As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Data Engineering Specialist I in Virginia is $78,200 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
However, a Data Engineering Specialist I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Data Engineering Specialist I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $81,800 | $6,817 | $1,573 | $39 |
| Average | $78,200 | $6,517 | $1,504 | $38 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,500 | $5,958 | $1,375 | $34 |
Navstar - Fredericksburg, VA
M.C. Dean - Sterling, VA
QTS Data Centers - Ashburn, VA
EMCOR Group - Richmond, VA
A Data Engineering Specialist I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Data Engineering Specialist I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Data Engineering Specialist I | 0-2 years | $78,200 |
| Data Engineering Specialist II | 2-4 years | $90,003 |
| Data Engineering Specialist III | 4-7 years | $105,124 |
| Data Engineering Specialist IV | 7+ years | $122,076 |
| Data Engineering Specialist V | 7-10 years | $159,042 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Data Engineering Specialist Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Data Engineering Specialist I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $87,466. While startup companies pay approximate $73,970.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $73,970 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $78,235 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $84,465 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $87,466 |
For Data Engineering Specialist I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Data Engineering Specialist positions in Telecom or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Data Engineering Specialist I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $101,660 | $49.0 | 30% |
| Internet | $97,750 | $47.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $93,840 | $45.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $93,840 | $45.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $89,930 | $43.0 | 15% |
Understanding how a Data Engineering Specialist I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $81,800 | $6,817 | $1,573 | $39 |
| Average | $78,200 | $6,517 | $1,504 | $38 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,500 | $5,958 | $1,375 | $34 |
For a Data Engineering Specialist I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Data Engineering Specialist II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $90,100 - a projected growth of 15% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Data Engineering Specialist I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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