As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Data Pipeline Engineer in the United States is $139,918 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $67.
However, a Data Pipeline Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Data Pipeline 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Data Pipeline 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 |
|---|---|
| Reliabili... Level Data Pipeline Engineer | $94,206 |
| Reliabili... Level Data Pipeline Engineer | $113,596 |
| Data Pipe... Level Data Pipeline Engineer | $138,307 |
| Reliabili... Level Data Pipeline Engineer | $163,186 |
| Reliabili... Level Data Pipeline Engineer | $126,484 |
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 Pipeline Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 23.49% |
| Preventative Maintenance | 2.11% |
| Product Quality | 1.51% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Teamwork
|
$173,498 |
24%
|
|
Systems Engineering
|
$172,099 |
23%
|
|
Time Management
|
$162,305 |
16%
|
|
Python
|
$153,910 |
10%
|
|
Verbal Communication
|
$153,910 |
10%
|
|
Scheduling
|
$153,910 |
10%
|
For Data Pipeline Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 39% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Internet and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Data Pipeline Engineer positions in Transportation or Media typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Data Pipeline Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet | $167,902 | $81.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $165,103 | $79.0 | 18% |
| Financial Services | $160,906 | $77.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $156,708 | $75.0 | 12% |
| Construction | $153,910 | $74.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Data Pipeline Engineers enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Data Pipeline Engineer with a Associate's Degree is between $135,619 and $141,130).
Data Pipeline Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.8% |
| High School | 39.3% |
| Associates | 1.8% |
| Bachelors | 39.3% |
| Masters | 44.6% |
| Doctorate | 14.3% |
Understanding how a Data Pipeline 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 Pipeline Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $139,735 in 2023 to around $136,969 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Data Pipeline Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $139,735 |
| 2024 | $139,614 |
| 2025 | $136,969 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Internet industry offers the highest average compensation for Data Pipeline Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
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