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Data engineer vs data consultant

The differences between data engineers and data consultants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a data engineer and a data consultant. Additionally, a data engineer has an average salary of $109,675, which is higher than the $94,945 average annual salary of a data consultant.

The top three skills for a data engineer include python, java and cloud. The most important skills for a data consultant are analytics, data quality, and data management.

Data engineer vs data consultant overview

Data EngineerData Consultant
Yearly salary$109,675$94,945
Hourly rate$52.73$45.65
Growth rate21%11%
Number of jobs303,105149,791
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Average age3944
Years of experience44

What does a data engineer do?

A data engineer is someone who makes data science possible. This IT job requires the search for data set trends and algorithm development to make raw data more beneficial to the enterprise. Data engineers are responsible for establishing and maintaining an environment that permits other data functions. The necessary skills for the job include in-depth knowledge of multiple programming languages and SQL database design. Among the other skills data engineers should develop include data warehousing and architecture, data mining and modeling, and statistical regression analysis.

What does a data consultant do?

A data consultant is primarily responsible for devising strategies on finding data and utilizing them according to the needs of a company. Most of the time, they are in charge of gathering data through various means and opportunities, maintaining and designing a database, coordinating with multiple data specialists, inspecting data for any inconsistencies, and performing corrective measures. Furthermore, a data consultant may develop systems and networks for data storage, all while adhering to the policies and standards of the company.

Data engineer vs data consultant salary

Data engineers and data consultants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Data EngineerData Consultant
Average salary$109,675$94,945
Salary rangeBetween $80,000 And $149,000Between $70,000 And $127,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaCalifornia
Best paying companyThe CitadelGoogle
Best paying industryTechnologyHealth Care

Differences between data engineer and data consultant education

There are a few differences between a data engineer and a data consultant in terms of educational background:

Data EngineerData Consultant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Most common majorComputer ScienceBusiness
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - Long BeachUniversity of Pennsylvania

Data engineer vs data consultant demographics

Here are the differences between data engineers' and data consultants' demographics:

Data EngineerData Consultant
Average age3944
Gender ratioMale, 81.5% Female, 18.5%Male, 63.2% Female, 36.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.0% Asian, 30.1% White, 52.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%Black or African American, 7.4% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 14.3% White, 65.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage8%12%

Differences between data engineer and data consultant duties and responsibilities

Data engineer example responsibilities.

  • Used SQOOP to import the data from RDBMS to HDFS to achieve the reliability of data.
  • Develop automation scripts in python to automate the test, analyze, plot and report the results.
  • Used Linux shell scripts to automate the build process, and to perform regular jobs like file transfers between different hosts.
  • Increase audit efficiency by developing SAS programs to automate manual testing procedures.
  • Used Teradata database management system to manage the warehousing operations and parallel processing.
  • Configure and manage JobScope ERP system for a make-to-order/make-to-stock design and manufacturing environment.
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Data consultant example responsibilities.

  • Used SSRS to create and manage a number of complex reports according to user specifications.
  • Analyze, document and manage all project requirements and changes to the requirements throughout the SDLC.
  • Design and manage postgres database schemas; configure postgres servers in Linux environments to meet business requirements.
  • Manage weapon system project websites via SharePoint, including troubleshooting technical issues and developing guidelines for public/private information and user permissions.
  • Implement data extraction, transformation and load processes in a parallel framework.
  • Compile a written report highlighting exploratory data analysis, visualization, and predictions.
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Data engineer vs data consultant skills

Common data engineer skills
  • Python, 12%
  • Java, 9%
  • Cloud, 5%
  • ETL, 5%
  • Scala, 4%
  • Kafka, 4%
Common data consultant skills
  • Analytics, 13%
  • Data Quality, 7%
  • Data Management, 6%
  • Data Governance, 5%
  • Informatica, 4%
  • Master Data, 4%

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