The 10 Best Data Engineering Bootcamps of 2023
In today’s world, every digital interaction generates a trail of valuable information in the form of data. Businesses use these data to make informed decisions, predict trends, and create targeted solutions for customers. This is why professionals like data engineers are highly valued in an organization. They are the architects behind the scenes who design and maintain the infrastructure that allows organizations to collect, process, and manage data effectively.
But how do you become a data engineer? This is where the best data engineering bootcamps come in. They offer intensive, short-term training that teaches you how to gather, organize, and use data to solve real-world problems. This guide highlights 10 of the best bootcamps for data engineering as well as their offerings. By the end of this article, you’ll be well-equipped to decide which data engineering bootcamp aligns best with your career goals and learning style.
The 10 Best Bootcamps for Data Engineering
Whether you’re taking your first steps into the world of data or looking to improve your existing skill set, the right bootcamp for data engineering can set you on a path to success. Below are some of the best data engineering bootcamps in 2023, offering a wide range of in-demand data tools and technologies to fit every budget and preference.
Le Wagon
Le Wagon offers a comprehensive data engineering program, available in a full-time and part-time format. The program is designed to be beginner-friendly with five modules that gradually ease students into the world of data.
| Le Wagon Key Information | |
|---|---|
| Program | Data Engineering |
| Locations | London, Online |
| Cost | $7,423 (£5,900) |
| Financing Options | Upfront payment, deferred tuition, installment plan, private loan |
| 2023 Start Dates | Oct 9 to Nov 10 (full-time), Oct 14 to Apr 6 (part-time) |
The curriculum starts with Data Engineering 101 where students are introduced to the basics of Python, Docker, and continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) best practices. Next, students learn how to use SQL, PostgreSQL, and BigQuery in a data engineering capacity before moving on to data integration solutions like ETL, ELT, and ETLT.
This bootcamp for data engineering ends with a team project that gauges students’ understanding of the ADR process, Identity and Access Management (IAM), Terraform, and GraphDB, among others. The five-week, full-time program is only available in Le Wagon’s London campus while the six-month, part-time program is available fully online.
Springboard
Springboard partners with the Washington University in St. Louis McKelvey School of Engineering to offer one of the best data engineering bootcamps in the market. Geared toward people with existing data or software engineering experience, this online program offers an expert-curated curriculum, one-on-one mentorship, and career services.
| Springboard Key Information | |
|---|---|
| Program | Data Engineering Bootcamp |
| Locations | Online |
| Cost | $13,500 |
| Financing Options | Upfront payment, deferred tuition, private loan, scholarships |
| 2023 Start Dates | Sept 5 |
The bootcamp is intensive, equipping students with in-demand skills including SQL, Python, and Spark. By the end of the program, students will have worked on 15 technical mini-projects and two capstone projects. To ensure that students are ready for the current job market, the curriculum also covers top cloud services such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Azure.
Students are expected to dedicate between 15 to 20 hours every week to learning, with a six-month time commitment. They will receive a certificate of completion from Washington University in St. Louis upon graduation.
Grand Circus
Grand Circus’s bootcamp for data engineering is a great choice for students interested in a part-time, after-hours program. Classes take place on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 6:30PM to 10:00PM EST for 28 weeks.
| Grand Circus Key Information | |
|---|---|
| Program | Data Analytics & Engineering with Python Bootcamp |
| Locations | Online |
| Cost | $14,750 |
| Financing Options | Upfront payment, deferred tuition, installment plan, private loan, scholarships, discounts |
| 2023 Start Dates | Oct 2 |
This comprehensive and fast-paced bootcamp is designed to help aspiring data professionals find their footing in the tech industry. Students start by learning the fundamentals of Python and object-oriented programming. Next, they cover the processes in data analytics which include assessing data-based models, data wrangling, and data management.
The final module delves into data engineering where students learn how to develop distributed programming paradigms, streaming applications, and data integrations using Kafka. To ensure students are well-supported, Grand Circus offers affinity support groups, one-on-one mentoring sessions, and access to employer networks that extend beyond graduation.
