Build the pipelines that move and transform data. Data engineers create the infrastructure that makes analytics and ML possible.
$60K-$80K
0-2 years
Build basic pipelines, write SQL transformations, learn warehouse design.
At the entry level, focus on building strong foundations in SQL, Python, ETL basics. Understand the fundamentals deeply before moving to advanced topics. Build basic pipelines, write SQL transformations, learn warehouse design.
To advance from Junior Data Engineer to Data Engineer, you need to demonstrate mastery of SQL, Python, ETL basics and start developing skills in Spark/Databricks, Airflow/dbt. Take on stretch assignments, seek mentorship, and build a track record of consistent delivery.
$85K-$130K
2-5 years
Build production pipelines, implement data models, ensure data quality.
At the mid level, focus on building strong foundations in Spark/Databricks, Airflow/dbt, Data Modeling. Deepen your expertise and start developing leadership skills. Build production pipelines, implement data models, ensure data quality.
To advance from Data Engineer to Senior Data Engineer, you need to demonstrate mastery of Spark/Databricks, Airflow/dbt, Data Modeling and start developing skills in Data Platform Architecture, Real-time Processing. Take on stretch assignments, seek mentorship, and build a track record of consistent delivery.
$130K-$175K
5-8 years
Architect data platforms, build real-time systems, lead data infrastructure.
At the senior level, focus on building strong foundations in Data Platform Architecture, Real-time Processing, Data Governance. Deepen your expertise and start developing leadership skills. Architect data platforms, build real-time systems, lead data infrastructure.
To advance from Senior Data Engineer to Staff/Principal Data Engineer / Head of Data, you need to demonstrate mastery of Data Platform Architecture, Real-time Processing, Data Governance and start developing skills in Data Strategy, Platform Leadership. Take on stretch assignments, seek mentorship, and build a track record of consistent delivery.
$170K-$250K+
8+ years
Define data strategy, lead platform teams, architect org-wide data systems.
At the lead level, focus on building strong foundations in Data Strategy, Platform Leadership, Cross-org Data Architecture. Deepen your expertise and start developing leadership skills. Define data strategy, lead platform teams, architect org-wide data systems.
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Key skills for Junior Data Engineer (0-2 years): SQL, Python, ETL basics, Data Warehousing, Cloud basics (AWS/GCP), Git. Build basic pipelines, write SQL transformations, learn warehouse design.
Key skills for Data Engineer (2-5 years): Spark/Databricks, Airflow/dbt, Data Modeling, Streaming (Kafka), Cloud Data Services, Data Quality. Build production pipelines, implement data models, ensure data quality.
Key skills for Senior Data Engineer (5-8 years): Data Platform Architecture, Real-time Processing, Data Governance, Cost Optimization, Team Mentoring, ML Pipelines. Architect data platforms, build real-time systems, lead data infrastructure.
Key skills for Staff/Principal Data Engineer / Head of Data (8+ years): Data Strategy, Platform Leadership, Cross-org Data Architecture, Data Mesh/Fabric, Executive Communication. Define data strategy, lead platform teams, architect org-wide data systems.
Data Engineer salaries range from $60K-$80K at entry level to $170K-$250K+ at the Lead level.