Data Engineer vs IT Manager: 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.
IT Manager
Oversee IT department operations, staff, and technology strategy.
IT Manager earns more on average — the national median is $35,640/year (26%) higher than a Data Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Data Engineer vs IT Manager — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Data Engineer | IT Manager | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $202,499 | $260,907 | Data $58,408 |
| New York, NY | $131,540 | $206,737 | Data $75,197 |
| Seattle, WA | $105,430 | $253,469 | Data $148,039 |
| Austin, TX | $153,836 | $194,345 | Data $40,509 |
| Chicago, IL | $154,010 | $186,335 | Data $32,325 |
| Boston, MA | $179,962 | $234,529 | Data $54,567 |
| London, UK | £108,711 | £138,371 | Data $29,660 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$181,115 | CA$227,074 | Data $45,959 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Data Engineer or IT Manager earn more?+
A IT Manager earns more on average. The national median salary for a Data Engineer is $139,500/year, compared to $175,140/year for a IT Manager — a difference of $35,640 (26%).
Which has better career growth — Data Engineer or IT Manager?+
Data Engineer roles are growing at 34% YoY while IT Manager demand is growing at 10% YoY. Data Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Data Engineer to IT Manager?+
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 — Data Engineer or IT Manager?+
IT Manager has a lower AI automation risk (30% vs 42%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.