WeCloud Data
WeCloudData’s bootcamp for data engineering is a robust training program suitable for career-changers, tech professionals, and recent graduates. The six-month program is delivered on a part-time basis, ensuring students have adequate time to learn, practice, and finetune their skills before entering the data workforce.
| WeCloudData Key Information | |
|---|---|
| Program | Data Engineering Bootcamp |
| Locations | Online |
| Cost | $7,000 - $12,000 |
| Financing Options | Upfront payment, installment plan, private loan, scholarships |
| 2023 Start Dates | Oct 24 |
Students will go over seven modules that cover essential data tools and know-how such as Linux commands, shell scripting, Docker commands, Flask, Python, Snowflake, Redshift, Spark, big data, AWS Lambda, and more. In Module 8, they will receive career assistance which includes resume workshops, group interview practice, and portfolio project mentoring.
After graduating, students have access to one-on-one career mentoring sessions, mock interviews, resume critiques, and job referrals for six months. WeCloudData ensures that students are job-ready by offering the opportunity to work on and contribute to real-world client projects. This allows students to build working solutions even before they complete the program.
Jigsaw Labs
Jigsaw Labs offers a highly flexible training program, making it one of the best data engineering bootcamps for part-time learners and career changers. Classes are fully online, taking place only on nights and weekends. This flexibility provides the opportunity for a balanced life and ample time for students to brush up on their newly acquired skills in between lessons.
| Jigsaw Labs Key Information | |
|---|---|
| Program | Data Engineering Bootcamp |
| Locations | Online |
| Cost | $9,500 - $13,500 |
| Financing Options | Upfront payment, deferred tuition |
| 2023 Start Dates | Oct 24 |
The school works with industry experts from top companies like Meta and SquareSpace to formulate a curriculum that matches the data job market. First, students are introduced to backend engineering using Python and SQL. This is where they get comfortable working with a large codebase with thousands of lines of code.
The second portion sees students learning more about cloud computing and data pipelines, two essential skills in a data engineer’s toolbox. Using real datasets, students will learn how to construct and manage data pipelines efficiently. Jigsaw Labs also offers internship opportunities for students which allow them to gain real-world skills and the confidence to perform well as data engineers.
MITxPro
MITxPro is an online education service offered by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). It offers hundreds of professional development programs in areas such as technology and business. MITxPro’s six-month certificate program is developed with Emeritus and is recommended for aspiring data engineers with a bachelor’s degree and coding experience.
| MITxPro Key Information | |
|---|---|
| Program | Professional Certificate in Data Engineering |
| Locations | Online |
| Cost | $7,800 |
| Financing Options | Upfront payment, installment plan |
| 2023 Start Dates | Aug 31 |
Some of the topics covered include Python and advanced Python, NumPy, Java and Debezium, machine learning basics, advanced probability, and processing big data. Students will also learn how to tackle huge amounts of data using open-source tools such as Mosquitto, ThingsBoard, and Kafka.
Students also have access to one-on-one career support from Emeritus which aims at helping them become well-rounded job candidates. At the end of this course, students receive a certificate of completion and 36 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from MIT xPro. This is proof that they have received formal training in the field of data engineering.
Udacity
Udacity’s Data Engineering Nanodegree is a good place to start for tech professionals who seek an affordable data training program. This comprehensive course requires intermediate Python and SQL experience, making it one of the best data engineering bootcamps for advanced programmers.
| Udacity Key Information | |
|---|---|
| Program | Data Engineering Nanodegree |
| Locations | Online |
| Cost | $399/month or $1,596 upfront |
| Financing Options | Upfront payment, month-to-month |
| 2023 Start Dates | Upon successful enrollment |
The syllabus starts with data modeling using Apache Cassandra. Next, learners will be exposed to cloud-based data warehouses and cloud and data engineering on the cloud using AWS. The course also introduces students to the concept of data lakes and data pipeline processes using Airflow.
While the recommended time to complete the course is four months, learners are free to dictate their own learning schedule and go through the syllabus at their own pace. Although the course is fully online, students get the full experience by completing real-world projects that are developed with Udacity’s partner employers and companies.
Dataquest
Dataquest is an online learning platform offering a wide range of individual courses, career paths, and skill paths. A popular option for aspiring data professionals is the Data Engineer Career Path, a five-month online program comprising multiple hands-on exercises. It is ideal for learners of all backgrounds.
| Dataquest Key Information | |
|---|---|
| Program | Data Engineer Career Path |
| Locations | Online |
| Cost | $0 - $823.20 |
| Financing Options | N/A |
| 2023 Start Dates | Upon successful enrollment |
The program uses interactive lessons to teach learners how to use Python for data engineering, work with SQL and databases, handle large amounts of data sets, and build efficient data pipelines. It also offers various exercises and in-depth projects, allowing learners to constantly test their proficiency and improve as aspiring data engineers.
