As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Sr Data Engineer in the United States is $121,501 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $58.
However, a Sr Data Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Sr Data 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 Sr Data 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 |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Sr Data Engineer | $120,522 |
| Intermediate Level Sr Data Engineer | $120,801 |
| Senior Level Sr Data Engineer | $121,920 |
| Specialist Level Sr Data Engineer | $127,045 |
| Expert Level Sr Data Engineer | $129,631 |
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 Sr Data Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 3.44% |
| Computer Science | 3.75% |
| Agile | 2.1% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Machine Learning
|
$123,931 |
2%
|
|
Innovation
|
$123,931 |
2%
|
|
Products and Services
|
$123,931 |
2%
|
|
Software Engineering
|
$123,931 |
2%
|
|
Data Infrastructure
|
$123,931 |
2%
|
|
Data Quality
|
$122,716 |
1%
|
Understanding how a Sr Data 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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Sr Data Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $118,788 in 2023 to around $118,236 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Sr Data Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $118,788 |
| 2024 | $119,957 |
| 2025 | $118,236 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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