As of November 01, 2025, the average salary for a Data Engineer I in the United States is $77,783 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.
However, a Data Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Data Engineer 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 Engineer 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Data Engineer I | $77,196 |
| Intermediate Level Data Engineer I | $77,848 |
| Senior Level Data Engineer I | $78,127 |
| Specialist Level Data Engineer I | $78,183 |
| Expert Level Data Engineer I | $78,220 |
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 Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Understanding how a Data Engineer 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.
Last Updated on November 01, 2025
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $77,783 | 59.1% |
| Bonus | $15,878 | 12.1% |
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security | $7,165 | 5.4% |
| 401K/403B | $3,934 | 3.0% |
| Disability | $1,873 | 1.4% |
| Healthcare | $8,352 | 6.3% |
| Pension | $5,058 | 3.8% |
| Time Off | $11,527 | 8.8% |
| Total Compensation | $131,570 | 100% |
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A Data Engineer I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Data Engineer I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Data Engineer I is $98,108.
The highest pay for Data Engineer I is $81,852.
The lowest pay for Data Engineer I is $65,373.
Responsible for designing and building systems that collect, store, and process data. Creates data pipelines to move data through an organization. Ensures data is accurate, secure, and compliant with organizational guidelines and any applicable regulations. May build, test, and maintain database pipeline architectures. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.
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.)
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