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Entry Level Data Engineering Jobs in Champaign, IL

We're seeking driven Civil Engineering students and recent graduates who are enthusiastic about ... You will work with clients to obtain data or share information. We promote a team environment, so ...

Staff Engineer

Champaign, IL · On-site

$95 - $135/hr

Are you eager to work on diverse engineering projects? Fehr Graham is a fast-growing Midwest ... the typical entry-level experience. Over six months, participants take part in a hands‑on ...

Staff Engineer

Champaign, IL · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Fehr Graham is a fast-growing Midwest engineering environmental firm looking for a motivated Staff ... the typical entry-level experience. Over six months, participants take part in a hands-on ...

Are you eager to work on diverse engineering projects? Fehr Graham is a fast-growing Midwest ... Apply standard practices and techniques in specific situations, adjust and correlate data ...

Entry Level Data Engineering information

See Champaign, IL salary details

$11

$20

$31

How much do entry level data engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level data engineering in Champaign, IL is $20.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $21.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level data engineer?

An Entry Level Data Engineering job involves designing, building, and maintaining data pipelines that collect, process, and store data for analysis. Professionals in this role work with databases, ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes, and cloud platforms to ensure data is accessible and reliable. They often collaborate with data analysts and scientists to support business intelligence and machine learning initiatives. Common skills include SQL, Python, and experience with big data tools like Apache Spark or AWS. This role serves as a foundation for more advanced data engineering positions.

What types of projects and tasks can I expect to work on as an entry level data engineer?

As an Entry Level Data Engineer, you will typically assist with building data pipelines, cleaning and preparing data for analysis, and supporting the migration of data into cloud or on-premises data warehouses. Your daily tasks may include collaborating with data analysts, troubleshooting data quality issues, and learning to automate data flow processes. You’ll often work alongside more senior engineers, gaining exposure to real-world datasets and the software engineering practices that keep data infrastructure running smoothly. This hands-on experience offers a solid foundation for advanced data engineering roles as your career progresses.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Data Engineer, you need a solid understanding of programming languages like Python or SQL, basic data modeling, and a relevant degree such as computer science or information technology. Familiarity with ETL tools, cloud platforms like AWS or Azure, and introductory certifications in big data technologies can be advantageous. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills are valuable soft skills for this role. These competencies enable you to process and manage large data sets accurately, collaborate with teams, and support data-driven decision-making.

Are entry level data engineers still in demand?

Entry level data engineers are in high demand due to the increasing reliance on data-driven decision making across industries. Skills in SQL, Python, cloud platforms, and data pipeline tools like Apache Spark are valuable for these roles, which often offer strong job growth prospects.

What does an entry level data engineer do?

An entry level data engineer designs, builds, and maintains data pipelines and infrastructure to support data collection, storage, and processing. They work with tools like SQL, Python, and cloud platforms to ensure data is accessible and reliable for analysis and decision-making. This role often involves collaborating with data scientists and analysts to optimize data workflows and improve data quality.

What are the most commonly searched types of Data Engineering jobs in Champaign, IL?

The most popular types of Data Engineering jobs in Champaign, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Data Engineering jobs in Champaign, IL?

For Entry Level Data Engineering jobs in Champaign, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Data Engineering jobs in Champaign, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Data Engineering jobs in Champaign, IL are:

What cities near Champaign, IL are hiring for Entry Level Data Engineering jobs?

Cities near Champaign, IL with the most Entry Level Data Engineering job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Data Engineering job openings in Champaign, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,160 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

$55 - $75/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Provide civil, municipal, land development, and/or environmental engineering services using prescribed methods.

  • Perform specific and limited portions of broader engineering assignments, including drafting reports, assisting with specifications, and making preliminary equipment selections.

  • Work directly with clients and project managers to deliver projects on time and on budget, and collaborate with team members to support project success.


Job description

We’re seeking driven Civil Engineering students and recent graduates who are enthusiastic about learning and contributing to a diverse range of projects. Join our team at any of our Fehr Graham locations across Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin and grow your career in a supportive, dynamic environment. We value talented, dependable individuals who are passionate about delivering personalized service and building lasting relationships with our clients.

What you’ll do

You will provide civil, municipal, land development and/or environmental engineering services using prescribed methods. You’ll perform specific and limited portions of broader assignments of an experienced engineer. You will apply standard practices and techniques in specific situations, adjust and correlate data, recognize discrepancies in results, and follow standard office procedures through a series of related detailed steps or processes. This position works directly with clients and firm project managers to deliver projects with the highest quality possible – on time and on budget.

You will work in a team environment and learn from fellow staff engineers, project engineers, environmental scientists and project managers. You’ll draft reports, assist with specifications and make preliminary selection of equipment. You will work with clients to obtain data or share information.

We promote a team environment, so you’ll work with fellow engineers, environmental scientists and many more people. And you'll develop leadership skills that build autonomy.

Grow Your Career with Blueprint

This role includes a guaranteed seat in Blueprint, our new early career leadership program for engineers looking to grow beyond the typical entry-level experience. Over six months, participants take part in a hands‑on curriculum covering professional development, business acumen, and project delivery — including case studies, simulations, and role‑play exercises. The program covers topics like project economics, communication, and leadership fundamentals, and concludes with an in‑person capstone event where participants present their work and outline goals for the year ahead.

Your Future Starts With A Plan. What’s in it for you?

We offer an exciting and engaging work environment where every day brings new challenges and opportunities. At Fehr Graham, we don’t just manage projects – we bring them to life! This position will put you in the driver’s seat to steer our transportation projects to success. If you have a passion for transforming concepts into tangible achievements and hope to accelerate your career, we want you on our team.

What it takes

You’ll need a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. If you have up to two years’ experience, we’re interested. You should speak and write well. And you should have strong analytical and organizational skills. You must be a team player.

What you’ll get

You’ll have plenty of opportunities to grow professionally at our progressive firm, which started in 1973. Our people‑first organization is focused on giving our employees the opportunity for growth. In addition to a competitive salary, we also offer:

  • Medical/dental/vision
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • 401K
  • Profit sharing plan
  • Paid time off
  • An awesome work environment.

Learn more about Fehr Graham’s people, culture and projects on our website.

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