etl at target salary in 2025

As businesses continue to generate and rely on data, the demand for skilled ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) developers is growing rapidly. In 2025, companies like Target are recognizing the critical role ETL developers play in managing data pipelines and improving operational efficiencies. If you’re considering a career as an ETL developer at Target or any other major organization, understanding the salary expectations, factors influencing earnings, job market trends, and career progression is essential. This article will break down all aspects of ETL developer compensation, benefits, and job outlook in 2025.

Average ETL Developer Salary at Target in 2025

As of 2025, the average salary range for an ETL developer at Target varies based on experience, location, and skill set. Generally, salaries in the United States for ETL developers in large retail companies like Target range from $90,000 to $140,000 per year. The following factors contribute to this range:

Entry-level (0-2 years): Around $90,000 to $110,000 per year
Mid-level (3-5 years): Between $110,000 to $125,000 annually
Senior-level (5+ years): Typically $130,000 to $140,000+ per year

However, the actual salary can vary based on location, with cities like Minneapolis, where Target is headquartered, often offering higher wages compared to other areas due to cost of living and market demand.

Factors Influencing ETL Developer Salaries

Several factors impact the salary of an ETL developer. These include:

1. Experience Level

Entry-Level: Fresh graduates or professionals with 0-2 years of experience in ETL development can expect to earn at the lower end of the salary range.
Mid-Level: Professionals with 3-5 years of experience bring a solid understanding of data architecture, tools, and practices, which boosts their salary.
Senior-Level: ETL developers with over five years of experience, particularly those who have worked on large-scale data projects, command the highest salaries due to their expertise in optimizing complex data pipelines.

2. Skills and Certifications

Technical Skills: Proficiency in ETL tools such as Talend, Apache Nifi, Informatica, or Microsoft SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) is highly valued. Knowledge of cloud-based data platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure also significantly impacts salary potential.
Certifications: Certifications in data management or cloud platforms, such as Certified Informatica Developer or AWS Certified Big Data – Specialty, can enhance an ETL developer’s earning potential. Employers like Target are more likely to offer higher salaries to those with specialized certifications.

3. Geographic Location

Salaries tend to be higher in areas with higher costs of living. ETL developers in tech hubs such as the San Francisco Bay Area or New York City generally earn more than those in smaller cities or regions with lower living costs.

4. Company Size and Industry

Large corporations like Target, with vast amounts of data to manage, tend to offer higher salaries compared to smaller organizations. Additionally, companies in the retail, finance, and healthcare industries may offer premium pay due to the critical nature of data processing in these sectors.

Salary by Experience Level

As the years of experience increase, so does the earning potential for ETL developers. Below is a breakdown of salary expectations by experience level:

Entry-Level (0-2 years): At the start of their career, ETL developers can expect to earn approximately $90,000 to $110,000. At this stage, most developers will be gaining foundational knowledge in ETL tools and basic data manipulation tasks.
Mid-Level (3-5 years): After gaining experience, ETL developers can earn between $110,000 to $125,000. These professionals typically have more expertise in troubleshooting, automating ETL workflows, and optimizing data pipelines.
Senior-Level (5+ years): Senior ETL developers can earn upwards of $130,000. These experienced professionals are highly skilled in managing complex data architecture, working with cross-functional teams, and leading large-scale data projects, often bringing significant business value.

Job Market Trends and Outlook

The demand for ETL developers is strong in 2025, with organizations continuing to rely on data-driven decision-making. The following job market trends are worth noting:

Increased Data Dependency: As companies like Target gather more customer data and require sophisticated data models, the need for skilled ETL developers will continue to rise.
Growth of Cloud Technologies: With the shift to cloud computing, cloud-based ETL solutions are becoming more prevalent. Developers proficient in cloud platforms (AWS, Google Cloud, Azure) will be highly sought after, making cloud expertise a key differentiator in salary negotiations.
Data Privacy and Security: As data privacy laws (e.g., GDPR) become stricter, businesses need skilled professionals who can ensure data handling follows best practices. This trend could lead to increased demand for experienced ETL developers.

Benefits and Job Perks

In addition to a competitive salary, Target offers a comprehensive benefits package to its employees. Typical benefits include:

Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage
Retirement Plans: 401(k) matching and pension plans
Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick days, and paid holidays
Employee Discounts: Discounts on Target products and services
Training and Development: Access to career development programs and learning resources

These benefits contribute to an attractive overall compensation package, increasing the appeal of working as an ETL developer at Target.

The Impact of Education on Salary

While formal education is important, it’s not the only determinant of salary for ETL developers. Here’s how education plays a role:

Bachelor’s Degree: A degree in computer science, information systems, or a related field is often required for entry-level positions. ETL developers with a bachelor’s degree can expect salaries starting at around $90,000 annually.
Master’s Degree: A master’s degree in data science, business intelligence, or a similar field can boost an ETL developer’s salary, especially in senior positions. Individuals with advanced degrees are likely to earn more, typically ranging between $120,000 to $140,000+ annually.
Certifications: Certifications can help boost earning potential, especially in specific technologies like cloud platforms or data warehousing tools.

Conclusion

In 2025, ETL developers at Target can expect competitive salaries that grow with experience, expertise, and certifications. Factors such as location, industry demand, and technical skills will heavily influence earnings. With the growing importance of data management and cloud computing, ETL developers have a promising career outlook with ample opportunities for career advancement and salary growth.

Whether you’re just starting or looking to take your ETL career to the next level, investing in the right skills and certifications can lead to a rewarding career in the data-driven world of 2025.