level positions.

Advanced level (3-6 months)

• Overview: Achieving an advanced level can take several months of dedicated study and practice.
• Focus areas: Advanced SQL functions, window functions, triggers, stored procedures, and advanced performance optimization techniques.
• Resources: Advanced courses, real-world projects, and professional mentoring.
• Outcome: Proficiency in SQL suitable for more specialized roles such as database administrator, data scientist, or database architect.

Factors that influence SQL learning time

Several factors influence the time it takes to learn SQL. If you have a background in programming or other database languages, you might learn SQL faster. High-quality courses, tutorials, and hands-on practice can accelerate your learning, while the amount of time you dedicate to practicing SQL will significantly impact your learning speed.

Additionally, the complexity of the tasks you need to perform in your job will affect how quickly you need to learn SQL; roles requiring complex SQL skills will naturally take longer to prepare for than those requiring basic SQL knowledge.

Practical tips to speed up SQL learning

To speed up your learning, it’s essential to set clear goals, define what you need to achieve with SQL and focus your learning on those areas.

Regular practice is key; try to solve real-world problems and work on projects to reinforce your skills. Engaging with online forums, joining study groups, and participating in coding challenges can provide additional support and motivation.

Lastly, using interactive tools, such as DataCamp’s interactive SQL courses, can significantly enhance your learning experience.

Getting a SQL job with no previous experience

Breaking into the SQL job market without prior experience can seem daunting, but it’s entirely achievable with the right approach. Here are some steps to help you get started:

1. Build a strong foundation

Begin by learning the basics of SQL through online courses, tutorials, and books. Platforms like DataCamp offer comprehensive courses that cover everything from basic queries to advanced SQL functions. Focus on understanding relational database concepts and practice regularly to reinforce your learning.

2. Work on real-world projects

Apply your SQL skills by working on real-world projects. You can start by analyzing publicly available datasets or participating in data challenges on platforms like Kaggle. Building a portfolio of projects demonstrates your practical skills and problem-solving abilities to potential employers.

3. Get certified

Earning an SQL certification can boost your credibility. Certifications from recognized institutions, such as Microsoft, Oracle, or DataCamp, validate your skills and knowledge, making you more attractive to employers.

4. Network and join communities

Join online forums, local meetups, and professional networks related to SQL and data science. Networking with professionals in the field can provide job leads, mentorship opportunities, and insights into the industry.

5. Gain practical experience through internships and freelancing

Look for internships or freelance opportunities that require SQL skills. Even if these positions are unpaid or low-paying, they offer valuable experience and a chance to build your resume. Websites like Upwork and Freelancer often have entry-level SQL projects that you can work on.

6. Tailor your resume and apply for entry-level positions

When you’re ready to apply for jobs, tailor your resume to highlight your SQL skills, certifications, and project experience. Focus on entry-level positions such as junior data analyst, SQL developer, or database assistant. Emphasize your willingness to learn and adapt.

7. Prepare for interviews

Prepare for SQL job interviews by practicing common SQL interview questions and problems. Be ready to demonstrate your SQL knowledge through practical tests and discussions. Highlight your projects and any relevant experience during the interview.

By building a strong foundation, gaining practical experience, and actively networking, you can position yourself for SQL job opportunities even without prior professional experience. Persistence and dedication are key—keep learning, practicing, and applying, and you’ll increase your chances of landing your first SQL job.

SQL and Beyond

Job location and your experience level can play a huge part in determining your salary. And, like with every job, no single skill helps you in your role. It is a mixture of skills and expertise that brings the prize home! SQL developers require problem-solving, attention to detail, troubleshooting, soft skills, and technical skills to make the most out of the data and the databases that hold them. 

We only scratched the surface of the different SQL career paths you can choose when equipped with SQL knowledge. As you’ll have realized, many of these professions overlap in their roles and responsibilities. 

You might also find yourself wearing different database expertise hats in your career, so irrespective of the path you choose, we encourage you to make the first move and get started with learning SQL. 

Whether you’re a complete SQL beginner or you're looking to develop an existing set of skills, DataCamp will help you study at your own pace, put your new skills to practical use, and build your SQL portfolio.

Happy querying!