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Entry Level Data Engineering Jobs in Champaign, IL

Entry Level Engineer

Champaign, IL · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

What you'll do You will provide civil, municipal, land development and/or environmental engineering ... You will work with clients to obtain data or share information. We promote a team environment, so ...

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

$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 Jul 26, 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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

While most entry-level data engineering roles do not reach $500,000 annually, senior data engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in big data tools, and leadership responsibilities can earn this level of compensation, often through a combination of salary, bonuses, and stock options in large tech companies or startups.

Is AI replacing data engineers?

AI is automating certain tasks within data engineering, such as data cleaning and pipeline management, but it does not replace the need for data engineers. Data engineers are essential for designing, building, and maintaining data infrastructure, and their skills in programming, database management, and system architecture remain in high demand. AI tools serve as complements that enhance efficiency but do not eliminate the core responsibilities of data engineering roles.

What is an Entry Level Data Engineering job?

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.

Can I get a data engineer job with no experience?

Entry level data engineering roles typically require some knowledge of programming languages like Python or SQL, as well as familiarity with data storage and processing tools such as Hadoop or Spark. While prior experience is not always mandatory, having relevant coursework, certifications, or internships can improve your chances of securing an entry-level position.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Entry Level Data Engineering position, and why are they important?

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.

Which is the hardest field in it?

In entry-level data engineering, the most challenging aspects often involve mastering complex data pipelines, understanding distributed systems, and working with large-scale databases. Developing proficiency in tools like SQL, Python, and cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure can also be demanding for newcomers. Building strong problem-solving skills and gaining certifications can help overcome these challenges.
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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,160 per year, or $20.3 per hour.
Data Scientist/Data Engineer - Junior (Remote)

Data Scientist/Data Engineer - Junior (Remote)

SynergisticIT

Champaign, IL • On-site

Other

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Your Resume Isn’t the Problem — Your Positioning Is No Interviews or no Offers Isn’t for a Lack of Experience. It’s for the Lack of a relevant Updated Tech stack! Most job seekers blame their resume when they don’t get interviews, but the real issue is positioning. Employers want candidates who demonstrate practical skills, confidence, and readiness. SynergisticIT helps you build that profile through hands‑on training, real projects, and personalized interview coaching. The program also markets your resume directly to Fortune 500 companies ensuring your profile reaches real decision‑makers. Whether you’re a recent graduate, someone with a career gap, or a laid‑off developer, We help you present yourself as a strong, capable candidate. When you’re positioned correctly, opportunities open up. If you’re getting interviews but not offers, you’re closer than you think—and that’s the most frustrating stage to be in. You’ve already proven you’re employable enough to get screened, but something breaks during technical rounds: data structures, problem-solving, system design, project explanations, or even the way you communicate tradeoffs. Most candidates don’t fail because they’re “not smart.” They fail because they prepared the wrong way—watching tutorials on youtube, doing coursework on udemy/Courserra, building shallow projects, or memorizing answers without mastering fundamentals. SynergisticIT’s approach is built for this exact scenario. Since 2010, SynergisticIT has helped candidates move from “almost” to “offer,” with our candidates landing salaries typically ranging from $90,000 to $154,000 depending on role and stack. Candidates have received offers from employers such as Apple, Google, PayPal, Visa, Wells Fargo, Intel, Citi, JPMC, Walmart Labs, AutoZone, Deloitte, Bank of America, and more. SynergisticIT works with clients hiring for entry-level software programmers, Java full stack developers, Python/Java developers, data analysts, data engineers, data scientists, and machine learning engineers. The focus is on high-demand tracks: Java / Full Stack / DevOps and Data (Analytics/Engineering/Science) + Machine Learning/AI. Interview success improves when you can demonstrate not only coding ability, but also the “end-to-end” thinking employers want: APIs, backend design, database decisions, cloud deployment, CI/CD, and real project narratives. Please read our blogs Ideal candidates for interview-focused support include: recent grads with limited experience, candidates stuck after multiple interviews, professionals returning after layoffs, candidates with career gaps. SynergisticIT also supports the candidate journey by assisting with STEM extension and providing process support for H-1B/green card filing through employment partners (actual filing depends on the employer). Explore resources and get started on your Journey to get Hired: please read our blogs · Why do Tech Companies not Hire recent Computer Science Graduates | https://www.synergisticit.com/why-tech-companies-dont-hire-recent-cs-graduates/ · Technical Skills or Experience? | Which one is important to get a Job? | https://www.synergisticit.com/tech-skill-or-experience-which-one-is-more-important-for-a-jobseeker/ Please check below links: Synergisticit Industry Event videos (OCW, JavaOne, Gartner data Analytics): https://fast.wistia.com/embed/channel/k4mlq69ekl USA Today feature Discover JOPP: https://www.synergisticit.com/jopp/ Contact: https://www.synergisticit.com/contact-us/ If you’re tired of being “final round” without the offer, stop guessing and start preparing with a plan. Please note: Resume databases are shared with clients and interested clients will reach out directly if they find a qualified candidate for their req. Resume submissions may be shared with our JOPP team database also. Please unsubscribe if contacted or if you don’t want to be contacted please don’t submit your resume.