upper level job

How much does a Data Modeler make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Data Modeler in the United States is $105,460 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $51.

However, a Data Modeler's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $118,738
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $96,370 to $112,410
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $88,094

Key Factors That Influence Data Modeler Salaries

A Data Modeler'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.

How Experience Level Affects Data Modeler Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Data Modeler'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $102,475
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $102,747
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $105,979
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $108,883
  • Expert (over 8 years): $109,091
Levels Salary
Entry Level Data Modeler$102,475
Intermediate Level Data Modeler$102,747
Senior Level Data Modeler$105,979
Specialist Level Data Modeler$108,883
Expert Level Data Modeler$109,091

Top Paying Cities for Data Modelers

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:

  • San Jose: $133,010
  • San Francisco: $131,550
  • Oakland: $128,780

What Skills Can Increase a Data Modeler's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 9.69% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • ERwin (Mentioned in 2.56% Job Postings): CA ERwin Data Modeler (or ERwin for short) is a data modeling and database design tool that is used to create conceptual, logical, and physical data models.
  • Oracle (Mentioned in 1.83% Job Postings): Applying Oracle to manage data and information applications effectively.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 9.69%
ERwin 2.56%
Oracle 1.83%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Data Modeler's salary.

  • Networking: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
  • Data Structure: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Agile: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Networking $118,115
12%
Data Structure $112,842
7%
Agile $110,733
5%

Data Modeler Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Data Modeler salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $117,735. While startup companies pay approximate $99,692.

Data Modeler Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $99,692
Growth Stage 51~500 $105,411
Established 501~5000 $113,682
Enterprise 5000+ $117,735

Data Modeler Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Data Modeler roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 65% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Construction sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 35% above the average. In contrast, Data Modeler positions in Media or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Data Modeler as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Data Modeler

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$142,371$68.035%
Construction$126,552$61.020%
Energy & Utilities$121,279$58.015%
Pharmaceuticals$121,279$58.015%
Aerospace & Defense$116,006$56.010%

Data Modeler Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Data Modeler'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.

Last Updated on October 01, 2026
$96,370
Average $105,460/year
$112,410
$8,031
Average $8,788/month
$9,368
$1,853
Average $2,028/week
$2,162
$46
Average $51/hour
$54
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $112,410 $9,368 $2,162 $54
Average $105,460 $8,788 $2,028 $51
25th Percentile $96,370 $8,031 $1,853 $46

Data Modeler Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Data Modeler, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Data Modeler Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Senior Data Analytics and Modeling Analyst $124,660 18%
Data and Information Architect III $127,600 21%

Most common benefits for Data Modeler

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Data Modeler

Here are companies hiring for Data Modeler and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Data Modeler

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Data Modeler?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Data Modeler roles, with salaries approximately 35% above the market median.

2. How much do entry level data modelers make?

Entry-level data modelers typically earn between $87,030 and $111,580 annually, with a mid-salary of $99,970. Factors such as location, education, and experience can influence these figures. Data modelers in high-demand areas, like California, may see higher salaries.

3. What is the highest paying job in the world?

While CEO positions are often considered the highest paying jobs globally, specialized roles like Data Modeler also offer competitive salaries. Data Modelers can expect a salary range from $87,030 to $111,580, with a mid-salary of $99,970. These professionals play a crucial role in managing and structuring data, making them invaluable in today's data-driven landscape.

4. Do data scientists get paid well in USA?

Data scientists in the USA generally earn competitive salaries. For example, the salary range for data modelers is between $87,030 and $111,580, with a median salary of $99,970. While some data scientists can earn significantly more, this range reflects a solid compensation for the role across various locations and industries.

5. Is Data Scientist a stressful job?

The role of a Data Modeler can be stressful due to the complexity of data management and the need for precision. With a salary range from $87,030 to $111,580, professionals must stay current with evolving technologies, which can contribute to pressure. Balancing these demands while ensuring data integrity is crucial in this field.

6. How much do data modelers make in the US?

Data modelers in the US earn between $87,030 and $111,580 annually, with a median salary of $99,970. While top earners can make significantly more, the average salary for data modelers is around $99,970, reflecting the demand and expertise required in this field.

7. Can you make a living doing data entry?

Yes, you can make a living as a data modeler. The salary range typically falls between $87,030 and $111,580 annually, with a mid-salary of around $99,970. This reflects the demand for skilled professionals in the field, offering a stable income and potential for growth.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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