Data Engineer vs Network 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.
Network Engineer
Design, implement, and manage computer network infrastructure.
Data Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $5,450/year (4%) higher than a Network Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Data Engineer vs Network Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Data Engineer | Network Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $202,499 | $195,491 | Data +$7,008 |
| New York, NY | $131,540 | $165,772 | Data $34,232 |
| Seattle, WA | $105,430 | $192,889 | Data $87,459 |
| Austin, TX | $153,836 | $149,704 | Data +$4,132 |
| Chicago, IL | $154,010 | $145,221 | Data +$8,789 |
| Boston, MA | $179,962 | $176,955 | Data +$3,007 |
| London, UK | £108,711 | £106,873 | Data +$1,838 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$181,115 | CA$177,211 | Data +$3,904 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Data Engineer or Network Engineer earn more?+
A Data Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Data Engineer is $139,500/year, compared to $134,050/year for a Network Engineer — a difference of $5,450 (4%).
Which has better career growth — Data Engineer or Network Engineer?+
Data Engineer roles are growing at 34% YoY while Network Engineer demand is growing at 6% YoY. Data Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Data Engineer to Network Engineer?+
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 Network Engineer?+
Data Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (42% vs 52%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.