As of June 01, 2026, the average salary for a Data Engineer in Chicago, IL is $127,163 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $61.
However, a Data Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A 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, skills and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a 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 Data Engineer | $76,789 |
| Database ... Level Data Engineer | $103,759 |
| Data Engi... Level Data Engineer | $126,286 |
| Database ... Level Data Engineer | $145,011 |
| Database ... Level Data Engineer | $169,174 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 3.44% |
| Computer Science | 3.75% |
| Agile | 2.1% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Machine Learning
|
$129,706 |
2%
|
|
Innovation
|
$129,706 |
2%
|
|
Products and Services
|
$129,706 |
2%
|
|
Software Engineering
|
$129,706 |
2%
|
|
Data Infrastructure
|
$129,706 |
2%
|
|
Data Quality
|
$128,435 |
1%
|
Understanding how a 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 June 01, 2026Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Data Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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