Salary for Entry-level / Junior Data Engineer in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average entry-level / junior Data Engineer salary lies between USD 74,100 and USD 138,500 in the United States. It represents the overall compensation/gross salary amount for the working year (before deductions like social security, taxes and other contributions), not including equity/stock options or similar benefits.

Region represents the primary country of residence of an employee during the year (or residence for tax purposes). All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Dec. 22, 2024

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for Entry-level / Junior Data Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with entry-level / junior Data Engineer job listings are Python, SQL and Engineering. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Python | 1222 jobs SQL | 1190 jobs Engineering | 1102 jobs Pipelines | 769 jobs Computer Science | 651 jobs ETL | 644 jobs Azure | 553 jobs AWS | 547 jobs Data pipelines | 497 jobs Big Data | 469 jobs Spark | 464 jobs Machine Learning | 432 jobs Architecture | 373 jobs Agile | 360 jobs GCP | 354 jobs Java | 333 jobs Security | 324 jobs DevOps | 293 jobs Power BI | 286 jobs Testing | 275 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Entry-level / Junior Data Engineer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with entry-level / junior Data Engineer job listings are Career development, Health care and Flex hours. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 818 jobs Health care | 320 jobs Flex hours | 307 jobs Team events | 298 jobs Equity / stock options | 232 jobs Startup environment | 215 jobs Competitive pay | 214 jobs Insurance | 186 jobs Salary bonus | 137 jobs Medical leave | 136 jobs Flex vacation | 110 jobs Fitness / gym | 86 jobs Parental leave | 85 jobs Wellness | 85 jobs Relocation support | 56 jobs 401(k) matching | 55 jobs Transparency | 26 jobs Gear | 20 jobs Home office stipend | 19 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 17 jobs

Salary Composition for Entry-Level/Junior Data Engineer Roles

The salary for an entry-level or junior data engineer in the United States typically consists of a base salary, which is the fixed component, and may include additional remuneration such as bonuses and stock options. The base salary is often the largest portion, accounting for approximately 70-85% of the total compensation package. Bonuses, which can be performance-based or company-wide, might contribute an additional 5-15%. Stock options or equity, more common in tech startups or large tech companies, can make up the remaining 5-10%.

Regional differences can significantly impact salary composition. For instance, data engineers in tech hubs like San Francisco or New York might receive higher base salaries and more substantial equity packages compared to those in smaller cities. Industry also plays a role; tech companies often offer more competitive compensation packages than industries like finance or healthcare. Company size can influence salary as well, with larger companies typically offering more comprehensive benefits and bonuses.

Steps to Increase Salary from an Entry-Level Position

To increase your salary from an entry-level data engineer position, consider the following strategies:

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously upgrade your technical skills, particularly in programming languages like Python, SQL, and tools like Apache Spark or Hadoop. Mastering cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud can also be beneficial.
• Advanced Education: Pursuing a master's degree in data science, computer science, or a related field can open up higher-paying opportunities.
• Certifications: Obtain relevant certifications that demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field.
• Networking: Build a strong professional network through industry events, online forums, and LinkedIn. Networking can lead to job opportunities with better compensation.
• Performance Excellence: Consistently exceed performance expectations in your current role to position yourself for promotions and salary increases.

Educational Requirements for Entry-Level Data Engineers

Most entry-level data engineer positions require at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as computer science, information technology, data science, or engineering. Some employers may consider candidates with degrees in mathematics or statistics, provided they have strong programming skills and relevant experience. A solid understanding of data structures, algorithms, and database management is essential.

Helpful Certifications for Data Engineers

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your resume and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers. Some valuable certifications include:

• AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty
• Google Professional Data Engineer
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate
• Cloudera Certified Professional (CCP) Data Engineer

These certifications validate your skills in managing and analyzing data on specific platforms, which can be a significant advantage in the job market.

Experience Requirements for Entry-Level Roles

Entry-level data engineer positions typically require some practical experience, which can be gained through internships, co-op programs, or relevant projects during your academic career. Employers often look for candidates with hands-on experience in data manipulation, ETL processes, and familiarity with data warehousing solutions. Demonstrating experience with real-world data problems, even through personal or academic projects, can be beneficial.

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