SQL Server Agent is a component of Microsoft SQL Server which schedules jobs and handles other automated tasks. It runs as a Windows service so it can start automatically when the system boots or it can be started manually.

Typical system tasks performed include scheduling maintenance plans (such as backups), handling Reporting Services subscriptions and performing log shipping sub-tasks (backup, copy, restore & check). User tasks, such as scheduling some T-SQL or command line statement are also common.

SQLAgent has support for operators and alerts, so that administrators can be notified, e.g. by email.

• LeBlanc, Patrick (15 February 2013). Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Step by Step. Pearson Education. ISBN 978-0-7356-7003-7. Retrieved 29 March 2025.
• Rankins, Ray; Bertucci, Paul; Gallelli, Chris; Silverstein, Alex T. (9 December 2013). Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Unleashed. Sams Publishing. ISBN 978-0-13-340851-5.