As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Head Of Data Engineering in the United States is $266,500 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $128.
However, a Head Of Data Engineering's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Head Of Data Engineering'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 Head Of Data Engineering'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 |
|---|---|
| Master Da... Level Head Of Data Engineering | $141,048 |
| Master Da... Level Head Of Data Engineering | $176,850 |
| Data Mana... Level Head Of Data Engineering | $215,085 |
| Head Of D... Level Head Of Data Engineering | $267,932 |
| Chief Dat... Level Head Of Data Engineering | $333,218 |
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 Head Of Data Engineerings. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Initiative | 5.73% |
| Data Architecture | 3.18% |
| Data System | 1.91% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Agility
|
$317,135 |
19%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$290,485 |
9%
|
|
Data Cleansing
|
$287,820 |
8%
|
|
Data-Driven Decision-Making
|
$287,820 |
8%
|
|
Strategic Planning
|
$285,155 |
7%
|
|
Products and Services
|
$285,155 |
7%
|
For Head Of Data Engineering 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 Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Head Of Data Engineering positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Head Of Data Engineering as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $319,800 | $154.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Head Of Data Engineering'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 Head Of Data Engineering can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $228,387 in 2023 to around $229,058 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Head Of Data Engineering salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $228,387 |
| 2024 | $232,278 |
| 2025 | $229,058 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Head Of Data Engineering roles, with salaries approximately 20% 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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