Data Engineer

Rising

Technology

Builds and runs the pipelines and cloud data platforms that collect, clean and move data so analysts and data scientists can use it, at banks, telcos, e-commerce firms and tech companies. Most enter with a computer science, software engineering or data science degree.

Data ScienceComputer Science

In Malaysia

How people get into it here: SPM with good Mathematics and Additional Mathematics → Matriculation, STPM, foundation or a computing diploma → degree in computer science, software engineering, data science or IT (learn SQL, Python and a cloud platform) → junior data engineer, or start as a data analyst or software developer and move across. Cloud certifications and a portfolio of pipeline projects help.

Sources:randstad.com.my talentcorp.com.my

Subjects that matter here

The SPM subjects worth your effort for this career, with the reason for each.

Additional MathematicsStatistics and probability drive every model.

Computer Science / ICTTurn raw numbers into insight with code.

MathematicsSpot patterns and trends in data.

EnglishMost docs and tech teams work in English.

Skills to build

Logical, systematic thinkingAttention to data qualityWorking with analysts and business teamsSelf-learning new tools

Pay in the private market

Monthly pay from fresh grad to mid-career, from the salary guide cited on this page.

Entry

Private

RM6,000

Mid-career

Private

RM15,000

Government pay isn't shown: we haven't yet sourced the SSPA civil-service salary tables, and we won't estimate them.

Job demand outlook

Rising

Hiring is growing: more openings expected over the next few years.

Your readiness

How your current SPM subjects line up with this career.

Add your SPM grades to see how ready you are for this career.

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Check what you may qualify for

Enter your SPM grades and see which routes and programmes you may qualify for. An estimate to plan with, not an offer.

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How to get here

Post-SPM pathways with programmes in this career's fields. Tap one to see real programmes and entry requirements.

Asasi / Foundation

One-year runway into a specific university: public via UPU or private direct entry.

12 months

Diploma

Skill-first qualification. Work after, or enter degree Year 2. Polytechnics keep it affordable.

2.5–3 years

About this information

This describes what the job involves. Pay, demand and entry routes differ in Malaysia, so check the Pathways and Programmes pages for local requirements.

Source: Randstad Malaysia 2025 Job Market Outlook & Salary Guide (Technology – data engineer: junior / middle) · as of Sept 2026

Job responsibilities, knowledge areas and work context from O*NET 30.3, US Department of Labor, used under CC BY 4.0. onetcenter.org