ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Junior Data Engineering Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Zimmerman Advertising

Data Scientist

Chicago, IL · On-site

Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior data scientists and machine learning engineers. * Leveraging open-source tools and building frameworks and components to improve and scale our ...

Purple Drive

Senior Data Engineer (Databricks)

Chicago, IL · Remote

$107.70K - $147.90K/yr

The ideal candidate should possess strong software engineering fundamentals and experience building ... Mentor junior and mid-level engineers and contribute to continuous engineering improvements ...

Samprasoft

Data Architect

Villa Park, IL · Hybrid

$63.25 - $81.50/hr

Mentor junior data engineers and analysts on best practices in data architecture and governance. Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related ...

Optiver

Lead Data Engineer

Chicago, IL

$118K - $141.60K/yr

Define, document, and enforce data engineering best practices * Mentor junior engineers and drive a culture of continuous learning and DataOps excellence What You'll Get * Immediate impact on the ...

Software Technology Inc

Data Architect

Villa Park, IL · Hybrid

$63.25 - $81.50/hr

Mentor junior data engineers and analysts on best practices in data architecture and governance. Required Qualifications: * Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsJunior Data Engineering JobsJunior Data Engineering Jobs in Chicago, IL

Junior Data Engineering information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$34.5K

$74K

$112.8K

How much do junior data engineering jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior data engineering in Chicago, IL is $73,964.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $82,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Junior Data Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Junior Data Engineer, you need a solid understanding of data structures, SQL, and programming languages like Python or Java, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with ETL tools, cloud platforms (such as AWS or Azure), and data warehousing solutions is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication help you excel in team environments and manage complex data workflows. These skills ensure you can reliably build, maintain, and optimize data pipelines that support organizational decision-making.

What are some typical challenges a Junior Data Engineer may face when starting out, and how can they overcome them?

As a Junior Data Engineer, one common challenge is adapting to complex data infrastructure and unfamiliar tools or frameworks. You may also find it challenging to ensure data quality and consistency while working with large datasets. Collaborating closely with senior engineers and asking questions is key to overcoming these hurdles. Taking advantage of onboarding resources, documentation, and code reviews will help you learn best practices and improve your skills quickly. Embracing continuous learning and seeking feedback will set you up for long-term growth in data engineering.

What does a Junior Data Engineer do?

A Junior Data Engineer typically assists in designing, building, and maintaining data pipelines and databases to support analytics and business needs. They work with large datasets, ensuring data is collected, stored, and processed efficiently and accurately. Responsibilities often include data cleaning, ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes, and collaborating with data analysts and other engineers. Junior Data Engineers are usually early in their careers and work under the guidance of more experienced data engineers while developing their technical and problem-solving skills.

What is the difference between Junior Data Engineering vs Data Analyst?

AspectJunior Data EngineeringData Analyst
Required SkillsBasic SQL, Python, data pipeline knowledgeData visualization, SQL, Excel
CertificationsEntry-level certifications in data engineering or related fieldsCertifications in data analysis or visualization tools
Work EnvironmentData engineering teams, IT departmentsBusiness units, marketing, finance teams
Industry UsageBuilding and maintaining data pipelines and infrastructureInterpreting data, creating reports and dashboards

Junior Data Engineering focuses on developing and maintaining data pipelines and infrastructure, requiring skills in SQL and Python. Data Analysts interpret data and create reports, often using visualization tools. While both roles work with data, Junior Data Engineers handle data flow and storage, whereas Data Analysts focus on data interpretation and insights.

What are the most commonly searched types of Data Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Data Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Junior Data Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL? For Junior Data Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Junior Data Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Junior Data Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Junior Data Engineering jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Junior Data Engineering job openings:
Junior Data Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior Data Engineering job openings in Chicago, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,964 per year, or $35.6 per hour.
Junior Data Scientist with ML/AI/junior software programmer fullstack

Junior Data Scientist with ML/AI/junior software programmer fullstack

SynergisticIT

Chicago, IL • On-site

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Career Gap? Outdated Tech stack? No Interviews? Let's Get you Hired with a Process
Many job seekers assume their skills have expired simply because they've been out of the workforce or recently laid off. But the truth is, your foundation is still valuable - it just needs sharpening. Despite layoffs and market shifts, the tech industry still needs skilled developers. The challenge is proving you're ready to contribute. Rejections can be discouraging, but they don't reflect your true potential - they reflect your preparation.
Re-entering the tech industry can feel overwhelming, especially after a layoff or career gap. But you don't have to do it alone. SynergisticIT gives you a fast, structured path back into the field.
If you've been unemployed for 3-6+ months-or longer-you've probably seen how quickly the market can change. A career gap or an outdated tech stack can reduce callbacks, even when you have talent. Recruiters may assume your skills are outdated or your confidence is lower. But gaps don't define ability. They simply require a strategy: refresh your stack, rebuild proof of work, and re-enter with structure.
Since 2010, SynergisticIT has helped candidates return to the workforce and land full-time jobs at major employers-companies like Google, Apple, PayPal, Visa, Western Union, Wells Fargo, Client, Client, Banking, Walmart Labs, Client, and more-often with offers between $90,000 and $154,000 depending on role and expertise.
Why gaps hurt-and how to neutralize them
Employers worry about currency: are your tools current? Can you still perform? The solution is demonstrating recent, relevant work: projects, certifications, and interview readiness. JOPP helps you rebuild that proof and confidence systematically.
Current role demand (expressed with variety)
SynergisticIT commonly supports hiring pipelines for roles such as junior software programmer, Java full stack engineer, Python/Java developer, DevOps/cloud engineer, plus data-track roles like data analyst, BI analyst, data engineer, data scientist, and ML/AI engineer. The focus areas remain: Java / Full Stack / DevOps and Data Analytics / Data Engineering / Data Science / ML/AI.
Please read our blogs
Why do Tech Companies not Hire recent Computer Science Graduates | SynergisticIT
What Recruiters Look for in Junior Developers | SynergisticIT
Software engineering or Data Science as a career?
How OPT Students Can Land Tech Jobs - SynergisticIT
Why programs don't fix gaps
Many candidates with gaps try "one more course," but that rarely changes outcomes.
Ideal candidates for gap-to-offer support
  • Professionals returning after layoffs or personal reasons
  • Candidates with limited recent experience but strong potential
  • Recent grads who never launched properly
  • International candidates on F1/OPT with timeline pressure
SynergisticIT provides guidance around STEM extension and process support for H-1B/Green Card filing once employed (as applicable through employers).
Want to see credibility and event participation?
If you want to explore here are the key links:
  • Event videos (OCW, JavaOne, Gartner):
  • USA Today feature
  • Client JOPP: Job Placement Program
  • Contact Us https://www.synergisticit.com/contact-us/

A gap isn't the end of your career. It's a chapter-and you can write the next one strategically.
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.

Apply