As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Staff Data Engineer in the United States is $126,255 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $61.
However, a Staff Data Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Staff 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 Staff 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 |
|---|---|
| Database ... Level Staff Data Engineer | $78,088 |
| Database ... Level Staff Data Engineer | $105,517 |
| Staff Dat... Level Staff Data Engineer | $128,430 |
| Database ... Level Staff Data Engineer | $147,475 |
| Database ... Level Staff Data Engineer | $172,059 |
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 Staff 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
|
$128,780 |
2%
|
|
Innovation
|
$128,780 |
2%
|
|
Products and Services
|
$128,780 |
2%
|
|
Software Engineering
|
$128,780 |
2%
|
|
Data Infrastructure
|
$128,780 |
2%
|
|
Data Quality
|
$127,518 |
1%
|
For Staff Data Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 75% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Construction sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Staff Data Engineer positions in Transportation or Software & Networking typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Staff Data Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $176,757 | $85.0 | 40% |
| Construction | $170,444 | $82.0 | 35% |
| MFG Nondurable | $164,132 | $79.0 | 30% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $157,819 | $76.0 | 25% |
| Media | $151,506 | $73.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Staff 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 July 01, 2026Salaries for a Staff Data Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $123,429 in 2023 to around $122,856 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Staff Data Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $123,429 |
| 2024 | $124,644 |
| 2025 | $122,856 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Staff Data Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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