Analytics Engineer

Sit between data engineers and analysts - model raw data into clean, trusted tables teams can use.

This UK analytics engineer career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.

Quick facts

Starting salary
£40,000 - £55,000
Mid-career salary
£65,000 - £90,000
Senior salary
£100,000 - £140,000
Work environment
Office or remote, desk-based
Time to entry
1 - 3 years
Degree required
Helpful, not always required
Category
AI, Data and Automation

What a Analytics Engineer does

Sit between data engineers and analysts - model raw data into clean, trusted tables teams can use.

  • dbt Modelling - Build modular SQL models and tests in dbt.
  • Data Warehousing - Design star / data vault schemas in Snowflake / BigQuery.
  • Metrics Layer - Define and govern company-wide metrics.
  • Reverse ETL - Sync warehouse data back to SaaS tools.

How to become a Analytics Engineer

  1. Look up Analytics Engineer roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
  2. Talk to someone already working as a Analytics Engineer - even a 15-minute call helps
  3. Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
  4. Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
  5. Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month

Key skills

  • dbt
  • SQL
  • Git
  • Data modelling
  • Documentation