Learners can start the program for free with limited access to course materials. Dataquest offers monthly subscriptions or a one-off lifetime subscription for learners who wish to unlock more features and extensive projects.
The Data Incubator
The Data Incubator’s Data Science & Engineering Bootcamp is a full-time, advanced training program. It is recommended for bachelor’s and master’s degree holders or people with a strong background in computer science or data.
| The Data Incubator Key Information | |
|---|---|
| Program | Data Science & Engineering Bootcamp |
| Locations | Online |
| Cost | $10,000 |
| Financing Options | Upfront payment, deferred tuition, installment plan, private loan, scholarships, discounts |
| 2023 Start Dates | Jan 08, 2024 |
The eight-week program is designed to be intensive, demanding 40+ hours of learning every week. Some of the topics covered include database systems, database warehouse solutions, ETL tools, machine learning, data APIs, distributed systems, algorithms, and data structures. Upon completion, students receive a Data Engineering Certificate from The Data Incubator.
The Data Incubator offers a limited number of tuition-free spots per cohort. The decision is made based on the application to the program, no additional application is needed. It also offers the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Scholarship and Women of Excellence in STEM Scholarship for eligible students who are interested in learning data engineering skills.
Takeo
Takeo offers one of the best data engineering bootcamps for people with minimal programming experience. Students are not required to have relevant college degrees prior to applying. They are, however, encouraged to have basic coding skills in order to learn quickly and effectively.
| Takeo Key Information | |
|---|---|
| Program | Data Engineer Bootcamp |
| Locations | Online |
| Cost | N/A |
| Financing Options | Upfront payment, deferred tuition, private loan |
| 2023 Start Dates | Sept 18 |
In this program, students can expect to learn topics such as data warehousing, data processing, data warehousing, and data modeling. They will be taught how to use industry-aligned tools such as Hadoop, Python, SQL, Spark, and Snowflake. Students will also dive deeper into cloud platforms such as AWS and Azure and discover ways to leverage them in data engineering.
Takeo’s students will take on two capstone projects, each designed to showcase their data skills. In the last two weeks of the program, students have access to career services where they will learn how to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT and Google Bard to help them with their job search.
Why Learn Data Engineering in 2023?
Learning data engineering can be a transformative experience. As data continues to shape industries and pave the way for innovations, data engineering skills allow you to understand more about how data drives the world around us. Below are the top reasons why you should consider learning data engineering in 2023.
Reasons to Learn Data Engineering in 2023
- Diverse opportunities. As more businesses embrace digital transformation, the need for professionals who can build and maintain robust data pipelines is higher than ever. This versatile skill set is also transferable across industries, allowing access to jobs in any field of your choice.
- Lucrative career path. Data professionals are highly valued as they help organizations organize, manage, and make sense of large volumes of data. As such, they are often well-compensated. For example, data engineers have an average salary of $98,535, according to Glassdoor.
- Competitive edge. Having data engineering skills can give you a boost as a job candidate. Data engineering is also closely linked to AI, ML, and cloud computing which allow you to integrate seamlessly with the latest trends. As organizations race to create tech-powered innovations, this skill set and its potential are highly desirable to recruiters.
- Job security. Jobs in the data science field are not going anywhere—at least for the next decade or so, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In fact, it predicts that the field will grow by 36 percent between 2021 to 2031. By learning data engineering, you can future-proof your career by ensuring you have skills that remain relevant.
Why Study at a Data Engineering Bootcamp?
Studying at a bootcamp for data engineering offers a unique opportunity to gain skills, build a network, and transition into a fulfilling career in a short period of time. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a career changer, the best data engineering bootcamps can provide the boost you need to excel in the data field. Other reasons to enroll in a bootcamp are as follows.
Benefits of a Data Engineering Bootcamp
- Job-focused curriculum. Bootcamps for data engineering are designed to provide a comprehensive curriculum tailored to the skills needed for a data role. The curriculum is often streamlined to cover essential concepts and tools, maximizing your learning in a shorter timeframe.
