Data Engineer vs Program 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.
Program Manager
Coordinate multiple related projects to achieve strategic objectives.
Data Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $37,180/year (36%) higher than a Program Manager. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Data Engineer vs Program Manager — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Data Engineer | Program Manager | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $202,499 | $151,275 | Data +$51,224 |
| New York, NY | $131,540 | $124,570 | Data +$6,970 |
| Seattle, WA | $105,430 | $144,148 | Data $38,718 |
| Austin, TX | $153,836 | $113,017 | Data +$40,819 |
| Chicago, IL | $154,010 | $111,506 | Data +$42,504 |
| Boston, MA | $179,962 | $136,287 | Data +$43,675 |
| London, UK | £108,711 | £81,547 | Data +$27,164 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$181,115 | CA$139,548 | Data +$41,567 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Data Engineer or Program Manager earn more?+
A Data Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Data Engineer is $139,500/year, compared to $102,320/year for a Program Manager — a difference of $37,180 (36%).
Which has better career growth — Data Engineer or Program Manager?+
Data Engineer roles are growing at 34% YoY while Program Manager demand is growing at 15% YoY. Data Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Data Engineer to Program 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 Program Manager?+
Program Manager has a lower AI automation risk (36% vs 42%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.