Computer Vision 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.
Computer Vision Engineer
Build image and video recognition systems using deep learning.
Data Architect
Design enterprise data systems, lakes, and pipelines for scalability and governance.
Data Architect earns more on average — the national median is $30,385/year (25%) higher than a Computer Vision Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Computer Vision Engineer vs Data Architect — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Computer Vision Engineer | Data Architect | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $175,639 | $223,662 | Computer $48,023 |
| New York, NY | $135,980 | $176,070 | Computer $40,090 |
| Seattle, WA | $171,965 | $213,160 | Computer $41,195 |
| Austin, TX | $137,560 | $169,668 | Computer $32,108 |
| Chicago, IL | $126,140 | $163,518 | Computer $37,378 |
| Boston, MA | $155,915 | $192,776 | Computer $36,861 |
| London, UK | £95,414 | £114,371 | Computer $18,957 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$156,431 | CA$200,067 | Computer $43,636 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Computer Vision Engineer or Data Architect earn more?+
A Data Architect earns more on average. The national median salary for a Computer Vision Engineer is $120,230/year, compared to $150,615/year for a Data Architect — a difference of $30,385 (25%).
Which has better career growth — Computer Vision Engineer or Data Architect?+
Computer Vision Engineer roles are growing at 38% YoY while Data Architect demand is growing at 28% YoY. Computer Vision Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Computer Vision 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 — Computer Vision Engineer or Data Architect?+
Computer Vision Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (22% vs 28%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.