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Technology

How to become a Data Engineer

Builds the pipelines that move and clean data so analysts and applications can actually use it. From data analyst or developer: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there
2–4 years
Typical pay
$105k–$145k
Starting from
Data analyst or developer

Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from data analyst or developer and includes any licence or programme legally required, not just course length.

Commonly asked for

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, statistics or a related field, commonly asked for
  • 1–2 years as a data analyst or software developer first
  • Strong SQL and Python expected
See data engineer jobs open now

The route

  1. Come from analysis or software

    Either route works; you need SQL from one side and code from the other.

    Typical titles at this level

    • Data Analyst
    • Software Developer
    • Business Intelligence Analyst
    Course that covers thisMaster SQL - Core Database Skills Practice ExamUdemy · around $19.99

  2. Get strong in Python

    Pipelines, orchestration and transformation are written in it.

    Course that covers this380+ Exercises - Python Programming Mega Pack - Built-inUdemy · around $19.99

  3. Learn a warehouse and a pipeline tool

    Snowflake or BigQuery, plus Airflow or dbt.

  4. Add cloud infrastructure

    You will own what your pipelines run on.

    Course that covers thisAWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate Practice ExamsUdemy · around $19.99

  5. Destination

    Data Engineer

    Browse jobs now

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