- Hands-on learning. The best bootcamps for data engineering emphasize hands-on learning through real-world projects, collaborative exercises, and internship opportunities. This allows students to develop practical skills that can be directly applied to their job.
- Career services. Reputable bootcamps often offer robust career services to help students prepare for a job interview and successfully land their first data role. Common services include assistance with resumes, mock interviews, and portfolios.
- Flexible learning. While some bootcamps offer full-time programs, most offer flexible learning options. Students get to enroll in a part-time or a self-paced program, depending on their preference, and still enjoy the same quality curriculum. This allows them to choose a schedule that fits their lifestyle and commitments.
- Networking opportunities. Most bootcamps provide a platform for students to connect with peers, instructors, industry professionals, and potential employers. This allows them to build a network within the data engineering community which can lead to mentorship, job opportunities, and collaborations.
What Jobs Can I Land After a Data Engineering Bootcamp?
Completing a bootcamp for data engineering equips you with the knowledge necessary to pursue a variety of roles in the data field. The best data engineering bootcamps ensure that students learn the most in-demand tech stacks and demonstrate the technical skills needed through hands-on exercises. Below are some career paths you can embark on upon graduation.
Data Architects
Average salary: $131,714
Data architect is a more senior role in the data field. They are responsible for designing the overall data strategy for an organization. They create blueprints for data pipelines, storage solutions, and integration patterns while making sure that the data infrastructure aligns with business goals.
Database Engineers
Average salary: $110,011
Database engineers design, implement, and manage databases that store and organize data. They play an important role in the backend data infrastructure as they work to protect data integrity, security, and performance. Other responsibilities include optimizing database queries, planning backup and recovery strategies, and overseeing data migration
Cloud Engineers
Average salary: $104,714
Cloud engineers generally work with cloud-based solutions for organizations. In the realm of data engineering, these specialized professionals are in charge of building and maintaining data pipelines within cloud platforms. This is why most bootcamps for data engineering also expose students to platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure.
ETL Developers
Average salary: $101,093
ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) developers specialize in the design and maintenance of ETL processes. Their work involves extracting data from various sources, transforming it into a desired format, and loading it into data warehouses or databases. An ETL needs to be done well in order for analysts and data scientists to access reliable and accurate data.
Data Engineers
Average salary: $98,535
This is the most direct role for a data engineering bootcamp graduate. Data engineers mainly design, build, and maintain data pipelines that collect, store, and process data. Other aspects of their job include monitoring database performance, setting up access control to sensitive data, and developing data models.
Should You Enroll in a Data Engineering Bootcamp?
You should enroll in a bootcamp for data engineering if you seek a fast-paced training option that can help you become job-ready in just months. The best data engineering bootcamps offer an industry-aligned curriculum, equipping you with the most in-demand skills that businesses use today. This can boost your employability as it matches what employers are looking for.
Enrolling in a data engineering bootcamp can be a valuable step if you are committed to becoming a data engineer or enhancing your technical skills. Our list of the best data engineering bootcamps offers a glimpse into the learning options you have at your fingertips. Consider your career goals, learning preferences, and financial capacity when considering a bootcamp to attend.
Best Data Engineering Bootcamps FAQ
Are data engineering bootcamps worth it?
Data engineering bootcamps are worth considering if you want a fast-tracked path to a career in a sought-after field. They generally only take several months to complete, compared to the conventional route. The hands-on and intensive learning experience can also help you build a portfolio filled with real-world projects in a short period of time.
What is a good bootcamp to attend to kickstart your data engineering career?
Le Wagon’s Data Engineering Bootcamp is a good choice to kickstart your data engineering career. The beginner-friendly curriculum covers crucial topics such as data fundamentals, data storage, data management, and more in as little as five weeks. You can choose between the full-time or part-time schedule, depending on your preference.
Is data engineering a well-paying job?
Data engineers are paid well, thanks to the important role they play in an organization. According to Glassdoor, data engineers are paid an average base salary of $98,535. The most likely range of salaries is between $95,000 and $144,000. Those in senior positions reportedly earn up to $176,000 a year.
Is there a lot of coding in data engineering?
Yes, coding is a significant aspect of data engineering. Data engineers use programming languages to design, develop, and maintain data pipelines, transform data, and manage databases. They also use coding to perform ETL processes, write scripts to automate tasks, and integrate data.
