What is the hourly rate of a Data Engineer?
|
Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
| 75th Percentile |
$129,866 |
$10,822 |
$2,497 |
$62 |
| Average |
$114,890 |
$9,574 |
$2,209 |
$55 |
| 25th Percentile |
$100,236 |
$8,353 |
$1,928 |
$48 |
Use our Salary Calculator to explore typical earnings for a Data Engineer, including an hourly rate of $55, weekly pay of $2,209, monthly pay of $9,574, and an annual salary of $114,890.
Based on Salary IQ data from real job postings, this tool helps you convert a salary between its hourly, weekly, biweekly, monthly, and annually.
What is the pay difference between an Entry Data Engineer and an Expert Data Engineer?
Experience and job level are key drivers of a Data Engineer's salary.
Entry Data Engineers earn around $110,078, while Intermediate Data Engineers make $110,515.
Senior Data Engineers see salaries rise to $116,007, and Expert Data Engineers can earn up to $122,713.
These numbers show a clear trend: as experience grows, so does earning potential. This reflects the IT industry's strong value placed on experience level.
| Levels |
Salary |
|
Entry Level Data Engineer
|
$110,078
|
|
Intermediate Level Data Engineer
|
$110,515
|
|
Senior Level Data Engineer
|
$116,007
|
|
Specialist Level Data Engineer
|
$122,266
|
|
Expert Level Data Engineer
|
$122,713
|
$110,078
0 yr
$110,515
< 2 yrs
$116,007
2-4 yrs
$122,266
5-8 yrs
$122,713
> 8 yrs
|
Entry Level
|
4%
|
|
Mid Level
|
4%
|
|
Senior Level
|
1%
|
|
Top Level
|
6%
|
|
Experienced
|
7%
|
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What state pays the most for Data Engineers?
From April 01, 2026, District of Columbia offers the highest Data Engineer
salaries in the United States,
ranging from $100,617 to $130,361 followed by California
at $100,236 - $129,866. While these states provide top pay for Data Engineer,
high living costs impact earnings. Rhode Island and Hawaii offer competitive salaries with lower expenses,
making them attractive options for the role.
| Rank |
State |
Average Salary |
|
1
|
District of Columbia
|
$115,327
|
|
2
|
California
|
$114,890
|
|
3
|
Massachusetts
|
$113,359
|
|
4
|
Washington
|
$112,942
|
|
5
|
New Jersey
|
$112,900
|
|
6
|
Alaska
|
$112,754
|
|
7
|
Connecticut
|
$111,317
|
|
8
|
New York
|
$110,734
|
|
9
|
Hawaii
|
$108,869
|
|
10
|
Rhode Island
|
$107,994
|
What is the salary trend for Data Engineer?
As we look ahead to 2025, the salary trend for Data Engineers in the US is projected to show a significant upward trajectory. The average salary is expected to reach around $130,000, with a median rate of approximately $125,000. This reflects a salary increase percentage of about 10% compared to 2024. Factors driving this growth include the increasing demand for data-driven decision-making and advancements in technology. As businesses prioritize data infrastructure, Data Engineers will continue to command competitive salaries in the evolving job market.
Which skills can increase the salary of a Data Engineer?
Data Engineers can significantly boost their earnings by acquiring in-demand skills. SQL leads with a 25% salary increase, followed by Cloud Platforms (22%) and Python (20%). The average salary for these skills is approximately $23,000, with SQL at $26,040, Python at $20,832, and Cloud Platforms at $22,915. Skills like ETL Processes and Apache Spark also contribute positively, enhancing the median salary. Mastering these skills not only increases salary potential but also positions Data Engineers as valuable assets in a data-driven landscape, driving demand and compensation upward.
Average Data Engineer Salary by Company Size
Company size significantly impacts the salary of a Data Engineer. In smaller companies (1-50 employees), salaries typically range from $80,000 to $110,000, with a median of around $95,000. In mid-sized firms (51-500 employees), salaries increase to a range of $90,000 to $130,000, with a median of $110,000. Larger companies (500+ employees) often offer salaries from $100,000 to $150,000, with a median of $125,000. Thus, as the number of employees grows, so does the potential salary for Data Engineers.
Top companies for Data Engineers include Google, Amazon, and Facebook. Google offers a salary range of $120,000 to $200,000, with a median salary of $150,000, due to its innovative projects and data-driven culture. Amazon's range is $110,000 to $180,000, with a median of $140,000, reflecting its vast data needs. Facebook pays between $115,000 and $190,000, with a median of $145,000, driven by its focus on user data analytics. These companies pay higher salaries to attract top talent in a competitive tech landscape.
Does education make a difference in salary for a Data Engineer?
Education plays a crucial role in determining Data Engineer salaries. Typically, higher educational levels, such as a Master's degree in Data Science or Computer Science, lead to higher average salaries. Specialized certifications, like Google Cloud certifications, can also enhance earning potential. Investing in education can significantly boost your career in data engineering.