Data Engineer vs Systems Administrator: 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.
Systems Administrator
Manage servers, operating systems, and IT infrastructure.
Data Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $40,370/year (41%) higher than a Systems Administrator. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Data Engineer vs Systems Administrator — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Data Engineer | Systems Administrator | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $202,499 | $146,173 | Data +$56,326 |
| New York, NY | $131,540 | $120,157 | Data +$11,383 |
| Seattle, WA | $105,430 | $143,912 | Data $38,482 |
| Austin, TX | $153,836 | $108,712 | Data +$45,124 |
| Chicago, IL | $154,010 | $104,809 | Data +$49,201 |
| Boston, MA | $179,962 | $127,175 | Data +$52,787 |
| London, UK | £108,711 | £76,827 | Data +$31,884 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$181,115 | CA$130,867 | Data +$50,248 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Data Engineer or Systems Administrator earn more?+
A Data Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Data Engineer is $139,500/year, compared to $99,130/year for a Systems Administrator — a difference of $40,370 (41%).
Which has better career growth — Data Engineer or Systems Administrator?+
Data Engineer roles are growing at 34% YoY while Systems Administrator demand is growing at 4% YoY. Data Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Data Engineer to Systems Administrator?+
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 Systems Administrator?+
Data Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (42% vs 64%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.