As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Data Systems Engineer in the United States is $100,458 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $48.
However, a Data Systems Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Data Systems Engineer'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 Systems Engineer'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 |
|---|---|
| Database ... Level Data Systems Engineer | $75,645 |
| Data Syst... Level Data Systems Engineer | $102,215 |
| Database ... Level Data Systems Engineer | $124,418 |
| Database ... Level Data Systems Engineer | $142,871 |
| Database ... Level Data Systems Engineer | $166,698 |
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 Systems Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 3.61% |
| Data Warehouse | 3.84% |
| Data Modeling | 2.03% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Machine Learning
|
$106,485 |
6%
|
|
Insight
|
$105,481 |
5%
|
|
Data Science
|
$105,481 |
5%
|
|
AWS
|
$104,476 |
4%
|
|
Big Data
|
$104,476 |
4%
|
|
Data Processing
|
$104,476 |
4%
|
For Data Systems Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 120% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 60% above the average. In contrast, Data Systems Engineer positions in Biotechnology or Chemicals typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Data Systems Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $160,733 | $77.0 | 60% |
| Business Services | $155,710 | $75.0 | 55% |
| Construction | $150,687 | $72.0 | 50% |
| Energy & Utilities | $145,664 | $70.0 | 45% |
| Healthcare | $140,641 | $68.0 | 40% |
Understanding how a Data Systems Engineer'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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Data Systems Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $101,140 in 2023 to around $100,030 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Data Systems Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $101,140 |
| 2024 | $101,479 |
| 2025 | $100,030 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Data Systems Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 60% above the market median.
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