How much does a Data Engineer make?
The job of a data engineer can be very rewarding both in terms of job satisfaction and salary. The average yearly salary for a data engineer is around $132,041. This salary range can vary based on experience, location, and industry.
To provide a clearer picture, here is a breakdown of the salary distribution for data engineers:
- The lowest 10% earn less than $55,000
- The next 10% earn between $55,000 and $70,600
- The next 10% earn between $70,600 and $86,200
- The next 10% earn between $86,200 and $101,800
- The next 10% earn between $101,800 and $117,400
- The next 10% earn between $117,400 and $133,000
- The next 10% earn between $133,000 and $148,600
- The next 10% earn between $148,600 and $164,200
- The next 10% earn between $164,200 and $179,800
- The next 10% earn between $179,800 and $195,400
- The highest 10% earn over $195,400
These numbers show that data engineering offers a wide range of salaries. With experience and skills, a data engineer can advance to higher pay scales.
What are the highest paying cities for a Data Engineer?

-
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $191,914
In San Francisco, data experts thrive among tech giants. Companies like Salesforce and Oracle offer opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects. The tech-savvy environment makes it a prime spot for data professionals.
Find Data Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
Toledo, OH
Average Salary: $169,500
Toledo is emerging as a hotspot for data roles. Companies in the manufacturing sector are expanding their data teams. It's a growing area with plenty of potential for those who love data.
Find Data Engineer jobs in Toledo, OH
-
San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $166,124
San Jose offers a dynamic environment for data enthusiasts. With many tech firms, there's a constant demand for skilled data workers. Companies like Google and eBay provide ample opportunities for growth.
Find Data Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA
-
Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $163,284
Seattle is a hub for tech and innovation. Data professionals here work with companies like Amazon and Microsoft. The city offers a mix of challenges and opportunities in the tech world.
Find Data Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA
-
Fayetteland, AR
Average Salary: $160,094
Fayetteland offers a unique blend of growth and opportunity. Smaller companies are beginning to recognize the value of data. It's a great place for those looking to build a career in data analytics.
Find Data Engineer jobs in Fayetteland, AR
-
Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $156,557
In Los Angeles, data experts find opportunities in diverse industries. Entertainment companies and tech firms alike need data insights. The city's vibrant culture adds to the work experience.
Find Data Engineer jobs in Los Angeles, CA
-
Hartford, CT
Average Salary: $152,093
Hartford offers a mix of insurance and tech opportunities for data specialists. Companies in the insurance sector are investing in data analytics. It's a great area for those interested in both finance and data.
Find Data Engineer jobs in Hartford, CT
-
Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $151,441
Sacramento is a growing city with opportunities in both tech and government sectors. Data roles here support both private companies and public institutions. It's a place where data skills are in demand.
Find Data Engineer jobs in Sacramento, CA
-
San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $150,518
San Diego offers a perfect blend of sunny weather and tech opportunities. Companies like Qualcomm and biotech firms seek data professionals. The city's coastal location adds to the quality of life.
Find Data Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA
-
New Orleans, LA
Average Salary: $148,697
New Orleans combines rich culture with growing tech opportunities. Companies in the tourism and finance sectors value data insights. It's an exciting place for data professionals who enjoy a vibrant community.
Find Data Engineer jobs in New Orleans, LA
What are the best companies a Data Engineer can work for?

-
Netflix
Average Salary: $437,692
Netflix hires Data Engineers to work on streaming data and build reliable data pipelines. They are looking for candidates with strong skills in big data technologies. Netflix operates globally with locations in Los Gatos, California, and offices worldwide.
-
OpenAI
Average Salary: $353,292
OpenAI employs Data Engineers to support their mission in safe AI development. They focus on creating scalable data solutions. The company is based in San Francisco, California.
-
Exact Sciences
Average Salary: $242,045
Exact Sciences hires Data Engineers to handle large datasets and develop data infrastructure. They focus on improving healthcare through advanced analytics. The company operates in Madison, Wisconsin, and other locations.
-
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Average Salary: $233,314
Pacific Gas and Electric Company looks for Data Engineers to optimize energy distribution. They focus on creating efficient data systems. The company operates in San Francisco, California.
-
Whatnot
Average Salary: $231,735
Whatnot hires Data Engineers to build and manage data platforms. They focus on enhancing e-commerce experiences. The company is based in Los Angeles, California.
-
NVIDIA
Average Salary: $229,571
NVIDIA employs Data Engineers to support their AI and graphics technologies. They focus on big data and machine learning. The company is headquartered in Santa Clara, California.
-
Intuit
Average Salary: $223,843
Intuit hires Data Engineers to develop data platforms for their financial software. They focus on creating reliable data solutions. The company operates in Mountain View, California.
-
Salesforce
Average Salary: $218,577
Salesforce employs Data Engineers to manage cloud data. They focus on creating efficient data pipelines. The company is based in San Francisco, California.
-
Apple
Average Salary: $209,757
Apple hires Data Engineers to support their product development. They focus on creating innovative data solutions. The company is headquartered in Cupertino, California.
-
DCI Solutions
Average Salary: $208,462
DCI Solutions employs Data Engineers to handle data analytics for various industries. They focus on creating customized data solutions. The company operates in various locations across the U.S.
How to earn more as a Data Engineer?
A career in data engineering can be both rewarding and lucrative. Increasing your earnings potential involves a mix of technical skills and professional strategies. Data engineers who master key areas can find themselves in higher demand and earning more. Focusing on the right skills and experiences can lead to more job opportunities and salary growth.
Here are some factors that can help a data engineer earn more:
- Advanced Certifications: Earning certifications in big data technologies like Apache Spark, Hadoop, and Kafka can make a data engineer more attractive to employers. These skills show a commitment to staying current in a fast-changing field.
- Experience in Cloud Platforms: Proficiency in cloud services like AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure is highly valued. Engineers who can deploy and manage data systems in the cloud often command higher salaries.
- Strong Problem-Solving Skills: Employers look for data engineers who can tackle complex problems efficiently. Developing strong analytical and problem-solving skills can lead to more significant and challenging projects, increasing earning potential.
- Mastery of Programming Languages: Skills in languages like Python, Scala, and SQL are essential. Knowing multiple languages and being able to use them effectively can set a data engineer apart.
- Networking and Professional Development: Building a professional network and attending industry events can lead to new job opportunities. Staying active in the data engineering community can open doors to higher-paying roles.



