Data Engineer vs Analytics 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.
Analytics Engineer
Build and maintain the data models and pipelines that power business intelligence.
Data Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $19,415/year (16%) higher than a Analytics Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Data Engineer vs Analytics Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Data Engineer | Analytics Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $202,499 | $171,525 | Data +$30,974 |
| New York, NY | $131,540 | $147,203 | Data $15,663 |
| Seattle, WA | $105,430 | $173,765 | Data $68,335 |
| Austin, TX | $153,836 | $131,230 | Data +$22,606 |
| Chicago, IL | $154,010 | $125,515 | Data +$28,495 |
| Boston, MA | $179,962 | $158,382 | Data +$21,580 |
| London, UK | £108,711 | £93,991 | Data +$14,720 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$181,115 | CA$163,067 | Data +$18,048 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Data Engineer or Analytics Engineer earn more?+
A Data Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Data Engineer is $139,500/year, compared to $120,085/year for a Analytics Engineer — a difference of $19,415 (16%).
Which has better career growth — Data Engineer or Analytics Engineer?+
Data Engineer roles are growing at 34% YoY while Analytics Engineer demand is growing at 38% YoY. Analytics Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Data Engineer to Analytics Engineer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Python, SQL, Snowflake.
Which is harder to automate — Data Engineer or Analytics Engineer?+
Analytics Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (35% vs 42%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.