Data Engineer Career Guide: 10 Key Skills [+ Salary]

You might not know it, but data engineering plays a role in your day-to-day life. 

From ensuring the smooth function of mobile apps and online services, to facilitating personalized recommendations and targeted advertisements, data engineering powers the digital experiences that have become part of many normal routines.

At the same time, there is a need for knowledgeable professionals to fill open data engineer roles. Find out if the job is right for you by considering career paths, important data engineer skills, how to become a data engineer, and more.

What Is Data Engineering?

Data engineering is a job with diverse responsibilities, including the design, development, and maintenance of systems that process and store data. In simpler terms, data engineers enable data scientists and other experts in the tech field to make meaningful use of data through the following efforts:

• Collection of data sought by an organization for a specific purpose
• Integration of information that comes from multiple sources
• Organization and processing of data so it is easily understood by others who need to use it

This data can be leveraged in many ways for business intelligence, decision-making, and strategic planning.

Data Engineer Job Description

A data engineer will take on many different responsibilities with the end goal of ensuring that data is reliable and can be utilized long-term. Data engineering is included in the booming field of data science, which continues to drive change across nearly all industries, including:

• Advertising
• eCommerce
• Healthcare
• Law enforcement
• Marketing
• Sports
• Transportation
• And more

What does a data engineer do on a daily basis? This will vary by industry, but tasks often include monitoring data pipelines for performance issues, implementing the latest security measures, and assessing whether new systems need to be created.

Important Data Engineering Skills

Data engineering requires an in-depth skill set that continually evolves with new technology. These are some of the most useful skills data engineers should possess:

1. Adaptability. New technologies are always emerging, meaning that data engineers need to be able to adapt accordingly.
2. Coding. Data engineers require coding abilities to perform many basic functions of the job.
3. Collaboration. Work will happen closely alongside data scientists, analysts, developers, and others.
4. Communication. The ability to clearly communicate with tech professionals and stakeholders is essential.
5. Critical thinking. Complex problems should be approached with a critical eye.
6. Efficiency. High work volume requires effective use of resources.
7. Time management. Similarly, using time efficiently is crucial for data engineers to accomplish all that they need to.
8. Troubleshooting. Issues are sure to arise with a technical job such as data engineering, and being able to identify causes and provide alternate solutions is a substantial benefit.
9. Machine learning. Utilizing algorithms and statistical techniques to develop innovative computer systems helps to keep your organization at the forefront of advancements.
10. Project management. Being able to organize a project from start to finish is vital for overall success.

To develop meaningful data engineering skills, learn the necessary principles, and stand out to potential employers, consider completing a certificate program.

The University of San Diego offers a 100% online Practical Data Engineering program, which can be completed in two semesters. This certificate offering is:

• Designed for working professionals
• Hands-on
• Led by faculty with real-world experience
• Updated in real-time with industry advancements

Data Engineer Salary and Outlook

The outlook for data engineers is promising, with Zippia anticipating 21% growth during the decade from 2018 to 2028. The job site also reports:

• A 10% salary increase for data engineers over the last five years
• About 303,100 active job openings for data engineers in the U.S.
• An average data engineer salary of $109,675