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How much does a Data Engineer make?

The average salary for a Data Engineer is $136,501 per year in the US.

Data Engineers play a key role in managing and processing data. They earn a good salary for their skills. The average yearly salary for a Data Engineer is around $136,501. This means many people in this field can expect a solid income.

The salary for Data Engineers can vary based on experience and location. Entry-level positions might start at about $66,920. As experience grows, salaries can increase significantly. Top earners in the field can make over $232,500 per year. This range shows that there are many opportunities for growth and higher earnings in this career.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Data Engineer?

Job seekers looking for top-paying Data Engineer roles should consider cities like San Francisco and San Jose. These California cities offer some of the highest salaries, with averages reaching nearly $180,000 and $160,000, respectively. Other cities such as Toledo, New Orleans, and Los Angeles also provide competitive pay for data engineers.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Data Engineer jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $180,312 and Washington, DC with the lowest at $147,412.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $180,312
    In San Francisco, tech companies thrive, offering many opportunities for those in data roles. Companies like Google and Salesforce seek skilled data professionals. The city's tech-centric environment makes it a great place for data experts.
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  2. Toledo, OH
    Average Salary: $168,227
    Toledo, OH, has a growing tech scene, with companies like Dana and Owens & Minor needing data talent. The city offers a mix of manufacturing and tech, providing a unique work environment for data professionals.
    Find Data Engineer jobs in Toledo, OH


  3. New Orleans, LA
    Average Salary: $160,470
    New Orleans offers a vibrant culture and a growing tech industry. Companies like Entergy and Ochsner Health look for data experts. The city's unique blend of tradition and innovation makes it an exciting place to work.
    Find Data Engineer jobs in New Orleans, LA


  4. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $157,995
    San Jose, the heart of Silicon Valley, is a hotspot for tech jobs. Companies like Adobe and eBay are always on the lookout for data talent. The city's dynamic tech environment offers many opportunities for growth.
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  5. Fayetteville, AR
    Average Salary: $152,393
    Fayettell, AR, has a strong presence of companies like Walmart and Tyson Foods, which need data expertise. The city offers a mix of corporate and retail opportunities, making it a good place for data professionals.
    Find Data Engineer jobs in Fayetteville, AR


  6. Hartford, CT
    Average Salary: $151,874
    Hartford, CT, is home to insurance giants like Aetna and Travelers. These companies need data experts to manage their vast amounts of information. The city offers a mix of insurance and tech opportunities.
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  7. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $150,020
    Los Angeles offers a diverse job market with companies like Amazon and Netflix seeking data talent. The city's entertainment industry also provides unique data challenges and opportunities.
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  8. Stamford, CT
    Average Salary: $148,469
    Stamford, CT, is a hub for finance and insurance, with companies like Allstate and Charter Communications needing data expertise. The city offers a mix of finance and tech opportunities.
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  9. Louisville, KY
    Average Salary: $148,058
    Louisville, KY, has a growing tech scene, with companies like Humana and Yum! Brands looking for data talent. The city offers a mix of healthcare and food industry opportunities.
    Find Data Engineer jobs in Louisville, KY


  10. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $147,412
    Washington, DC, is a political and tech hub, with companies like Amazon and Google seeking data professionals. The city offers a mix of government and tech opportunities.
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What are the best companies a Data Engineer can work for?

Netflix offers one of the highest salaries for Data Engineers, with an average of $452,381. This tech giant leads in streaming services and values skilled data professionals. OpenAI also pays well, with an average salary of $355,769, reflecting its focus on artificial intelligence. Scribd and DCI Solutions follow closely, offering competitive salaries of $215,722 and $202,851, respectively. These companies recognize the importance of data in their operations. Apple, TikTok, and major consulting firms like EY, KPMG, and PwC also provide attractive compensation packages for data engineers.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Data Engineer jobs, highlighting Netflix with the highest at $452,381 and CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield with the lowest at $175,402.
  1. Netflix
    Average Salary: $452,381
    Netflix offers exciting opportunities for Data Engineers. They work on a global scale, with major offices in Los Gatos, California, and international offices in countries like the UK, Netherlands, and Brazil. Data Engineers at Netflix build and maintain data pipelines, ensuring smooth data flow for their streaming service.


  2. OpenAI
    Average Salary: $355,769
    OpenAI provides a dynamic environment for Data Engineers. They focus on artificial intelligence and have offices in San Francisco, California. Data Engineers here develop systems to manage and process large datasets, supporting the company's cutting-edge research.


  3. Scribd
    Average Salary: $215,722
    Scribd is a digital subscription service offering books, audiobooks, and more. They have offices in San Francisco, California, and Austin, Texas. Data Engineers at Scribd create and manage data infrastructure to support their subscription model and user experience.


  4. DCI Solutions
    Average Salary: $202,851
    DCI Solutions specializes in data management and analytics. They operate in multiple locations, including Washington, D.C., and New York, New York. Data Engineers here focus on building robust data systems and ensuring data integrity for their clients.


  5. Apple
    Average Salary: $198,994
    Apple is a global tech giant with offices in Cupertino, California, and other locations worldwide. Data Engineers at Apple work on projects that enhance data analytics and support the development of new products and services.


  6. EY
    Average Salary: $189,563
    EY is a leading professional services firm with offices in many cities, including New York, New York, and London, UK. Data Engineers at EY help clients manage their data and improve their business processes through advanced analytics.


  7. KPMG
    Average Salary: $182,321
    KPMG is a global network of professional services firms. They have offices in major cities like New York, New York, and Sydney, Australia. Data Engineers at KPMG assist clients in optimizing their data strategies and improving decision-making.


  8. PwC
    Average Salary: $178,108
    PwC is a multinational professional services network with offices in cities like London, UK, and New York, New York. Data Engineers at PwC focus on data analytics and helping clients leverage data for better business outcomes.


  9. TikTok
    Average Salary: $178,011
    TikTok is a popular social media platform with offices in Los Angeles, California, and other locations. Data Engineers at TikTok develop and maintain systems to manage and analyze user data, ensuring a seamless experience for users.


  10. CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
    Average Salary: $175,402
    CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield is a health insurance provider with offices in Baltimore, Maryland, and other locations. Data Engineers here work on projects that improve data management and support healthcare services.

How to earn more as a Data Engineer?

A Data Engineer can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. Building a strong foundation in essential skills can open up higher-paying opportunities. Specializing in high-demand technologies can also lead to better job offers. Networking with industry professionals can provide insights into lucrative positions. Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest trends can make a Data Engineer more valuable. Seeking out roles in industries with high demand for data expertise can lead to higher salaries.

Here are some factors to consider for earning more as a Data Engineer:

  1. Skill Development: Invest time in learning advanced data engineering skills. This includes mastering big data technologies, data warehousing, and cloud computing platforms.
  2. Certifications: Obtain relevant certifications. These can validate expertise and increase marketability. Examples include AWS Certified Big Data – Specialty and Google Professional Data Engineer.
  3. Specialization: Focus on a niche area within data engineering. This could be in areas like machine learning, data pipelines, or real-time analytics. Specialization can make a candidate more attractive to employers.
  4. Networking: Attend industry conferences, join professional groups, and connect with peers. Networking can lead to job opportunities and salary negotiations.
  5. Experience: Gain experience through projects and internships. Practical experience can enhance a resume and lead to higher-paying roles.

Currently 1,065 Data Engineer job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Data Engineer in the US?

Learn what a Data Engineer does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Data Engineer today.
Position
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Data Engineer
1,065 Job Openings