10 Jobs That Require SQL Skills and What You Need to Get Hired

Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on

Learn more about the different careers you can pursue with SQL skills, including the median annual salary of each and education requirements.

[Featured Image] A happy job hunter celebrates after finding a role that lets them use their SQL skills.

Key takeaways

Developing structured query language (SQL) skills can help you prepare for various programming-related positions.

  • One example of an SQL-related role is that of a business analyst, which can earn a median annual salary of $106,000 [1].

  • SQL is a programming language that allows you to perform tasks within a relational database, such as managing, storing, retrieving, optimizing, and processing data.

  • You can earn a bachelor’s degree in an area like computer science, data analytics, or engineering to prepare for a role that requires SQL skills.

Explore SQL in more detail, along with the jobs you may consider and how their salaries compare. Afterward, if you’re interested in building your SQL skills, enroll in Pearson’s SQL for Any IT Professional Specialization. In just one month, you can learn about relational databases, database design, SQL, data management, and data mining from basics to advanced queries that produce output, results, and reports in the real world. Upon completion, you’ll earn a shareable certificate to display on your resume or LinkedIn profile.

What is SQL?

SQL is a programming language that enables you to perform several tasks within a relational database, such as managing, storing, retrieving, optimizing, and processing data. Relational databases store related data points, where the data has predefined relationships within a table composed of columns and rows. SQL allows you to navigate and retrieve relational databases without writing a surplus of code.

An example of a relational database would be a database containing customer information, such as their name and address, along with a table featuring details of customer orders, such as shipping information and the order date.

Professionals who can handle data are in high demand as organizations look to capitalize on the massive amounts of data they have access to. A valued skill in this area is SQL. Developing SQL proficiency can open you up to several career opportunities, as knowledge of databases is critical for programming-related positions.

Read more: Relational Database: Definition, Examples, and More

Is SQL easier than Python?

Both SQL and Python are beginner-level programming languages, but some people find SQL easier to learn. SQL’s syntax is simpler because it uses plain, English-like commands and offers fewer functions to memorize.

10 jobs you can get with SQL skills

SQL knowledge and the ability to work with relational databases are essential components of several careers, especially coding positions. The following offers a look at 10 jobs you can get with SQL skills, details about what it takes to get into the jobs, and the potential salaries of each position, according to Glassdoor’s March 2026 data.

The figures below include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

1. Business analyst 

Median annual US salary: $106,000 [1]

Requirements: Business analysts typically need a bachelor’s degree in business management, finance, data analytics, or accounting.

As a business analyst, you would analyze data to help your company improve its business processes and make informed decisions. This role requires numerous skills and knowledge encompassing information technology and business. You may not only collect data and build models to analyze it, but you would also need a strong understanding of how your business functions to make recommendations.

2. Business intelligence analyst

Median annual US salary: $116,000 [2]

Requirements: This position may generally require a bachelor’s degree in economics, computer science, statistics, or business.

As a business intelligence analyst, you may analyze data to develop strategies for improving areas such as consumer experience, operational efficiency, and market trends. Your work can, in turn, aid your organization in making informed decisions through collaboration with management. Business intelligence varies slightly from business analytics, with more of a focus on improving daily operations rather than predicting outcomes.

3. Data analyst

Median annual US salary: $93,000 [3]

Requirements: Data analysts usually obtain a bachelor’s degree in statistics, data analytics, or computer science. However, a bachelor’s degree in business and the right technical skills to match can also qualify you.

As a data analyst, you can collect data from various sources, such as surveys, focus groups, social media monitoring, reports, and more, to analyze and make recommendations for your organization. Your work in this role includes designing and maintaining data collection systems and databases.

4. Data scientist

Median annual US salary: $154,000 [4]

Requirements: Data science positions often require a bachelor’s degree in an area such as computer science, analytics, engineering, or statistics.

As a data scientist, you can develop programs and algorithms capable of handling large amounts of data to provide insights that you can then use to influence organizational decisions and develop strategies. What differentiates data scientists from data analysts is that, as a data scientist, you’ll build complex predictive models using machine learning and other techniques analysts can use to perform analytics.

5. Database architect

Median annual US salary: $170,000 [5]

Requirements: To work as a database architect, you may need a relevant bachelor’s degree in an area such as data analytics, computer science, or information systems.

As a database architect, you can build specific data systems to provide your organization with access to data and ensure the data within the database is secure and accurate. To create a database that meets your employer’s needs, you may need to communicate with technical and business staff members to devise a specific plan for the organization’s goals.

6. Quality assurance engineer

Median annual US salary: $101,000 [6]

Requirements: Quality assurance engineering positions may require a bachelor’s degree in an area such as computer science or software engineering. However, alternative options, such as boot camps, can also qualify you.

As a quality assurance engineer or tester, you will ensure that software has been adequately tested before going to market, providing the release of a quality program without any errors. In addition to testing for quality, you can contribute to the entire development process to ensure the end product meets all software standards.

7. Server administrator

Median annual US salary: $94,000 [7]

Requirements: Server administrators are typically required to have a bachelor’s degree in information technology, engineering, or computer science.

As a server administrator, you can work to make sure your organization’s computer systems perform correctly and are secure. The job includes performing regular maintenance and troubleshooting any problems, helping inform other employees about how to use systems correctly, and communicating with them to better understand their needs.

8. Software engineer

Median annual US salary: $149,000 [8]

Requirements: Employers generally require software engineers to have a bachelor’s degree in software engineering or computer science.

You can use your programming skills to build computer applications and systems as a software engineer. Your job may likely include building software systems and applications, testing and maintaining them, and implementing software upgrades. Because of the widespread use and need for software, you can find software engineering opportunities in almost all industries.

9. Data engineer

Median annual US salary: $132,000 [9]

Requirements: Data engineering positions typically require a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as computer science, information technology, or software engineering.

As a data engineer, you are responsible for assembling the systems that enable your organization to have efficient and consistent access to data. This means you may need to work with a team of people, such as data scientists and upper management, to assess their needs and construct a plan. You may also gather and organize data for others to access in a single location.

10. Web developer

Median annual US salary: $100,000 [10]

Requirements: While some employers require their web developers to have a bachelor’s degree in an area such as information technology or computer science, this career is accessible without a degree if you have the necessary technical skills.

As a web developer, you can work in either a front-end, back-end, or full-stack role. Front-end developers build websites’ user-facing components, while back-end developers are responsible for the server side found behind the scenes. However, full-stack web developers perform the duties of both front-end and back-end developers.

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Article sources

1. 

Glassdoor. “How much does a Business Analyst make?, https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/business-analyst-salary-SRCH_KO0,16.htm.” Accessed March 9, 2026. 

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