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Entry Data Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Development Coordinator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

... entry, data pulls, reporting, and general donor record maintenance. • Assist with process ... With units specializing in Accounting and Finance, Administrative, Engineering, Marketing ...

Payroll Administrator

Northbrook, IL · On-site +1

$69K - $103K/yr

With interesting opportunities in engineering, marketing, sales, supply chain, operations, HR ... Support data entry, data validation, Human Resources, Payroll, and Timekeeping systems ...

Attend meetings to review data and some manual data entry as needed. Internal contacts: * Continuous Improvement Engineers * Supervisors * Production employees Qualifications Qualifications:

... data analytics and implementation). Both entry and mid-level applicants are encouraged to apply as on-the-job training is available. ** Entry Level Candidates are Encouraged to Apply!!!** General ...

... data analytics and implementation). Both entry and mid-level applicants are encouraged to apply as on-the-job training is available. ** Entry Level Candidates are Encouraged to Apply!!!** General ...

Master Data Specialist

Chicago, IL

$17.50 - $23.50/hr

Data & Knowledge Management * Build, maintain, and continuously improve a centralized digital ... Work closely with Food Scientists, Product Developers, and culinary teams to capture formulation ...

Showing results 21-40

Entry Data Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$10

$18

$27

How much do entry data engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry data engineer in Illinois is $18.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $21.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectEntry Data EngineerData Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's in CS, IT, or related field; knowledge of SQL, Python, ETL toolsBachelor's in Statistics, Math, or related; proficiency in Excel, SQL, visualization tools
Work EnvironmentData engineering teams, cloud platforms, data warehousesBusiness units, reporting teams, data visualization tools
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, finance, healthcare, e-commerceMarketing, finance, consulting, retail

Entry Data Engineers focus on building and maintaining data pipelines and infrastructure, while Data Analysts interpret data to generate insights. Both roles require SQL and data handling skills, but Data Engineers typically work more on data architecture, whereas Data Analysts focus on analysis and reporting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry data engineer?

To thrive as an Entry Data Engineer, you need a solid understanding of programming (often Python or SQL), data structures, and database fundamentals, typically supported by a relevant degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with ETL tools, cloud data platforms (such as AWS or Azure), and version control systems like Git is commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate with teams and troubleshoot data issues. These skills are crucial to ensure high-quality, efficient data pipelines and enable data-driven decision-making within organizations.

What are some common challenges faced by entry data engineers during their first year on the job?

Entry-level data engineers often encounter challenges such as learning new data pipeline tools, understanding complex legacy systems, and adapting to the fast pace of data-driven environments. Balancing requests from multiple stakeholders and ensuring data accuracy can also be demanding, especially when dealing with large datasets. However, most teams provide mentorship and training to help new hires get up to speed, and collaboration with experienced engineers is encouraged to support skill development.

What does an entry data engineer do?

An Entry Data Engineer is responsible for assisting in the design, development, and maintenance of data pipelines and databases. They work with raw data, helping to clean, organize, and prepare it for analysis by more senior engineers or data scientists. Their tasks often include writing basic SQL queries, automating data collection processes, and supporting data quality initiatives. Entry-level data engineers typically work under the guidance of more experienced team members to learn best practices and develop their technical skills.
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Entry Data Engineer jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Entry Data Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Data Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,250 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

Entry-level Data Entry Technician (Tue-Sat 7:00 - 3:30 PM)

Sterling Labs

Des Plaines, IL • On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
About Us
Sterling Labs (Environmental Monitoring & Technologies, LLC) is a DoD, NELAP, ANAB, and AIHA-accredited environmental laboratory providing high-integrity analytical data through state-of-the-art technology and validated testing methodologies. For more than 40 years, our work has supported initiatives that protect human health and the environment.
Our success is built on client partnerships and scientific excellence. We collaborate with environmental consultants, engineering firms, and government agencies to deliver reliable, timely analytical results that support regulatory compliance and environmental stewardship. From wastewater testing in the greater Chicago area to nationwide projects with Department of Defense partners, our commitment to quality and innovation continues to drive our growth.
When you join Sterling Labs, you become part of a team of scientists, professionals, and technical specialists who share one purpose:
WE PRESERVE THE PLANET TO PROTECT THE FUTURE
This purpose shapes our culture, drives our decisions, and guides how we serve our clients and support one another. We believe that meaningful progress comes from integrity, collaboration, and a shared commitment to improvement-principles that are reflected in our core values.
Our Core Values
  • Integrity in Everything We Do -We act with honesty, transparency, and accountability.
  • Customer Focused - We prioritize our clients' needs and value their feedback.
  • We are never satisfied - We seek better ways to serve our clients and support our employees through innovation and growth.

At Sterling Labs, we know our employees are the foundation of our success. We strive to provide a supportive, inclusive, and growth-oriented workplace where every individual is encouraged to learn, innovate, and advance.
Employee Benefits
Sterling Labs offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, financial security, and well-being of our full-time employees:
  • Healthcare Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Financial Security: 401(k) retirement plan, life insurance, and short- and long-term disability coverage
  • Work-Life Balance: Paid Time Off (vacation, sick leave, and holidays)

Equal Employment Opportunity
Sterling Labs is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, sex, age, disability, marital or family status, pregnancy, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Recruitment Notice
Sterling Labs does not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party agencies. Please do not forward resumes to company email addresses or employees. Sterling Labs is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited submissions.
Job Overview
As the Data Entry Technician, you will provide professional-level support to our laboratory and customer teams by communicating well with leadership, team members, and other departments. This role is part of the laboratory production process and is the first step in producing high-quality results for our clients.
Specific Duties of the Position
  • Receive and open packages and client sample drop-offs.
  • Accurately enter all data into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
  • Facilitate the flow of sample information between the laboratory and customer service staff.
  • Label all sample containers.
  • Prepare bottle orders and ship them to clients.
  • Confirm receipt of shipped samples and packages.
  • Order supplies and distribute orders to the laboratory staff.
  • Neutralize and dispose of samples in accordance with Sterling Labs' safety and waste disposal procedures.

Requirements
Personal and Professional Credentials
  • High School Diploma Required.
  • Working knowledge of computers, software applications, and other technology.
  • Attention to detail, accuracy, and excellent communication skills.
  • Organization skills and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Self-directed and outcome-oriented.

Physical Requirements
  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer to enter and verify data.
  • Frequent hand and finger movements for typing, labeling, and handling sample containers.
  • Regular standing, walking, bending, and reaching while processing samples and organizing shipments.
  • Must be able to lift, carry, or move boxes and sample containers weighing up to 30 pounds.
  • Ability to visually inspect labels and documentation for accuracy and completeness.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.