What Do Big Data Developers Do?
Wondering what the job is really like for big data developers?
You've come to the right place.
Keep reading to find detailed information about what big data developers do, including the type of work they are tasked with on a daily basis, industries in which they work, and the specific skills needed for a successful career.
Big Data Developers Overview & Description
Let's get started with the basics about big data developers by taking a look at a simple description and popular job titles.
Big Data Developers design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.
Popular Job Titles For Big Data Developers
Sample of Reported Job Titles
- Data Architects
- Database Developers
- Data Governance Managers
- Infrastructure Architects
- Data Specialists
- Data Engineering Managers
- Data Managers
- Data Coordinators
- Data Stewards
- Database Architects
- Azure Architects
- Data Management Managers
Read on for insight into the industries where the highest concentration of jobs for big data developers can be found.
Best Industries for Big Data Developers
Big Data Developers Jobs By Industry
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services: 23.3%
- Management of Companies and Enterprises: 9.1%
- Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services: 6.2%
- Insurance Carriers: 5.9%
- Software Publishers: 5.8%
- Data Processing, Hosting, and Related Services: 5.7%
- Other: 44%
When it comes to jobs in the United States, the largest single category of big data developers can be found working in the Computer Systems Design and Related Services sector. In 2023, about 23.3% of all jobs for big data developers were found there.
Other top industries by percentage include Management of Companies and Enterprises (9.1%), Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services (6.2%), Insurance Carriers (5.9%), Software Publishers (5.8%) and Data Processing, Hosting, and Related Services (5.7%).
Top Online College For Working Adults
Franklin University is a top choice for adults who need to balance school with busy lives. Founded in 1902 in Columbus, Ohio, Franklin's main focus has been serving adult students and tailoring education to fit their needs. Nonprofit and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org/800.621.7440), Franklin offers more than 50 affordable bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs — all available 100% online.
Degree Options for Big Data Developers
Design, implement and manage cloud solutions with Franklin’s online, transfer-friendly B.S. Cloud Computing.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
What Do Big Data Developers Do on a Daily Basis?
So you have a high-level understanding of what big data developers do and the types of industries in which they work - but what do they really do each day?
A great way to understand the type of work big data developers do is to examine actual job postings and focus on the specific skills that employers are seeking. That will help paint a clearer picture of the tasks that big data developers tackle each day.
Continue reading for a breakdown of specialized skills found in job postings for big data developers, as well as common skills - interpersonal qualities and attributes - that can help you thrive in the workplace.
In-Demand Skills for Today's Big Data Developers
Based on 111,022 job postings
Top 5 Specialized Skills for Big Data Developers
| Skills | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| SQL (Programming Language) | 28,142 | 25% |
| Data Management | 25,123 | 23% |
| Computer Science | 24,399 | 22% |
| Data Analysis | 24,001 | 22% |
| Project Management | 19,108 | 17% |
Top 5 Common Skills for Big Data Developers
| Skills | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | 49,096 | 44% |
| Management | 41,989 | 38% |
| Leadership | 29,659 | 27% |
| Operations | 25,601 | 23% |
| Problem Solving | 24,438 | 22% |
Based on 111,022 job postings related to big data developers, sql (programming language) was the top specialized skill sought by employers, with 25% of all postings looking for that skillset. Skills for data management, computer science, data analysis, project management and data governance were also highly sought.
As for common skills, communication was the most desired skill found in job postings for big data developers, followed by management, leadership, operations, problem solving and research.
| Skill | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| SQL (Programming Language) | 28,142 | 25% |
| Data Management | 25,123 | 23% |
| Computer Science | 24,399 | 22% |
| Data Analysis | 24,001 | 22% |
| Project Management | 19,108 | 17% |
| Data Governance | 17,740 | 16% |
| Data Modeling | 17,271 | 16% |
| Data Warehousing | 17,190 | 15% |
| Data Quality | 17,166 | 15% |
| Python (Programming Language) | 16,087 | 14% |
| Data Architecture | 15,725 | 14% |
| Extract Transform Load (ETL) | 15,005 | 14% |
| Agile Methodology | 14,891 | 13% |
| Amazon Web Services | 13,789 | 12% |
| Microsoft Azure | 13,016 | 12% |
| Business Intelligence | 11,442 | 10% |
| Automation | 11,104 | 10% |
| Auditing | 11,072 | 10% |
| Workflow Management | 10,733 | 10% |
| Business Requirements | 9,717 | 9% |
| Skill | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | 49,096 | 44% |
| Management | 41,989 | 38% |
| Leadership | 29,659 | 27% |
| Operations | 25,601 | 23% |
| Problem Solving | 24,438 | 22% |
| Research | 18,865 | 17% |
| Planning | 18,854 | 17% |
| Writing | 17,905 | 16% |
| Detail Oriented | 17,649 | 16% |
| Customer Service | 16,204 | 15% |
| Microsoft Excel | 14,511 | 13% |
| Troubleshooting (Problem Solving) | 13,812 | 12% |
| Innovation | 13,551 | 12% |
| Presentations | 13,467 | 12% |
| Governance | 12,905 | 12% |
| Microsoft Office | 11,983 | 11% |
| Information Technology | 11,850 | 11% |
| Coordinating | 11,636 | 10% |
| Interpersonal Communications | 11,557 | 10% |
| Influencing Skills | 11,157 | 10% |
Most In-Demand Jobs for Big Data Developers
Top 5 Posted Job Titles
| Job Title | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Data Architects | 11,944 | 21.2% |
| Database Developers | 4,516 | 8% |
| Data Governance Managers | 4,837 | 8.6% |
| Infrastructure Architects | 4,153 | 7.4% |
| Data Specialists | 3,638 | 6.5% |
According to job postings that were published between September 2022 and August 2023, the top job sought by employers was data architects, with 6,433 unique job postings. Database developers were second, with 2,262 postings, followed by data governance managers, infrastructure architects and data specialists.
Expand the section below to see unique job postings for all occupations related to big data developers.
| Job Title | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Data Architects | 11,944 | 21.2% |
| Database Developers | 4,516 | 8% |
| Data Governance Managers | 4,837 | 8.6% |
| Infrastructure Architects | 4,153 | 7.4% |
| Data Specialists | 3,638 | 6.5% |
| Data Engineering Managers | 2,752 | 4.9% |
| Data Managers | 2,873 | 5.1% |
| Data Coordinators | 3,229 | 5.7% |
| Data Stewards | 2,197 | 3.9% |
| Database Architects | 1,954 | 3.5% |
| Azure Architects | 1,421 | 2.5% |
| Data Management Managers | 1,938 | 3.4% |
| Directors of Data Engineering | 1,575 | 2.8% |
| Big Data Developers | 1,597 | 2.8% |
| Knowledge Managers | 1,588 | 2.8% |
| Data Product Managers | 1,347 | 2.4% |
| Information Specialists | 1,582 | 2.8% |
| Cloud Infrastructure Architects | 1,193 | 2.1% |
| Data Warehouse Architects | 862 | 1.5% |
| Data Warehouse Developers | 1,062 | 1.9% |
Additional Links
Ready to dig deeper into career information for big data developers? Visit our other pages focused on salary and education for big data developers.
How much do big data developers make?
Big Data Developers: How do you become one?
All Occupations
The Best Adult Colleges and Careers Guide has compiled data for dozens of in-demand jobs. Explore our full catalog of occupation data by visiting the link below.