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How much does a Data Engineer make?

The average salary for a Data Engineer is $129,115 per year in the US.

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.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Data Engineer?

Cities with the highest paying data engineer jobs include San Francisco and San Jose in California. These cities offer some of the highest salaries for this profession, reflecting the strong demand for skilled data engineers. Other top-paying cities include Seattle, Washington, and Los Angeles, California, which also provide competitive compensation for data engineering roles. Another notable city is Toledo, Ohio, where data engineers enjoy attractive salary packages. Similarly, New Orleans, Louisiana, presents a promising environment for data engineers looking for higher earnings. Opportunities in these cities provide a chance for data engineers to leverage their skills in high-paying roles.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Data Engineer jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $191,322 and Los Angeles, CA with the lowest at $151,108.
  1. 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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  2. 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.
    Find Data Engineer jobs in Toledo, OH


  3. 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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  4. 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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  5. 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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  6. 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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  7. 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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  8. 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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  9. 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.
    Find Data Engineer jobs in Columbia, SC


  10. 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?

Top companies offering lucrative positions for Data Engineers include Netflix and OpenAI. Both companies pay over $300,000 annually. Another excellent option is Pacific Gas and Electric, which pays nearly $252,000. These companies value data engineers and offer competitive salaries. Salesforce and Apple also provide high salaries, with pay exceeding $200,000 per year. Visa, Adobe, and KPMG also offer solid compensation packages for their data engineers.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Data Engineer jobs, highlighting Netflix with the highest at $462,353 and Adobe with the lowest at $176,995.
  1. 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.


  2. 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.


  3. 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.


  4. 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.


  5. 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.


  6. 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.


  7. 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.


  8. 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.


  9. 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.


  10. 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.

  1. Get more experience: More experience can lead to higher pay.
  2. Earn certifications: Certifications show expertise and can lead to higher salaries.
  3. Relocate: Moving to areas with higher pay can increase income.
  4. Learn new technologies: Staying up-to-date with the latest tools can make someone more valuable.
  5. Network: Building connections can lead to job opportunities with higher pay.

Currently 994 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.
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Data Engineer
994 Job Openings