Data Engineer vs AI Engineer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Data Engineer
Build and maintain data pipelines, warehouses, and ETL infrastructure.
AI Engineer
Build AI-powered products and integrate LLMs into applications.
Data Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $19,270/year (16%) higher than a AI Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Data Engineer vs AI Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Data Engineer | AI Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $202,499 | $173,327 | Data +$29,172 |
| New York, NY | $131,540 | $135,980 | Data $4,440 |
| Seattle, WA | $105,430 | $173,703 | Data $68,273 |
| Austin, TX | $153,836 | $137,883 | Data +$15,953 |
| Chicago, IL | $154,010 | $129,960 | Data +$24,050 |
| Boston, MA | $179,962 | $159,072 | Data +$20,890 |
| London, UK | £108,711 | £78,216 | Data +$30,495 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$181,115 | CA$134,265 | Data +$46,850 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Data Engineer or AI Engineer earn more?+
A Data Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Data Engineer is $139,500/year, compared to $120,230/year for a AI Engineer — a difference of $19,270 (16%).
Which has better career growth — Data Engineer or AI Engineer?+
Data Engineer roles are growing at 34% YoY while AI Engineer demand is growing at 55% YoY. AI Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Data Engineer to AI 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 — Data Engineer or AI Engineer?+
AI Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (18% vs 42%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.