Backend Developer vs Data Engineer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Backend Developer
Build server-side APIs, databases, and business logic.
Data Engineer
Build and maintain data pipelines, warehouses, and ETL infrastructure.
Data Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $3,520/year (3%) higher than a Backend Developer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Backend Developer vs Data Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Backend Developer | Data Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $194,530 | $202,499 | Backend $7,969 |
| New York, NY | $167,456 | $131,540 | Backend +$35,916 |
| Seattle, WA | $193,111 | $105,430 | Backend +$87,681 |
| Austin, TX | $151,541 | $153,836 | Backend $2,295 |
| Chicago, IL | $146,538 | $154,010 | Backend $7,472 |
| Boston, MA | $173,670 | $179,962 | Backend $6,292 |
| London, UK | £73,942 | £108,711 | Backend $34,769 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$126,152 | CA$181,115 | Backend $54,963 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Backend Developer or Data Engineer earn more?+
A Data Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Backend Developer is $135,980/year, compared to $139,500/year for a Data Engineer — a difference of $3,520 (3%).
Which has better career growth — Backend Developer or Data Engineer?+
Backend Developer roles are growing at 22% YoY while Data Engineer demand is growing at 34% YoY. Data Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Backend Developer to Data Engineer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Python.
Which is harder to automate — Backend Developer or Data Engineer?+
Data Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (42% vs 45%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.