How much does a Data Engineer make?
A career in data engineering can be very rewarding, both financially and professionally. On average, data engineers earn about $129,115 per year. This is a good number to aim for as you explore opportunities in this field. The amount data engineers make can vary based on experience, skills, and location. With more experience, data engineers can see their salaries climb to impressive levels.
Salary growth in data engineering is often steady. Beginners can expect to earn around $54,000 per year. As skills and experience grow, salaries increase. For example, those with five years of experience might earn around $116,182 per year. For those with ten years of experience, the average salary rises to about $178,364 annually. Top earners in this field can make over $209,000 a year. This wide salary range shows there are many opportunities for growth in data engineering.
What are the highest paying cities for a Data Engineer?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $191,322
In San Francisco, data professionals join tech giants like Salesforce and Uber. The tech hub offers a dynamic environment with a focus on innovation and new technologies. The average salary for data engineers here stands out among other cities.
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Toledo, OH
Average Salary: $180,455
Working in Toledo, data experts can find roles with companies such as Kroger and Owens Corning. The city offers a balanced lifestyle with reasonable costs. Data engineers here benefit from a growing industry.
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New Orleans, LA
Average Salary: $172,758
New Orleans provides a unique setting for data engineers, with opportunities at Entergy and Ochsner Health. The city’s culture enriches the work experience. Data professionals here enjoy a vibrant community and competitive pay.
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Fayetteville, AR
Average Salary: $169,179
Fayetteville offers a mix of corporate roles at Tyson Foods and JB Hunt. The city boasts a lower cost of living, making it attractive for data experts. It provides a strong base for career growth in the data field.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $157,761
San Jose is a key tech center, home to giants like Google and Adobe. This city offers abundant opportunities for data engineers. The area’s high demand for tech skills ensures competitive salaries.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $153,888
Seattle offers a vibrant scene for data workers, with tech companies like Amazon and Microsoft. The city’s dynamic tech sector provides numerous opportunities for data professionals.
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Hartford, CT
Average Salary: $153,758
Hartford presents a mix of insurance and tech roles with companies like Aetna and Eversource. The city provides a stable environment for data experts. It offers a balanced lifestyle with professional opportunities.
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Tulsa, OK
Average Salary: $152,392
Tulsa’s data professionals find roles at companies like ONEOK and QuikTrip. The city offers a lower cost of living and a growing tech sector. It’s a great place for data engineers to thrive.
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Columbia, SC
Average Salary: $151,718
Columbia offers opportunities with companies like Duke Energy and ScanSource. The city provides a growing tech scene with a lower cost of living. It’s an excellent area for data engineers to advance their careers.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $151,108
In Los Angeles, data professionals can join companies like Walt Disney and Dolby Laboratories. The city offers a lively atmosphere with a mix of industries. Data engineers here benefit from a diverse job market.
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What are the best companies a Data Engineer can work for?

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Netflix
Average Salary: $462,353
At Netflix, Data Engineers create tools that help manage large amounts of data. They work in locations like Los Gatos, California, and other sites across the U.S. and internationally. This role is crucial for maintaining and enhancing Netflix's streaming services.
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OpenAI
Average Salary: $346,500
OpenAI offers exciting opportunities for Data Engineers. They build and manage data infrastructure. Based in San Francisco, California, the company focuses on advancing AI safely. This role is key in developing cutting-edge technology.
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Pacific Gas and Electric
Average Salary: $251,701
Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) employs Data Engineers to handle large datasets. They work in California, focusing on energy infrastructure. This role is vital for managing data related to energy distribution.
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Whatnot
Average Salary: $220,000
Whatnot, an e-commerce platform, hires Data Engineers to manage data systems. They are based in New York City. This role helps improve the customer experience on the platform.
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Salesforce
Average Salary: $218,514
Salesforce offers Data Engineer positions that focus on cloud computing. They operate in San Francisco and other locations worldwide. This role supports the company’s customer relationship management solutions.
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Apple
Average Salary: $202,424
Apple employs Data Engineers to handle their massive datasets. They are based in Cupertino, California. This role is crucial for developing and maintaining Apple's software and services.
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DCI Solutions
Average Salary: $200,833
DCI Solutions hires Data Engineers to manage data architecture. They are based in the United States. This role is essential for supporting various data-driven initiatives.
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KPMG
Average Salary: $183,708
KPMG offers Data Engineer positions focused on consulting. They operate in multiple locations worldwide. This role helps clients with data management and analysis.
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Visa
Average Salary: $178,531
Visa employs Data Engineers to manage financial data systems. They are based in San Francisco, California, and other sites. This role is critical for ensuring secure and efficient transactions.
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Adobe
Average Salary: $176,995
Adobe hires Data Engineers to work on creative software. They operate in San Jose, California, and other locations. This role helps enhance the user experience for Adobe’s products.
How to earn more as a Data Engineer?
Becoming a data engineer can be a rewarding career. This role combines computer science, statistics, and big data technology. Many data engineers start at a good salary, but there are ways to earn more. Below are some factors that can help a data engineer increase their earnings.
First, gaining experience helps. Data engineers with more years in the field often earn higher salaries. Working on different projects and learning new technologies can make someone more valuable. Second, earning more certifications can boost income. Certifications show a deeper understanding of the tools and systems used in the job. Third, moving to areas with a higher cost of living can mean a higher salary. Companies often pay more to attract talent to these areas.
- Get more experience: More experience can lead to higher pay.
- Earn certifications: Certifications show expertise and can lead to higher salaries.
- Relocate: Moving to areas with higher pay can increase income.
- Learn new technologies: Staying up-to-date with the latest tools can make someone more valuable.
- Network: Building connections can lead to job opportunities with higher pay.



