Data Engineer vs Rust Developer: 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.
Rust Developer
Build systems-level software with memory safety using Rust.
Data Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $3,520/year (3%) higher than a Rust Developer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Data Engineer vs Rust Developer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Data Engineer | Rust Developer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $202,499 | $195,079 | Data +$7,420 |
| New York, NY | $131,540 | $166,830 | Data $35,290 |
| Seattle, WA | $105,430 | $191,304 | Data $85,874 |
| Austin, TX | $153,836 | $154,567 | Data $731 |
| Chicago, IL | $154,010 | $143,868 | Data +$10,142 |
| Boston, MA | $179,962 | $179,869 | Data +$93 |
| London, UK | £108,711 | £106,048 | Data +$2,663 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$181,115 | CA$177,835 | Data +$3,280 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Data Engineer or Rust Developer earn more?+
A Data Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Data Engineer is $139,500/year, compared to $135,980/year for a Rust Developer — a difference of $3,520 (3%).
Which has better career growth — Data Engineer or Rust Developer?+
Data Engineer roles are growing at 34% YoY while Rust Developer demand is growing at 32% YoY. Data Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Data Engineer to Rust Developer?+
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 Rust Developer?+
Rust Developer has a lower AI automation risk (40% vs 42%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.