Autonomous Systems Engineer vs Data Architect: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Autonomous Systems Engineer
Develop perception, planning, and control systems for autonomous vehicles and drones.
Data Architect
Design enterprise data systems, lakes, and pipelines for scalability and governance.
Autonomous Systems Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $4,071/year (3%) higher than a Data Architect. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Autonomous Systems Engineer vs Data Architect — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Autonomous Systems Engineer | Data Architect | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $227,579 | $223,662 | Autonomous +$3,917 |
| New York, NY | $135,300 | $176,070 | Autonomous $40,770 |
| Seattle, WA | $225,151 | $213,160 | Autonomous +$11,991 |
| Austin, TX | $173,358 | $169,668 | Autonomous +$3,690 |
| Chicago, IL | $166,278 | $163,518 | Autonomous +$2,760 |
| Boston, MA | $196,361 | $192,776 | Autonomous +$3,585 |
| London, UK | £122,075 | £114,371 | Autonomous +$7,704 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$202,448 | CA$200,067 | Autonomous +$2,381 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Autonomous Systems Engineer or Data Architect earn more?+
A Autonomous Systems Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Autonomous Systems Engineer is $154,686/year, compared to $150,615/year for a Data Architect — a difference of $4,071 (3%).
Which has better career growth — Autonomous Systems Engineer or Data Architect?+
Autonomous Systems Engineer roles are growing at 42% YoY while Data Architect demand is growing at 28% YoY. Autonomous Systems Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Autonomous Systems Engineer to Data Architect?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Autonomous Systems Engineer or Data Architect?+
Autonomous Systems Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (20% vs 28%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.