As of March 01, 2026, the average annual salary for data engineer entry level in the US is $85,809, equivalent to $41 per hour, $1,650 weekly, or $7,151 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for data engineer entry level in cities like Santa Clara, San Jose, and Fremont.
Annually Salaries for data engineer entry level in the US vary widely, spanning from $73,160 to $97,142. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($79,188) and 75th percentile ($91,741), while top earners (90th percentile) make $97,142 per year. This $12,553 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Analysis or Carpentry, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.
Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, District of Columbia data engineer entry level often earn 10.7% above national averages due to demand from Fortune 31 companies and industry startups. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.
