The average salary for a Data Engineer in the US is $125,000 per year.
Data Engineers design, build, and maintain the systems that store and process large volumes of data. In the US, this role is in high demand across technology companies, financial institutions, healthcare organizations, and enterprise corporations. Salaries vary based on technical expertise, cloud experience, and system architecture responsibilities. Professionals who can build scalable, reliable data pipelines often earn higher compensation.
Salary Statistics: Data Engineer (US)
| Salary Type | Annual Pay (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $125,000 |
| Median Salary | $120,000 |
| Lowest Salary | $85,000 |
| Highest Salary | $190,000 |
Gender Pay Analysis in Data Engineer
Gender pay differences for Data Engineers in the US are influenced by technical specialization, years of experience, and company size.
| Gender | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Compared to National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Male | $129,000 | ▲ +3% |
| Female | $121,000 | ▼ −3% |
| Non-binary / Not Disclosed | $125,000 | ▲ +0% |
Pay gaps tend to reduce at senior levels where compensation is directly linked to system impact and architectural leadership.
Salary by Experience Level
Entry-Level
Entry-level Data Engineers in the US typically earn around $85,000 per year. These roles focus on assisting with pipeline development, maintaining databases, and supporting senior engineers. Most professionals at this level have 0–2 years of experience. Developing strong SQL and programming skills is essential for advancement.
Mid-Level
Mid-level Data Engineers usually earn between $110,000 and $150,000 per year. At this stage, professionals build scalable ETL pipelines, manage cloud data platforms, and ensure system reliability. This level commonly requires 3–6 years of experience. Expertise in distributed systems and automation tools drives salary growth.
Senior Level
Senior Data Engineers earn $165,000 or more per year, with top roles reaching $190,000 in large US organizations. These professionals design enterprise-level data architecture, optimize performance, and lead engineering teams. Compensation reflects responsibility for maintaining critical data infrastructure.
Certifications for Data Engineer
- AWS Certified Data Analytics
- Google Professional Data Engineer
- Microsoft Azure Data Engineer Associate
- Databricks Certified Data Engineer
- Snowflake Certification
Key Skills That Impact Salary
- SQL and database management
- Python or Scala programming
- ETL pipeline development
- Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)
- Big data tools (Spark, Hadoop)
- Data architecture design
Best-paying cities for Data Engineer in the US
| City | Avg Salary (USD) | Compared to National Salary ($125,000) |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $147,000 | ▲ +18% |
| New York, NY | $138,000 | ▲ +10% |
| Seattle, WA | $134,000 | ▲ +7% |
| Boston, MA | $129,000 | ▲ +3% |
| Austin, TX | $120,000 | ▼ −4% |
| Atlanta, GA | $114,000 | ▼ −9% |
| Dallas, TX | $112,000 | ▼ −10% |
| Remote (US) | $126,000 | ▲ +1% |
| Chicago, IL | $116,000 | ▼ −7% |
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Using Salary Data to Negotiate Better Offers
- Research before negotiating
Use location- and experience-based salary data to define a reasonable target range instead of relying on a single national average. - Show measurable impact
Employers pay more when candidates can demonstrate how their data systems improved performance, efficiency, or scalability. - Look beyond base salary
Compensation often includes bonuses, equity, learning budgets, remote flexibility, and time off, all of which can add meaningful value. - Keep multiple options open
Applying to multiple roles at once creates leverage and helps candidates avoid accepting the first offer below their expectations.
Future Outlook for Data Engineer Compensation
Demand for Data Engineers continues to rise as companies invest heavily in data infrastructure and cloud technology. Professionals skilled in distributed systems, automation, and scalable architecture are expected to remain highly compensated in the coming years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $120,000 a good salary for a Data Engineer?
Yes, $120,000 is competitive for mid-level roles depending on location and company size.
Can Data Engineers earn over $170,000?
Yes, senior Data Engineers and specialists in large technology companies can exceed $170,000 annually.
Do cloud certifications increase Data Engineer salary?
Yes, certifications from AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure significantly improve earning potential.
Are remote Data Engineer roles common?
Yes, many organizations offer remote and hybrid Data Engineering positions.
Which industries pay Data Engineers the most?
Technology, finance, and large enterprise organizations typically offer higher salaries.
How long does it take to become a senior Data Engineer?
It usually takes 6–10 years of experience in data engineering or software development roles.
Is Data Engineering a stable career in the US?
Yes, as businesses continue to rely on large-scale data systems, demand for Data Engineers remains strong and stable.
