- 1.Data Engineers earn a median salary of $101,000 with 8% projected growth and 8,500 annual openings (BLS)
- 2.Education: Bachelor's in Data Science or Master's in Data Science typically required
- 3.No state licensing required; certifications like Google Data Analytics Certificate enhance competitiveness
- 4.Top states by salary: California ($114,750), New York ($97,750), Massachusetts ($95,200), Washington ($93,500)
- 5.Process takes 4 years including education plus certification preparation
What Is a Data Engineer?
A data engineer is a professional who analyzes complex data to help organizations make better decisions using statistical methods and machine learning. With 142,400 jobs nationwide, this is a growing occupation with strong career prospects.
The path to becoming a data engineer typically requires Dedicated data science programs combining statistics, CS, and domain knowledge.. To explore data science programs, see our comprehensive rankings.
Data Engineer
SOC 15-1242What Does a Data Engineer Do? Key Responsibilities
Data Engineers perform a wide range of duties depending on their work setting and specialization. Core responsibilities include:
- Collect, process, and analyze large datasets
- Build predictive models using machine learning algorithms
- Create data visualizations and dashboards
- Communicate findings to stakeholders
- Develop and maintain data pipelines
- Collaborate with engineering and product teams
How to Become a Data Engineer: Step-by-Step Guide
Total Time: 4 yearsComplete Bachelor's in Data Science
Dedicated data science programs combining statistics, CS, and domain knowledge.
- Integrated curriculum
- Growing availability
- Industry-aligned
Build Technical Skills
Develop hands-on skills through projects, internships, or bootcamps.
- Complete personal projects
- Contribute to open source
- Build a portfolio
Earn Relevant Certifications
Earn certifications like Google Data Analytics Certificate to enhance your credentials.
- Google Data Analytics Certificate - $39/month
- AWS Machine Learning Specialty - $300
Gain Entry-Level Experience
Start your career in an entry-level data engineer position to build practical experience.
- Apply for entry-level positions
- Seek mentorship from experienced professionals
- Build your professional network
- Document your accomplishments
Pursue Specialization & Advancement
Specialize in high-demand areas and pursue leadership opportunities.
- Identify specialization areas
- Pursue advanced certifications
- Consider graduate education
- Develop leadership skills
Data Engineer Education Requirements: Degrees & Programs
Bachelor's in Data Science
4 yearsDedicated data science programs combining statistics, CS, and domain knowledge.
Advantages
- Integrated curriculum
- Growing availability
- Industry-aligned
Considerations
- Newer programs
- May lack depth in specific areas
Master's in Data Science
1.5-2 yearsAdvanced degree for data science and machine learning roles.
Advantages
- Higher salary
- Advanced techniques
- Research opportunities
Considerations
- Higher cost
- Requires strong math background
Data Engineer Certifications: Required & Recommended
While not required, certifications can increase salary by $5,000-$15,000 annually and demonstrate expertise.
Recommended Specializations
Google Data Analytics Certificate
GoogleEntry-level certification covering data analysis fundamentals.
AWS Machine Learning Specialty
Amazon Web ServicesValidates ML implementation skills on AWS.
Data Engineer Skills: What You Need to Succeed
Successful data engineers combine strong technical competencies with interpersonal skills.
Technical Skills
Primary languages for data analysis and machine learning.
Database querying and data manipulation.
Building and deploying ML models.
Statistical analysis and hypothesis testing.
Tools & Platforms
Creating insights with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or matplotlib.
Spark, Hadoop, and distributed computing.
Data Engineer Career Path: Entry to Senior
The data engineer career path offers diverse opportunities for advancement. Most professionals start in entry-level roles before advancing to senior positions or specializing.
- Junior Data Analyst (Entry Level): Data analysis and reporting. Salary: $65,650-$80,800.
- Data Engineer (2-4 years): Building models and driving insights. Median salary: $101,000.
- Senior Data Engineer (5-7 years): Leading data initiatives. Salary: $121,200-$141,400.
- Lead/Principal (8+ years): Data strategy and team leadership. Salary: $151,500-$171,700.
- Chief Data Officer (10+ years): Executive data leadership. Salary: $181,800+.
Data Engineer Salary by State: What Data Engineers Earn
Top Employers Hiring Data Engineers by State
California
CAWashington
WATexas
TXNew York
NYMassachusetts
MAGeorgia
GAIllinois
ILPennsylvania
PAFlorida
FLOhio
OHData Engineer Job Outlook: Growth & Opportunities
Data Engineer employment is projected to grow 8% from 2025 to 2035, faster than average. About 8,500 job openings are expected each year.
Strong demand is driven by the explosion of data, AI adoption, and data-driven decision making across industries. Professionals with advanced certifications and specialized skills will have the strongest job prospects.
Best Data Science Programs
Data Engineer FAQs: Requirements, Salary & Career
Data Sources
Job outlook, education requirements, and employment data for data engineers
Wage and employment data by state and metro area
Related Data Science Resources
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.