SQL query to retrieve employees with criteria (example department='IT' and salary range 40000-60000):

SELECT * FROM Employees WHERE department = 'IT' AND salary BETWEEN 40000 AND 60000;

SELECT emp_id, name, department, salary FROM Employees WHERE department = 'Sales' AND salary > 50000 ORDER BY salary DESC;

With pattern: SELECT * FROM Employees WHERE department IN ('IT','HR') AND salary >= 40000 AND salary <= 80000;

Explain: SELECT chooses columns, WHERE filters rows, BETWEEN for range, AND combines conditions. Can add ORDER BY, LIMIT.

If parameterized: SELECT * FROM Employees WHERE department = ? AND salary BETWEEN ? AND ?;