The average data engineer salary is usually over $100,000 per year.
How would your life change if you were able to make that kind of money? We’re willing to bet that lots of things would be different.
Of course, that level of success takes time — and a serious commitment to developing your skill set.
In this post, we’ll explain what a data engineer does, common career paths, and the training you need to set yourself apart from other job applicants.
Whether you want to start your own software analytics enterprise, or if you want to work for a larger corporation, read on to learn how to make it happen.
What Is Data Engineering?
There are lots of different jobs available for those who are ready to work in IT. Let’s take a closer look now at what a data engineer does — and why the position can command a competitive salary.
Data engineers create new algorithms that make it easier for their clients to access and understand their data. They also work to identify trends within specific sets of data. This allows clients to develop websites, tools, software, and even products that are more in line with the needs of their target market.
In addition to figuring out how to collect this data and identifying these patterns, they need to distill that information down into reports for shareholders, clients, and corporate leadership.
In some cases, they need to create tools and dashboards that their clients can use to examine the data themselves.
Clients also rely on data engineers to help them understand which parts of their business can be automated. The information they provide also allows clients to take advantage of prescriptive modeling and even predictive analytics.
In order to do all of this, of course, they’ll need to have some serious skills.
Let’s take a look at the top subjects you’ll need to master to land competitive data engineer jobs.
Top Skills Required to Become an Analytics Engineer
First of all, it goes without saying that, in order to earn a data engineer salary and work with big companies, you’ll need to learn the ins and outs of coding.
Knowing one coding language alone won’t be enough. Take a look at this list of some of the most popular coding languages, and start learning them as soon as you can.
Languages like JavaScript, Python, C++, and of course, classic HTML are non-negotiable.
You’ll also need to study up on the top database management solutions. This means things like Cassandra, SQL, and more. This will help you to not only collect the data you need, but also to organize it.
You should also become familiar with common data warehousing tools, such as Redshift. This also means taking the time to brush up on your skillset when it comes to data retrieval and storage.
Of course, analytical tools and coding aren’t all you need to make it as a data engineer. You’ll need competitive soft skills, as well.
Work on your communication skills. Can you explain complicated algorithms and how certain software works to a group of people that have absolutely no background in data science?
Can you speak persuasively, and show how the solutions you’re offering will benefit the company — and the investors? How well do you do in a meeting room, facing a crowd of people who are ready to hear a killer pitch?
Are you able to work in a collaborative environment? You’ll likely need to collect information from a variety of different team members. This means you’ll need to have excellent organizational skills as well.
How to Train for a Career in Data Engineering
The skills listed above aren’t exactly ones you develop overnight. Let’s talk now about the educational credentials you need to focus on to get where you want to go.
Most people have a bachelor degree or at least some sort of academic background in computer science of software engineering.
In some cases, they also have a master’s degree in computer engineering. You should also focus on getting vendor-specific certifications that teach you how to use certain programs or learn coding languages.
We strongly suggest you also become a Certified Data Management Professional by taking courses backed by the Data Management Association International.
You may also wish to become a Google Cloud Certified Professional Engineer.
These certifications will give you a serious leg up in the job market.
Common Data Engineer Jobs
So, what are some of the career paths you can work towards in the world of data engineering?
You can work as a freelance data engineering specialist if you prefer a bit of flexibility and want to decide the kinds of businesses you enjoy working with the most.
You can work as a data engineer for the government, in retail, or even within a larger consulting agency.
If you want to do more creating than analyzing, you can even create new data analysis software and tools for specific companies to use.
You could work as the Director of Information Technology, a Chief Development Officer, or even in information security.
Get on the Path to Earning a Data Engineer Salary Today
We hope that this post has encouraged to get serious about going after the high data engineer salary you’ve always wanted.
Remember to start getting the proper certifications now, network with those already in the business, and develop your soft skill set.
Want to learn more about how to reach new heights in your personal and professional life? Ready to revolutionize the world of IT — and beyond — with your ideas?
Keep checking back with our blog to learn more about how you can make it happen.