Occupation
Data engineer
Data engineers build the plumbing that moves data from where it is created to where it is analysed. They write pipelines, model warehouse tables, and put checks in place so that analysts and models are working from data that is complete and on time.
Also known as: Data pipeline engineer · ETL developer · Big data engineer
Occupation content
Part of Information technology, data and cybersecurity
What the work involves
- Build and schedule pipelines that extract, transform, and load data
- Model warehouse and lake tables for analytical use
- Add validation and monitoring so broken or late data is caught early
- Investigate and re-run failed pipeline jobs
- Work with analysts to define shared metrics and table contracts
How people commonly enter
- A degree in computer science, software engineering, or information systems
- A college diploma or certificate in data or database technology
- A data engineering apprenticeship with an employer
- Progression from a software development, database, or analytics role
- Cloud data platform certifications alongside hands-on pipeline experience
Typical training: Bachelor's degree
Licensing: Not typically licensed
Typical work context
Team based · Desk based · Quiet focus · Remote capable · Hybrid office
Related interests
Investigative (analytical) · Conventional (organizing) · Realistic (hands-on)
Related aptitude preparation
These are preparation links only. They do not measure eligibility for this occupation and no score here qualifies or disqualifies anyone.
Skills to practise
Practice suites
Related learning
Family-level learning links for Information technology, data and cybersecurity.
Official sources
Labour-market facts such as pay and employment projections are not reproduced here. Open an official source below for figures, with its own geography and reference period.
- O*NET OnLine — Database Architects (15-1243.00) · International
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- US Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook: Database Administrators and Architects · United States
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- Canada Job Bank — Job profile search: database analysts and data administrators · Canada
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Labour-market context (not part of exploration match)
This is broad family-level context for Information technology, data and cybersecurity in Canada, not a figure for Data engineer. It does not affect matching scores and is not an eligibility determination.
This is a broad Information technology, data and cybersecurity family. Explore the official profile for the chosen occupation; entry education and training can differ within the family.
Canada Job Bank Career Planning · Canada · Current official profile; consult source for its release period
Information technology, data and cybersecurity: education pathways
Some roles in Information technology, data and cybersecurity may be regulated. Confirm whether the specific role requires registration, certification, or a jurisdiction-specific licence.
Canada Job Bank Career Planning · Canada · Current official profile; consult source for its release period
Information technology, data and cybersecurity: licensing
Find jobs
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- Search Canada Job Bank · Canada
- Search USAJOBS · United States federal
- Search EURES · European Union / EEA
- Search Indeed · International (choose location on Indeed)