As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Big Data Engineer in the United States is $178,280 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $86.
However, a Lead Big Data Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Lead Big 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 Lead Big 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 |
|---|---|
| AI Engine... Level Lead Big Data Engineer | $122,882 |
| AI Engine... Level Lead Big Data Engineer | $159,627 |
| Lead Big ... Level Lead Big Data Engineer | $177,537 |
| AI Engine... Level Lead Big Data Engineer | $178,349 |
| AI Engine... Level Lead Big Data Engineer | $200,559 |
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 Lead Big Data Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 2.73% |
| Computer Science | 4.61% |
| Programming | 1.37% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Active Learning
|
$199,674 |
12%
|
|
Data-Driven Decision-Making
|
$197,891 |
11%
|
|
Products and Services
|
$194,325 |
9%
|
|
Team Building
|
$188,977 |
6%
|
|
Data Structure
|
$188,977 |
6%
|
|
Team Development
|
$187,194 |
5%
|
For Lead Big Data Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Lead Big Data Engineer positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lead Big Data Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $213,936 | $103.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $205,022 | $99.0 | 15% |
| Internet | $199,674 | $96.0 | 12% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $196,108 | $94.0 | 10% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $196,108 | $94.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Lead Big 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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Lead Big Data Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $173,605 in 2023 to around $173,608 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Lead Big Data Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $173,605 |
| 2024 | $175,394 |
| 2025 | $173,608 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Lead Big Data Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
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