· Relational Databases
Relational Databases

Relational Databases

Relational databases remain foundational to modern software architecture, with SQL skills appearing in >60% of Data Analytics positions and >50% of Data Engineering roles. The landscape shows clear segmentation: MySQL and PostgreSQL dominate open-source and startup ecosystems, appearing in >10% of Web Application Backend Development positions each, while SQL Server and Oracle Database maintain strong enterprise presence. PostgreSQL demonstrates exceptional versatility, appearing across backend engineering, data engineering, and database administration roles with >10% prevalence. SQL Server integrates deeply with Microsoft technology stacks, while legacy systems like Db2 persist in large enterprises. Entry-level accessibility is strongest for MySQL and PostgreSQL, with >10% of entry-level backend and data roles requiring these skills. Database choice significantly impacts technology stack decisions, with open-source databases offering broader career flexibility while enterprise databases like Oracle provide specialized, high-value expertise in specific organizational contexts.

All Skills

MySQL

High Demand
Rank: #1
Entry-Level: Moderate
Most prevalent open-source relational database in Web Application Backend Development (>10%), Database Design & Optimization (>20%), Database Administration (>15%), Data Engineering (>5%), and E-commerce Backend Development. Moderate entry-level demand with >10% prevalence in backend roles. Used for web application databases, e-commerce platforms, content management systems, LAMP stack applications, and applications requiring reliable open-source RDBMS.

PostgreSQL

High Demand
Rank: #2
Entry-Level: Moderate
Advanced open-source database in Web Application Backend Development (>10%), Database Design & Optimization (>20%), Database Administration (>10%), Data Engineering (>5%), API Design & Development (>5%), and Platform Engineering. Moderate entry-level presence with >10% prevalence. Feature-rich with strong standards compliance. Used for complex queries, JSON data, geospatial applications, data warehousing, and applications requiring advanced SQL features and extensibility.

SQL Server

Moderate Demand
Rank: #3
Entry-Level: Low
Microsoft's enterprise database in Database Administration (>10%), Web Application Backend Development (>5%), Database Design & Optimization (>5%), and Data Analytics. Lower entry-level opportunities. Integrated with Microsoft ecosystem. Used for enterprise applications on Windows, .NET backend systems, business intelligence with SSRS/SSIS, data warehousing, and organizations standardized on Microsoft technologies.

Oracle Database

Moderate Demand
Rank: #4
Entry-Level: Low
Enterprise-grade database in Database Administration (>5%), Enterprise Systems Development with Oracle ERP systems, and large enterprise contexts. Limited entry-level accessibility. Used for mission-critical enterprise applications, high-transaction systems, large-scale data warehousing, ERP/CRM systems (Oracle E-Business Suite, PeopleSoft), and organizations requiring enterprise support and advanced features.

Db2

Moderate Demand
Rank: #5
Entry-Level: Low
IBM's enterprise database in Database Administration (>10%), Database Design & Optimization (>5%), and mainframe/enterprise environments. Lower entry-level demand. Legacy but persistent. Used for mainframe applications, large enterprise systems, banking and financial institutions, z/OS environments, and organizations with established IBM infrastructure.

MariaDB

Low Demand
Rank: #6
Entry-Level: Low
MySQL fork with limited explicit presence in job requirements (<5% prevalence). Often interchangeable with MySQL skills. Used as MySQL alternative with additional features, open-source database needs, cloud-native applications, and organizations seeking MySQL compatibility with enhanced performance.