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Entry Level Data Engineering Jobs in Columbia, SC

Management Information Systems, Computer and Information Science, Systems Engineering, Electrical ... PwC does not intend to hire experienced or entry level job seekers who will need, now or in the ...

In this role at PwC, you will apply data, algorithms, and software engineering to build and deploy ... PwC does not intend to hire experienced or entry level job seekers who will need, now or in the ...

The Aviation Planner collaborates with airport authorities, engineers, government agencies, and ... Analyze airport operational, environmental, and land-use data. * Assist with FAA Airport ...

Entry Level Data Engineering information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$10

$18

$29

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

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level data engineering in Columbia, SC is $18.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $20.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced data engineers working in senior or specialized roles at large tech companies or financial institutions can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, often including bonuses and stock options. Such compensation typically requires advanced skills in cloud platforms, big data tools, and extensive industry experience. These roles are rare and usually involve leadership responsibilities or niche expertise.

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 rather than substitutes for the core responsibilities of data engineers.

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 often preferred, candidates with relevant internships, certifications, or strong technical skills can sometimes qualify for entry-level positions. Building a solid foundation in data concepts and gaining hands-on experience can improve chances of securing such roles.

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.

Is data engineering an entry level job?

Data engineering can be an entry level role, especially for those with foundational skills in programming, databases, and cloud platforms. However, many positions require some experience with data pipelines, scripting, and tools like SQL, Python, or Spark, so entry-level candidates should focus on developing these skills and relevant certifications.
What are the most commonly searched types of Data Engineering jobs in Columbia, SC? The most popular types of Data Engineering jobs in Columbia, SC are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Data Engineering jobs in Columbia, SC? For Entry Level Data Engineering jobs in Columbia, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Data Engineering jobs in Columbia, SC look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Data Engineering jobs in Columbia, SC are:
What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Entry Level Data Engineering jobs? Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Entry Level Data Engineering job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Data Engineering job openings in Columbia, SC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 34% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,947 per year, or $18.7 per hour.
Data Engineer - Senior Associate

Data Engineer - Senior Associate

Pwc

Columbia, SC

$77K - $202K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


PwC rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 74 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 57 rated business consultants


Job description

Industry/Sector

Not Applicable

Specialism

Data, Analytics & AI

Management Level

Senior Associate

Job Description & Summary

The Opportunity
As a Data Engineer - Senior Associate, you will focus on designing and building data infrastructure and systems to enable efficient data processing and analysis. You will be responsible for developing and implementing data pipelines, data integration, and data transformation solutions. As a Senior Associate, you will build meaningful client connections and learn how to manage and inspire others. You will navigate increasingly complex situations, grow your personal brand, and deepen your technical skills. You are expected to anticipate the needs of your teams and clients, and to deliver quality work. Embracing increased ambiguity, you will be comfortable when the path forward isn't clear, using these moments as opportunities to grow.
In this role within our Technology Consulting practice, you will leverage advanced technologies and techniques to design and develop robust data solutions for clients. You will transform raw data into actionable insights, enabling informed decision-making and driving business growth. By using a broad range of tools, methodologies, and techniques, you will generate new ideas and solve problems, contributing to the overall strategy and objectives of your projects. This position offers a chance to develop a deeper understanding of the business context and how it is evolving.
Responsibilities
- Designing and implementing data infrastructure and systems to facilitate efficient data processing and analysis
- Developing and maintaining data pipelines, integration, and transformation solutions to support client needs
- Utilizing Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Azure Data Factory to enhance data engineering capabilities
- Applying data architecture development and database management skills to optimize data solutions
- Leveraging Apache Airflow and Apache Hadoop for scalable data processing and workflow management
- Building and managing data lakes and warehouses to support large-scale data storage and retrieval
- Confirming data quality and validation through rigorous testing and performance tuning
- Collaborating with clients to understand their data requirements and deliver actionable insights
- Utilizing Databricks Unified Data Analytics Platform for advanced data analytics and visualization
- Implementing data security best practices to protect sensitive information and maintain compliance
- Applying dimensional modeling and directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) for efficient data organization and processing
- Supporting the development of data strategies to drive business growth and informed decision-making
What You Must Have
- At least a Bachelor's degree
- At least 2 years of experience
What Sets You Apart
- Preference for at least one of the following fields of study: Management Information Systems, Computer and Information Science, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, Mathematical Statistics
- Demonstrating proficiency in data engineering platforms like Databricks
- Utilizing cloud platforms such as AWS and Microsoft Azure
- Excelling in data architecture development and data modeling
- Implementing data pipeline and data integration strategies
- Navigating complex data environments with Apache Hadoop and Airflow
- Applying critical thinking to solve data-related challenges

Travel Requirements

Up to 60%

Job Posting End Date

The salary range for this position is: $77,000 - $202,000. Actual compensation within the range will be dependent upon the individual's skills, experience, qualifications and location, and applicable employment laws. All hired individuals are eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. PwC offers a wide range of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, 401k, holiday pay, vacation, personal and family sick leave, and more. To view our benefits at a glance, please visit the following link: https://pwc.to/benefits-at-a-glanceAs PwC is anequal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment at PwC without regard to race; color; religion; national origin; sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity); age; disability; genetic information (including family medical history); veteran, marital, or citizenship status; or, any other status protected by law.PwC does not intend to hire experienced or entry level job seekers who will need, now or in the future, PwC sponsorship through the H-1B lottery, except as set forth within the following policy: https://pwc.to/H-1B-Lottery-Policy.Learn more about how we work: https://pwc.to/how-we-workFor only those qualified applicants that are impacted by the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, San Diego County Fair Chance Ordinance, and the California Fair Chance Act, where applicable, arrest or conviction records will be considered for Employment in accordance with these laws. At PwC, we recognize that conviction records may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship to responsibilities such as accessing sensitive company or customer information, handling proprietary assets, or collaborating closely with team members. We evaluate these factors thoughtfully to establish a secure and trusted workplace for all.Applications will be accepted until the position is filled or the posting is removed, unless otherwise set forth on the following webpage. Please visit this link for information about anticipated application deadlines: https://pwc.to/us-application-deadlines

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