How much does a Data Engineer make?
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.
What are the highest paying cities for a Data Engineer?

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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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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.
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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.
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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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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.
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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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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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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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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.
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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?

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
- Skill Development: Invest time in learning advanced data engineering skills. This includes mastering big data technologies, data warehousing, and cloud computing platforms.
- Certifications: Obtain relevant certifications. These can validate expertise and increase marketability. Examples include AWS Certified Big Data – Specialty and Google Professional Data Engineer.
- 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.
- Networking: Attend industry conferences, join professional groups, and connect with peers. Networking can lead to job opportunities and salary negotiations.
- Experience: Gain experience through projects and internships. Practical experience can enhance a resume and lead to higher-paying roles.



