Data Engineer
65AI USED FOR65%moving to95%
THE DOOR, NOWC
THE DOOR, 20 YRSE
STARTING PAY£30,000 - £36,000
NO MOATNo physical, legal or personal barrier protects this work from software.
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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM COMPUTER SCIENCE →
Data Engineer
Data Engineers are the architects of the data landscape, transforming raw data into actionable insights that drive decision-making across industries. In the UK, as businesses increasingly rely on data-driven strategies, the demand for skilled data engineers is skyrocketing, making this a pivotal role in shaping the future of technology and analytics.
THE DOOR: A easy to E extremely hard, now and in 20 years
This work is being absorbed by AI
AI already does much of this work and nothing structurally requires a human: no licence, no physical task, no relationship at the core. Expect fewer people in higher-judgment roles: enter as the person directing the tools, not competing with them.
Career progression path
1FIRST STEPJunior Data EngineerAs a Junior Data Engineer, you will assist in building and maintaining data pipelines, gaining hands-on experience with data management tools and technologies.£30,000 - £36,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-Level Data EngineerIn this role, you will take on more complex projects, designing data architectures and optimising data flows while mentoring junior engineers.£45,000 - £55,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Data EngineerAs a Senior Data Engineer, you will lead data projects, make strategic decisions about data infrastructure, and drive innovation within the team.£70,000+
Apprenticeship listings for this career → (June 2026 snapshot; check closing dates on the official service)
The degree route
Real courses in this career's subject, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.
🎓Computer Engineering with Industrial StudiesUniversity of Southampton · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£47,000 median
🎓Computer Science with Artificial IntelligenceUniversity of York · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£40,000 median
🎓Computing Science (Cybersecurity)University of Aberdeen · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£40,000 median
🎓Computer Games Design with AnimationAshton Sixth Form College · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£39,000 median
🎓Computer and Electronic SystemsUniversity of Strathclyde · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£33,000 median
🎓Software Engineering (with Placement)Queen's University of Belfast · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£33,000 median
All Computer Science courses as cards →
There is more than one way in
You do not have to go the university route to get here. There is an apprenticeship route into this career. There is also a vocational route that skips a degree entirely.
Recommended UK degrees
Real courses that qualify you for this career, from the same register that priced the degree above.
Computer Engineering with Industrial StudiesUniversity of Southampton · DegreeComputer Science with Artificial IntelligenceUniversity of York · DegreeComputing Science (Cybersecurity)University of Aberdeen · DegreeComputer Games Design with AnimationAshton Sixth Form College · DegreeComputer and Electronic SystemsUniversity of Strathclyde · DegreeSoftware Engineering (with Placement)Queen's University of Belfast · Degree