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Data Engineer Entry Level Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

CCS Global Tech

Entry Level Data/AI Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$121K - $146K/yr

Entry-Level Data & AI Consultant CCS Global Tech is a Microsoft Solutions Partner and technology ... BI Developer * SQL Developer * Data Engineer * Data Integration Specialist * AI/Data Consultant ...

Innogrit

Firmware Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

DOE Firmware Engineer (entry level) Are you passionate about development and project-based work? Do ... data storage with its advanced PCIe Gen 3 and Gen 4 SSD (Solid State Drive) Processors. By ...

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All JobsData Engineer JobsData Engineer Entry Level JobsData Engineer Entry Level Jobs in California

Data Engineer Entry Level information

See California salary details

$43.9K

$128K

$175.2K

How much do data engineer entry level jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for data engineer entry level in California is $128,018.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,000.00 and $135,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical projects or tasks that entry-level data engineers work on during their first year?

As an entry-level data engineer, you can expect to work on tasks such as building and maintaining data pipelines, cleaning and transforming raw data, and supporting the integration of different data sources. You'll often collaborate with data analysts and more senior engineers to ensure data is accurate, accessible, and well-documented. Early projects might include automating data extraction processes, setting up basic ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) workflows, or optimizing database queries. These foundational responsibilities help build the technical and teamwork skills essential for career growth in data engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Data Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Data Engineer, you need foundational knowledge in programming (such as Python or SQL), data structures, and database management, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with ETL tools, cloud platforms (like AWS or Azure), and version control systems is typically expected. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate with teams and adapt to evolving data needs. These skills ensure accurate data processing, efficient pipeline development, and successful integration within data-driven organizations.

What does a Data Engineer Entry Level do?

An entry-level data engineer is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining systems that allow organizations to collect, store, and analyze large amounts of data. They typically work with databases, data pipelines, and cloud platforms to ensure data is accessible and reliable for analysis. Entry-level data engineers often assist with cleaning and transforming raw data, automating data workflows, and supporting data scientists and analysts. They also learn best practices in data security and performance optimization as they gain experience.

What is the difference between Data Engineer Entry Level vs Data Analyst Entry Level?

AspectData Engineer Entry LevelData Analyst Entry Level
Required CredentialsBachelor's in CS, IT, or related field; some certifications (e.g., Google Cloud, AWS)Bachelor's in Statistics, Math, or related field; certifications like Microsoft Data Analyst
Work EnvironmentFocus on building data pipelines, databases, and infrastructureFocus on interpreting data, creating reports, and visualizations
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, finance, healthcare, where data infrastructure is keyBusiness intelligence, marketing, finance, and consulting firms

While both roles involve working with data, Data Engineer Entry Level focuses on developing and maintaining data infrastructure, whereas Data Analyst Entry Level emphasizes analyzing data to generate insights. Both roles require strong technical skills and are essential in data-driven organizations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Data Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Data Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Data Engineer Entry Level jobs in California? For Data Engineer Entry Level jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Data Engineer Entry Level jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Data Engineer Entry Level jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Data Engineer Entry Level jobs? Cities in California with the most Data Engineer Entry Level job openings:
Data Engineer Entry Level jobs near you
Infographic showing various Data Engineer Entry Level job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,018 per year, or $61.5 per hour.
Entry Level Data/AI Engineer

Entry Level Data/AI Engineer

CCS Global Tech

San Diego, CA • On-site

$121K - $146K/yr

Other

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Entry-Level Data & AI Consultant

CCS Global Tech is a Microsoft Solutions Partner and technology consulting company helping recent STEM graduates launch careers in Data, Cloud, Business Intelligence, and AI. Through our Talent Development Program, candidates receive structured training, hands-on project preparation, career support, and real-world client experience through our train-to-hire career development pathway.


Our program now includes Data Track and AI Track, preparing candidates for opportunities in data engineering, business intelligence, cloud data platforms, SQL development, AI-enabled data solutions, and enterprise technology consulting.

Candidates will gain exposure to in-demand tools and technologies such as SQL, T-SQL, Python, Power BI, Tableau, Azure, AWS, Snowflake, Databricks, Data Warehousing, Data Modeling, Applied AI/ML, Azure OpenAI, RAG, and LLM concepts.


Potential Career Paths:

  • Data Analyst
  • Business Analyst
  • BI Developer
  • SQL Developer
  • Data Engineer
  • Data Integration Specialist
  • AI/Data Consultant

What We’re Looking For:

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Business Analytics, Mathematics, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, Data Science, or a related STEM field
  • SQL fundamentals and basic programming knowledge
  • Python knowledge preferred
  • Interest in Data, Cloud, BI, AI, or consulting career paths
  • Strong logical reasoning and communication skills
  • Valid U.S. work authorization, including OPT, Day1 CPT, Green Card, or U.S. Citizenship
  • Open to relocation within the United States after project placement



Apply