Data Engineer Salary in 2026
Data engineers build and maintain the infrastructure that allows data to flow from sources to analytics platforms. They design data pipelines, warehouses, and ETL processes at scale.
Median Salary
$136,000
$11,333/mo
Entry Level
$83,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$177,000
experienced
Job Growth
+35%
10-yr outlook
Data Engineer Overview
Data engineers build and maintain the infrastructure that allows data to flow from sources to analytics platforms. They design data pipelines, warehouses, and ETL processes at scale.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
2-4 years
Industry
Technology
Total Jobs (US)
150K
5-Year Growth
+26%
Category
Technology
Hourly Rate
$65.38/hr
Monthly Pay
$11,333
Data Engineer Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Data Engineer salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Data Engineer Salary
$145,000
$12,083/month · $5,577/biweekly · $69.71/hr
Data Engineer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Data Engineer field.
Entry-level Data Engineers earn around $83,000, while the top 10% earn $193,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Data Engineers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $160,000 | +$24,000 |
| New York | $156,000 | +$20,000 |
| Washington | $152,000 | +$16,000 |
| Massachusetts | $152,000 | +$16,000 |
| Texas | $133,000 | $-3,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Data Engineers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $170,000 | +$34,000 |
| New York | $160,000 | +$24,000 |
| Seattle | $155,000 | +$19,000 |
| Boston | $152,000 | +$16,000 |
| Austin | $140,000 | +$4,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Data Engineer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Data Engineer from entry level to expert.
$83,000
0-2 years
$130,000
3-7 years
$177,000
8-14 years
$209,000
15+ years
Related Technology Jobs
Data Engineer Salary FAQ
How much does a Data Engineer make in 2026?
The median salary for a Data Engineer in the United States is $136,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $83,000, while senior professionals earn up to $177,000. Top earners in the field can make $209,000 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Data Engineer?
A Data Engineer typically requires a Bachelor's Degree with 2-4 years of experience. Key skills include Python, Spark, SQL. Relevant certifications such as Google Cloud Data Engineer or AWS Data Analytics can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Data Engineers?
The job market for Data Engineers is projected to grow by 35% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 150K Data Engineer positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 26%, reflecting strong demand for this role.
Which states pay Data Engineers the most?
The highest-paying states for Data Engineers include California, New York, Washington. In California, the median salary is approximately $160,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Data Engineer salary?
To increase your Data Engineer salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Python and Spark. Pursue certifications such as Google Cloud Data Engineer. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like San Francisco. With 2-4 years of experience, you can progress from $83,000 to $177,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources — Data Engineer Salary
How we calculate Data Engineer salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $136,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Data Engineer in the Technology sector.
- Entry-level ($83,000) and senior-level ($177,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +35% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 150K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 26% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Technology sector wages.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $136,000.
Authoritative US data sources for Data Engineer compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) — national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Data Engineer job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections — 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index — quarterly compensation trend data for Technology
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) — regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary — 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Data Engineer salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Python, Spark, SQL), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
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