Position
Salary

How much does a Data Engineer make?

The average salary for a Data Engineer is $137,092 per year in the US.

If you are considering a career in data engineering, you may wonder how much you could earn. This job offers a good salary, with an average yearly pay of $137,092. This means that if you work full-time, you can expect to earn this amount each year. This salary can change based on many factors, such as your experience, skills, and where you live.

Salary in data engineering can vary based on how much experience you have. Someone just starting might earn less, while those with many years of experience earn more. Here is a look at what people in different levels of experience might earn:

  • Entry-level: $66,000 per year
  • Mid-level: $126,545 per year
  • Senior-level: $187,091 per year
  • Director-level: $232,500 per year

These figures give you a clear idea of potential earnings at different stages of your career in data engineering.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Data Engineer?

San Francisco, CA, stands out as the top city for Data Engineer jobs, offering an average salary of over $182,000. Job seekers can also find lucrative opportunities in cities like Toledo, OH, and New Orleans, LA, where the average salary exceeds $160,000. Cities such as San Jose, CA, and Los Angeles, CA, provide competitive salaries that make them attractive for data engineering careers.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Data Engineer jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $182,253 and Washington, DC with the lowest at $147,970.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $182,253
    Working in San Francisco offers a dynamic tech environment. The city is home to many tech giants. Talented professionals can expect competitive salaries and opportunities for growth.
    Find Data Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Toledo, OH
    Average Salary: $168,227
    Toledo provides a balanced approach to data work. It is a less hectic place than larger cities. Professionals can still find rewarding positions with good pay.
    Find Data Engineer jobs in Toledo, OH


  3. New Orleans, LA
    Average Salary: $163,026
    New Orleans combines a vibrant culture with strong data opportunities. The city is known for its unique charm. Professionals can enjoy a pleasant lifestyle while working in data.
    Find Data Engineer jobs in New Orleans, LA


  4. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $158,488
    San Jose is the heart of Silicon Valley. The area is famous for its tech industry. Job seekers can find numerous opportunities with leading tech companies.
    Find Data Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA


  5. Fayetteville, AR
    Average Salary: $155,286
    Fayetteville offers a more relaxed work environment. The city has a growing tech sector. It's a great place for those seeking a balance between work and life.
    Find Data Engineer jobs in Fayetteville, AR


  6. Hartford, CT
    Average Salary: $151,084
    Hartford provides a mix of industry and innovation. The city has a range of businesses that need data expertise. Professionals can expect a supportive work environment.
    Find Data Engineer jobs in Hartford, CT


  7. Louisville, KY
    Average Salary: $149,945
    Louisville is a mid-sized city with many opportunities. The area is known for its friendly atmosphere. Job seekers can find good roles in data with decent pay.
    Find Data Engineer jobs in Louisville, KY


  8. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $149,572
    Los Angeles offers a bustling tech scene. The city attracts many companies that need data skills. It provides a lively environment for data professionals.
    Find Data Engineer jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  9. Columbia, SC
    Average Salary: $148,125
    Columbia has a growing tech presence. The city offers a lower cost of living. Professionals can find solid opportunities with a good work-life balance.
    Find Data Engineer jobs in Columbia, SC


  10. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $147,970
    Washington, DC, is a hub for tech and data. The city offers many government and private sector opportunities. Professionals can enjoy a vibrant community with diverse options.
    Find Data Engineer jobs in Washington, DC

What are the best companies a Data Engineer can work for?

Netflix tops the list for the best paying data engineer jobs, offering an average salary of $465,455. Following closely are OpenAI and Scribd, with average salaries of $355,769 and $215,722 respectively. Apple, LPL Financial, and EY also provide competitive salaries, making them attractive options for data engineers seeking high earnings. Other notable companies like DCI Solutions, KPMG, and PwC offer salaries ranging from $199,840 to $182,537. Microsoft rounds out the list with an average salary of $174,514, still a valuable opportunity for those in the field.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Data Engineer jobs, highlighting Netflix with the highest at $465,455 and Microsoft with the lowest at $174,514.
  1. Netflix
    Average Salary: $465,455
    Netflix offers Data Engineer jobs focused on building scalable data infrastructure. They operate globally with main locations in Los Gatos, California and offices in the U.S., Europe, and Latin America.


  2. OpenAI
    Average Salary: $355,769
    OpenAI provides Data Engineer roles that involve creating advanced data systems. The company is based in San Francisco, California and has projects worldwide.


  3. Scribd
    Average Salary: $215,722
    At Scribd, Data Engineers manage large datasets and data pipelines. They are headquartered in San Francisco, California, and serve users across North America.


  4. DCI Solutions
    Average Salary: $199,840
    DCI Solutions offers Data Engineer positions that focus on data warehousing and business intelligence. They operate across the U.S. with main offices in Denver, Colorado.


  5. Apple
    Average Salary: $199,360
    Apple hires Data Engineers for data analytics and machine learning projects. They have main offices in Cupertino, California, and locations globally.


  6. LPL Financial
    Average Salary: $198,059
    LPL Financial seeks Data Engineers to work on their financial data platforms. They operate nationwide with headquarters in San Diego, California.


  7. EY
    Average Salary: $185,427
    EY offers Data Engineer jobs that involve data strategy and integration. They have offices worldwide, with key locations in New York City and London.


  8. KPMG
    Average Salary: $182,537
    KPMG provides Data Engineer roles focused on data analytics and automation. They operate internationally, with significant offices in New York City and London.


  9. PwC
    Average Salary: $178,108
    PwC hires Data Engineers for data governance and analytics projects. They have offices worldwide, with headquarters in New York City.


  10. Microsoft
    Average Salary: $174,514
    Microsoft offers Data Engineer positions that involve working with big data technologies. They have main offices in Redmond, Washington, and locations globally.

How to earn more as a Data Engineer?

In the tech industry, data engineers hold a crucial role. They manage and organize data to help businesses make informed decisions. Increasing your earnings as a data engineer involves several strategic steps. Understanding and focusing on these areas can significantly improve your salary prospects.

First, gaining specialized skills can make a big difference. Proficiency in programming languages like Python and SQL is essential. Experience with big data tools such as Hadoop, Spark, or Kafka also helps. Certifications in these technologies can enhance your resume. Continuous learning through online courses or workshops keeps skills up-to-date.

Second, experience in specific industries can boost earnings. Working in high-demand sectors like finance, healthcare, or tech often pays more. This experience shows employers your ability to handle complex data projects. Networking within these industries can lead to better job opportunities.

  1. Specialized Skills
  2. Industry Experience
  3. Certifications
  4. Networking
  5. Advanced Degrees

Currently 697 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
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