To become a data engineer in 2026, learn Python, SQL & Databases, PostgreSQL, Docker, and AWS — in that order. The best free YouTube channels for this path are Chirag Mahto, MongoDB for Developers , and primejava_official. Full ranked list of 36 educators below.

The Data Engineer Learning Path

  1. 1
    Python 1,879 channels teach this
  2. 2
    SQL & Databases 2,450 channels teach this
  3. 3
    PostgreSQL 480 channels teach this
  4. 4
    Docker 995 channels teach this
  5. 5
    AWS 1,052 channels teach this

Best Channels for Aspiring Data Engineers

Chirag Mahto
Chirag Mahto

@chiragmahtoofficial

backend

Hi, I’m Chitt Ranjan Mahto "Chirag", a Database Administrator specializing in PostgreSQL, MS SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle, ...

5.5K Subs
1.4K Videos
75 Avg Views
1.33% Engagement
View Profile →
BugBytes
BugBytes

@bugbytes3923

backend

On this channel, we create tutorials and videos primarily about web development, data analytics and data science. We'll ...

58.3K Subs
516 Videos
13.2K Avg Views
1.37% Engagement
View Profile →
Alex Hitt
Alex Hitt

@alexander-hitt

AI Coding

Alex Hitt shares practical tutorials and honest reviews for AI tools, creator tools, automation, and digital business. L...

13.8K Subs
3.8K Videos
18 Avg Views
0% Engagement
+5.3% /mo View Profile →
Machine Learning Hub
Machine Learning Hub

@machinelearninghub

Data Science

Welcome to Machine Learning Hub 👋 I’m Kushal Bhavsar, founder of this channel and a passionate Machine Learning Engine...

16.3K Subs
131 Videos
1.2K Avg Views
2.74% Engagement
View Profile →
Shcoder
Shcoder

@shcoder001

AI Coding

👨‍💻 Рад приветствовать вас друзья на канале Shcoder! Я разработчик и преподаватель с опытом в программировании. На ка...

9.2K Subs
192 Videos
8K Avg Views
3.88% Engagement
View Profile →
DevOps Hint
DevOps Hint

@devopshint

AI Coding

DevOpsHint is a community Channel where you can find How-to Guides, Articles,Tips and Tricks for DevOps,GitOps,SRE,Platf...

24.6K Subs
868 Videos
307 Avg Views
0.98% Engagement
View Profile →
A Cloud Guru
A Cloud Guru

@acloudguru

DevOps

Whether you’re a cloud novice, a cloud guru, or just cloud curious, you can keep tabs on all things cloud here courtesy ...

143K Subs
987 Videos
4.5K Avg Views
1.52% Engagement
View Profile →
It's That Ian Guy
It's That Ian Guy

@itsthatianguy

backend

Hello! I'm a software developer based in Toronto, but originall from Yorkshire, in the UK - excuse the accent. I'll be ...

1.6K Subs
13 Videos
14K Avg Views
1.9% Engagement
View Profile →
DSwithBappy
DSwithBappy

@dswithbappy

Data Science

This channel focuses on providing content on Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Com...

60.6K Subs
599 Videos
15.9K Avg Views
1.57% Engagement
+7.0% /mo View Profile →

Frequently Asked Questions

What YouTube channels should I watch to become a Data Engineer?

Follow educators covering Python, SQL & Databases, PostgreSQL, Docker, AWS. Top channels include Chirag Mahto, MongoDB for Developers, primejava_official. All 36 channels listed teach for free on YouTube.

What do I need to learn to become a Data Engineer?

Data engineers build the pipelines, warehouses, and infrastructure that make data usable at scale. The path centers on Python and SQL, relational databases, plus cloud and containerization skills. A practical order is: Python → SQL & Databases → PostgreSQL → Docker → AWS.

Can I become a Data Engineer using only free YouTube videos?

Yes — every channel and video in this path is free on YouTube. Use the learning-path order above to go from fundamentals to job-ready skills.