Analytics Engineer
Also advertised as: analytical textile technologist, Analytics Developer, Analytics Engineer, BI Engineer, Data Modeller, dbt Analytics Engineer
Transforms raw data into clean, tested datasets ready for analysis.
What the job involves
Analytics engineers sit between data engineering and analytics, building the transformation layer that turns raw data into trustworthy tables analysts can rely on. You write modular SQL, test data quality and document what each dataset means. The role has grown quickly alongside modern cloud data warehouses.
Typical responsibilities
- Build data transformation models using SQL
- Write tests to catch data quality issues
- Document data definitions for other teams
- Maintain the data warehouse structure
- Work with analysts to understand reporting needs
Common employers
- Technology companies
- Retailers
- Consultancies
- Media companies
- Banks
Pay, hours and working environment
Typical pay
£30,000 – £38,000 a year
With experience
£45,000 – £65,000 a year
Typical hours
37.5 hours
Working environment
Office or remote
Remote working
remote
Demand for this work
high
Pay ranges are indicative guidance drawn from advertised UK vacancies and published careers information. They are not an offer, and actual pay varies by employer, location and experience.
Skills and qualifications
Core skills
- SQL
- Data transformation tools
- Data modelling
- Version control
- Data documentation
- Communication
Transferable skills you may already have
- SQL or reporting experience
- Attention to detail
- Explaining data to non-technical colleagues
Requirements employers ask for
- SQL
- Data transformation tools
- Data modelling
- Version control
- Data documentation
- Communication
- No formal qualification required; strong SQL experience expected
- health and safety in the textile industry
- braiding technology
- evaluate textile characteristics
- staple spinning machine technology
- manufacture nonwoven staple products
- manufacture non-woven filament products
- textile printing technology
- manufacture woven fabrics
- measure yarn count
- properties of fabrics
- use textile technique for hand-made products
- control textile process
Useful but not essential
- SQL or reporting experience
- Attention to detail
- Explaining data to non-technical colleagues
- dbt certification
- Level 4 Data Analyst apprenticeship
- Cloud data warehouse certifications
- dyeing technology
- covert slivers into thread
- use warp knitting technologies
- design weft knitted fabrics
- textile finishing technology
- use warp preparation technologies
- finish processing of man-made fibres
- draw sketches to develop textile articles
Helpful qualifications
- dbt certification
- Level 4 Data Analyst apprenticeship
- Cloud data warehouse certifications
Ways into this career
A degree is only one route. Where an apprenticeship, work-experience or qualification route exists, it is listed here alongside the academic option.
Apprenticeships and work-based routes
- Data Analyst (Level 4)
Degree and college routes
- Related subject: Maths
- Related subject: Computer science
- Related subject: Business
Where this career can lead
next
Senior Analytics Engineer
next
Data Engineer
next
Analytics Manager
The good parts and the hard parts
What people enjoy
- Fast-growing, well-paid specialism
- Sits close to business decision-making
- Good route from BI or reporting roles
What people find hard
- Relatively new role with inconsistent definitions between employers
- Depends on the quality of upstream data
Common questions
- Do you need a degree to become a analytics engineer?
- No. As well as degree routes, this career can be entered through an apprenticeship or by building experience and qualifications on the job. not_required
- How much does a analytics engineer earn in the UK?
- Typical advertised pay runs from £30,000 to £38,000 a year, rising towards £65,000 with experience. Figures are indicative guidance rather than an offer.
- What skills transfer into this career?
- Skills that transfer well include SQL or reporting experience, Attention to detail, Explaining data to non-technical colleagues.
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Where this information comes from
- National Careers Service
- Institute for Apprenticeships
Last reviewed 15 September 2026.
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